November has finally arrived and I can hardly believe it! It seems like we’ve only just been reintroduced to fall activities and the lovely, crisp weather we associate with the last few months of the year. Wintery weather, however, is just around the corner and you may have already started to notice what many of us think of as the dreaded period in which you experience intense changes to the hair and skin you’ve worked so hard to maintain over the course of the year. Have no fear! Below I’ve shared some of my favorite routines and products for beating the winter woes of hair and skincare!
Exfoliating the face with the Clarisonic Mia 1 and Radiance Brush Head.
You’ve probably been told for a while now that exfoliation is the key to success when it comes to clear, healthy skin. Having the dry skin that I do, exfoliation is vital to my routine especially throughout the fall and winter months when my skin transitions into its driest period. The Clarisonic Mia 1 has been a favorite product of mine for a long while and is the perfect tool for exfoliating skin in a gentle and effective way that works for all skin types as there are multiple brush heads available. Pictured is the Radiance Brush Head for Skin Brightening which is my go-to for achieving radiant, glowing skin during the dullest time of year for skin! Of course, not everyone is interested in investing in a Clarisonic (Though I would strongly recommend it if you ever have some room to spend) but exfoliation should be a key part of your routine nonetheless.
Mario Badescu Vitamin C serum (Faces need vitamins too!)
Because I’m Hispanic, hyperpigmentation comes alongside my already dry skin. You’ve heard about vitamins, but what about serumides? During the winter months especially, I find that the Vitamin C serum from Mario Badescu helps to brighten my skin when dull or uneven, smooth my overall complexion, and protects my skin using key antioxidants, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and, of course, Vitamin C! I apply a few drops of the serum to my skin every other night or as needed on mornings where my skin is misbehaving. If a serum doesn’t interest you, make sure to keep up with your Vitamin C anyways, as it will help not only with your skin but with keeping your immune system in tip-top shape.
High Potency Biotin with Organic Coconut Oil to support healthy hair, skin, and Nails.
Vitamins, vitamins, vitamins! During the fall and winter months, hair, skin, and nails are at their most dry and brittle, so taking vitamins such as the B Vitamin Biotin can be of great benefit in terms of keeping you healthy. These high potency biotin softgels are made with organic coconut oil and are Non-GMO Verified & Vegan Certified. Another added bonus of biotin? An energy boost for your body to keep you from experiencing as many sluggish winter days.
Gentle, effective products for cleansing the face – La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser and Micellar Water for sensitive skin.
With all the hydration necessary to keep my face healthy, I find that cleansers such as the Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser from La Roche-Posay help to fight acne, especially during more hormonal times. They also help balance my skin with key ingredients such as self-exfoliating antioxidants and acids perfect for dry skin. This cleanser is gentle enough to use year-round but powerful enough to keep my skin in check no matter what the season. What’s even better? La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar line makes cleansers specially formulated for oily and sensitive skin as well! La Roche-Posay offers an extremely versatile line of products for people of all skin types, including unmedicated products such as their Micellar waters! I use their micellar water for sensitive skin to remove my makeup and to cleanse my face of excess dirt and oils, should I go makeup free. It truly works like a dream and it won’t leave a single trace of product or grime behind, nor will it leave a greasy residue on the face like similar micellar waters.
Hydrating the skin with Fresh’s Rose Face Mask.
Hydration is just as important as exfoliation in anyone’s skincare routine! One method that I use to keep my skin hydrated is by using a rose face mask by Fresh that I purchased at Sephora. The jam-like mask uses aloe, rose water, fermented rose petals, and vitamins to hydrate the skin and leave it radiant (anyone sensing a pattern?) I use this every other day as needed for dry spots on my face. It’s perfect to wear in the mornings while I do my hair or prepare breakfast and is also nice after a steamy shower when your pores are open and more susceptible to taking in hydrating properties. Not a fan of roses? No worries! Any hydrating face mask will add in a little extra moisture to your routine. Have oily skin? Remember that adding moisture to your routine is still super important! You might be a fan of masks such as Mask of Magnaminty or Brazened Honey by LUSH Cosmetics!
Mario Badescu – Bee Pollen Night Cream
Hopefully, by now you get the gist that I have dry skin. Once winter rolls around, I have to up my skin hydration game and to do so, I use the Mario Badescu Bee Pollen Night Cream. I’ve purchased it multiple times, and I am never disappointed. This rich balm-like night cream keeps my skin hydrated all night and into the next day. It has a pleasant, yet mild floral scent which I appreciate as obnoxiously scented products on the face are a strong no from me.
Locking in Moisture and Saying, “See Ya!” to Frizz with Living Proof Instant Restore/Repair Leave-In Conditioner
My hair has a tendency to get super frizzy as the weather gets drier and cooler. One of my favorite products to use in my winter hair routine is the Instant Restore/Repair Leave-In conditioner by Living Proof. I apply a couple of pumps to my hair straight after showering to protect my hair from split ends caused by dryness and to lock in some extra moisture before styling. It can be used on the daily without greasy buildup and is ideal for all hair types.
Exfoliating and hydrating the scalp with Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo and Conditioner.
You may be surprised to learn that exfoliation is important for your hair too! This shampoo and conditioner duo always leaves your hair soft and supple, while using ingredients such as tea tree oil and peppermint to naturally eliminate product buildup from the hair and to exfoliate and hydrate the scalp.
Volume, Shine, and Exfoliation with LUSH Big Shampoo.
Perhaps my favorite product for exfoliating the scalp during dry fall and winter months is the Big Shampoo by LUSH Cosmetics! Over half of the shampoo’s base is made with sea salt to volumize and remove buildup and dirt from hair without stripping natural oils from your strands. After using this shampoo, you’ll be addicted to the squeaky clean feel of your hair and love the soft, nourishing properties from its seaweed infusions, extra virgin coconut oil, and citrus juices.
Exfoliating the Body with Rub Rub Rub by LUSH Cosmetics
The key to keeping my body soft and glowing throughout the winter months is using the LUSH Cosmetics Rub Rub Rub shower scrub! The product is marketed as being halfway between a scrub and shower gel which makes for invigorating exfoliation and smooth, bubly hydration! The formula is made with fine sea salt, fresh lemon juice, and lemon oil to smoothen and brighten skin. It’s scented with light and lovely jasmine and orange flower which will pair beautifully with your favorite body lotion! I use this product on dry skin before showering and shaving (Kind of how like people dry brush their skin) and wash it away first thing to allow my newly exfoliated skin access to any hydrating body washes I might use if I’m feeling fancy on top of a good steam from the shower!
Voila! I hope you’ve enjoyed looking into some of my favorite products and routines to beat wintery weather and achieve the hair and skin of your dreams! Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to go grab some new products or try out and add a new element or two to your beauty routine. Remember to stay warm, exfoliate, moisturize, and to enjoy the season ahead!