I’ve never been one to swap out skin care products, based on seasonality. In fact, up until a few months ago, I’d say that my skin care practice was basic AF. I kept things very simple: a moisturizing face cleanser, a Vitamin C serum, and moisturizer with SPF. It wasn’t bad but I was ready to step things up after turning 37 in October.
When deciding how to evolve my routine, I vowed not to overwhelm myself with tons of new products. If there are too many steps and products, I won’t keep up with it. And, the goal here was to elevate my routine without doing the most.
Ultimately, I picked three new products to help me tackle dry skin and some dark spots. I’ve noted below how long I’ve been using each product (as of December 31st) and how it fits into my current winter skin care routine.
Scratch Goods Heavy Face Oil
I love Scratch Goods for their amazing face masks and, of course, the mask bar activity. One of the key steps in the cleansing routine is the application of a face oil after taking off the mask. I’d always pick the heavy face oil and my skin would drink up every droplet. Given that winter air + heat in our house are really drying out my skin, I figured that this would be my go-to oil after cleaning my face. The oil blend also includes zinc oxide so I also use it as my daytime SPF moisturizer since I don’t really leave the house most days.
How I use it: After I clean my face in the morning, I spray my skin with the Scratch Goods Jasmine Rose skin drink, layer on a Vitamin C serum, and then seal the deal with this face oil.
How long I’ve been using it: One month, daily use.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
I’ve been hearing about various Drunk Elephant products for the better part of this year, but never pulled the trigger on a purchase. But, since I was evaluating new products, I decided to do more research into the Babyfacial. From the website, it is a “AHA/BHA ‘facial’ that resurfaces to reveal greater clarity, improved skin texture and tone, and a more youthful-looking radiance.” I didn’t have any type of exfoliation products on my roster, so it made sense to try, especially since I wanted to tackle some dark spots.
How I use it: On Sunday evening, I apply Babyfacial after I’ve cleaned my face. It has to sit on your face for 20 minutes, and those first few minutes sting! But, I’m hopeful that subsides as my skin gets used to this product. After I rinse the product off, I apply Drunk Elephant’s Virgin Marula Luxury Oil. It was included as part of the gift set that contained the Babyfacial product.
How long I’ve been using it: Two weeks, every Sunday.
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 MAX Night Face Moisturizer
I have the wonderful Danielle Gray a.k.a. The Style and Beauty Doctor to thank for this new addition. She is always dropping the science and details on skincare products and tips for Black skin! I read a blog post where she talked about the importance of adding retinol into your skin care routine. Benefits of retinol include: smoothing out wrinkles, evening out skin tone, and reduce signs of aging. Sign me up! I chose to purchase the night moisturizer because I figured the rich formula would be a great counter to the nighttime heat that I have to deal with.
How I use it: After I clean my face in the evening, I apply a serum to lift and luminate my skin, and then follow it up with the Regenerist Retinol 24 MAX. It’s thick, but not oily, so I don’t need to apply a lot.
How long I’ve been using it: Three weeks, daily use.
I know that it takes some time to notice big changes, but I’ve seen smaller improvement in my skin so far. The dry spots on my cheeks aren’t as bad as they were at the beginning of November. After each Babyfacial use, my skin does feel really soft and it has a glow. I’m hopeful that radiance is here to stay.
How are you managing dry, winter skin? Do you swap in/out products into your winter skin care routine?
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