Winter can be very harsh for your skin. Cold, wind and even snow can affect our skin and make it more sensitive and damaged. You can feel your skin being tight, itchy and flaky. Even if your skin is always in a good state, in the winter it can act up. This can especially happen if you live in warmer climates and travel to colder places. You should find a skincare routine that adds hydration and that balances your skin out. What’s even better is that there is vegan skincare, which is even better for you. Read on to find out about vegan winter skin routines.
Make-up Remover
Removing your make-up before going to bed is the most important part of your skin-care routine. If you do not remove makeup you are leaving your skin to premature aging, bacteria, and clogged pores. The best make-up removers are oil-based because most make-up is made with oils. One of the best oils for removing make-up and nourishing your skin is coconut and argan oil. Coconut oil feeds your skin and argan oil moisturizes and smooths fine lines. To use an oil to remove make-up you should splash your face with mild water first. Then, water a reusable face pad and put a little bit of oil on it. Place the pad on your eyes and hold it for some time and wipe. By holding the pad you let the oil break down the make-up and make it easily removable. Continue until your face is make-up-free.
Cleansers
After using an oil to remove make-up, your skin can feel oily. The next part is using a cleanser to remove any excess make-up and oil. The cleanser is used similarly to oils. You should take a small amount, rub it in and remove with a damp cloth or wash your face with mild water. The cleanser should leave your skin nice and clean, without making it dry and stripped of moisture. A good type of cleanser for colder months is a milk cleanser. It’s not harsh as a foam or gel cleanser and leaves your skin soft and hydrated. A good cleanser that moisturizes your skin is the PURE Coconut Oild Moisturize Cleansing Milk.
Exfoliators
If your skin has excessive build-up or feels very dry and flaky, maybe it’s time for an exfoliator. If you remove the dead skin cells with an exfoliator, your skin will be able to breathe and be soft again. Physical exfoliators with small beads are not good for the environment, so opt for using a chemical one. If you want to use a home-made exfoliator, it’s even better for your skin. You can make an exfoliator by mixing one tablespoon of oatmeal with three tablespoons of warm water. Stir until the oats are soft and massage it on your face. After this wash it off with cold water. Another ingredient you can use is sugar. Mix it with olive or coconut oil and then wash off after use. It’s a great natural exfoliator that is very gentle on your skin.
Toners
Having a toner in your skincare routine is not mandatory, but it can provide some benefits to your skin. Toner water has simple formulas, usually designed for hydrating your skin after cleaning it and before applying any creams or oils. If you have problems with oily skin, a toner with Tea Tree extract will be great for your skin. It has natural antibacterial properties. Be careful that the toner you are using doesn’t have alcohol in it. It can dry your skin and make it even more sensitive, especially in the harsh weather. Toner with Rosehip is good for very dry skin types.
Face oils
Face oils are similar to body oils. They are not heavy like face creams, but they provide a lot of nutrients and make your skin super soft. You can use oils and serums by themselves and they will give you the necessary hydration. You can also mix them into your moisturizes or add a drop to your foundation for added moisture and glow. The key ingredients you should look for in an oil are: jojoba oil – it hydrates, nourishes and reduces fine lines; hemp seed oil – it softens and moisturizes skin; argan oil – moisturizes and preserves skin, also great for hair; rosehip oil – hydrates, protects and evens out skin tone; avocado oil – reduces appearance of aging, nourishes, heals and hydrates skin; olive oil – makes skin soft, smooth and nourished
Face creams and eye creams
Creams are more moisturizing than lotions, and they are better for harsh winter weather. The ingredients and consistency in creams are made to trap moisture inside the skin. For the cream to be winter-proof, the first ingredient should not be water, as it is absorbed very quickly. Find a cream that has the ingredient Urea in it to treat dry, cracked skin and make skin full of moisture. Having essential oils in your creams is also a benefit for your skin during winter. Besides the day cream, you should include a night cream into your routine, especially if you have really dry skin. Night creams are usually heavier because it is the perfect time to nourish your skin. The skin on your eyes is really thin, so it needs a bit extra care during winter. If you are having especially dry skin, add an eye cream to your routine.
Body Skin-care
The skin on your body also needs some care during winter. Use an exfoliator after showering to remove dead skin and then moisturize with a body cream. A part of the body that is often exposed is the hands. Gloves are good, but sometimes hands need a bit of help. Besides the exfoliators, quality hand care products are necessary. Use them as often as you need to, especially if your hands are in the cold often. Before bed, you should apply a generous amount of hand cream or emulsion and leave it to restore the skin while you sleep. Another part of the body that needs extra help is our feet. Wearing boots can be harsh on the soles, so exfoliate and remove dead skin once a week. Apply moisturizer after.
Face Masks
If your skin needs additional TLC, use a mask to give it some nutrition. Overnight masks are amazing if you don’t have the time during the day. If you are using exfoliating acids in your skincare routine, using a mask is very important to balance the skin. There are moisturizing masks, nourishing ones and even for removing fine lines. Do a face mask once a week for the best results. You will wake up with glowing, radiating skin that feels very plump and soft. Make sure your mask has hyaluronate. This is one of the most effective hydrating ingredients.
Besides all the ingredients and products you can use, nothing is good if you don’t drink water. Water helps us moisturize from within, and is the key to having nice skin in the winter and summer. Try out different products and ingredients until you find the ones that work for your skin type. Be consistent and your skin will feel amazing.
