4 Changes to Your Winter Skin Routine That'll Produce Big Results

I'm not going to sugar coat it — maintaining hydrated skin in the winter months is an absolute task. Nearly everyone is suffering in some way — chapped lips, flaking skin, a lackluster complexion, the list goes on. While it's important to be diligent about your routine, it's as equally important to be using the appropriate products. Here's a few swaps that'll help get skin back on track: 

Cleansers: Unless you're incredibly oily, a switch to cleansing milks, creams and balms this time of year can greatly benefit your skin. They're filled with nourishing ingredients that soothe and hydrate, while literally melting the makeup off of your face.

Exfoliation: I can't stress enough how crucial this step is to maintain through the winter months. Whether you're a physical or chemical exfoliation type gal — just keep up the process. Those dead, dry skin cells MUST be sloughed off and removed. Otherwise, you're creating a barrier (made up of dead, dry skin cells) that will make it nearly impossible for your products to penetrate through.

Serums: Hylauronic Acid may sound harsh, but I assure you it is anything but. The moisture-binding ingredient (that can hold up to 1,000x it's weight in water) plumps skin right up and is a major skincare staple this time of year. Apply day or night (I do both), after your other serums, before moisturizer or oils.

Oils: Think of oils as a sealant; locking moisture into the face. Therefore, it'll be one of the last things you layer on in your routine. If you're incredibly dry/dehydrated, it may also be wise to pump a few drops and mix in with your moisturizer as well (I do this on the daily, my skin drinks it right up!).  Whatever you select, make sure that you choose something with a small molecular size. They'll settle into skin faster and not clog the pores (as opposed to something with a larger molecular size like coconut oil).