✨ YOUR SOFTEST WINTER SKIN EVER ✨

I am the queen of dry skin; it doesn’t even have to be winter. I can be in a tropical climate with 100% humidity and I still need moisturizer twice a day. So, I have tricks, on tricks, on tricks up my sleeve on how to keep that beautiful face of yours oh so buttery soft, even while the winds whip around the corner and suck the life from your pores.

STAY SUPER HYDRATED

I’m not going to preach too much about this but the number one way to beat the dryness is to prevent it. That means drinking a lot of water, like all the water. Drink it like it gives you super powers, because it does.

ALL HAIL COCONUT OIL

Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to pretty much everything, most importantly to your coffee. The coffee already dries you out, but the oil will help combat it and seep into your skin from the inside out. I also use it in salad dressings and as a substitute when cooking anything in a pan. It really will be your best friend. I slather myself in it every night like I am basting a turkey. And depending on how sensitive your skin is, I use it on my face as well when things get scary.

TAILOR YOUR DIET

Increase your consumption of foods that will help up your moisture level from the inside. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish like trout, salmon, and tuna). Or snack on nuts that are full of vitamin E. Other things to add to your menu: sweet potato, avocado, oysters, cucumbers…. And it doesn’t hurt that they’re all seriously delish.

CHANGE UP YOUR MOISTURIZER

You can’t expect to use the same products year-round. This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. For the best results, go to a dermatologist who can help tailor your routine to the season. Also, it’s important to apply moisturizer when your skin is still slightly damp from washing as it will help hold in the moisture. Wait until it has properly seeped into your skin before adding makeup.

MASK IT UP

At least once a week, stay in for the evening and do a face mask. My personal fave (and I swear they aren’t paying me) is Boots No. 7 Skin Hydration Mask. Your face needs it like no other right now and the consistency of such an effort will pay off.

HYDRATING MAKE-UP

Get yourself a foundation that hydrates. Really by the time you’re getting to make-up a lot of the work should be done. Unfortunately though, most make-up will dry out your skin and undo all your hard work! I use Smashbox Hydrating Foundation. It has a medium coverage, hydrates, and doesn’t feel like I’m wearing a mask.

EXFOLIATE

This is like changing the oil in your car, it keeps everything running. Without sloughing off those dead skin cells it’s impossible for all your other efforts to work.

IF ALL ELSE FAILS…

…Add an oil beneath or into your moisturizer. Personally, I love Boots No. 7 Youthful Replenishing Oil. It saves my face every year. I use it in the evening alone or beneath my night moisturizer, and in the morning I mix a drop into my moisturizer as well.

If even these tips don’t help, you can always just hide in a tub of lotion until spring, right?

(Feature image via @glossier)