Sharing my step-by-step winter bedtime skincare routine. During the cold months, my skin gets super dry so keep reading if this sounds like you!
We are officially into the throes of winter! After years of living in DC, I’m always skeptical when a big snowstorm is predicted to land here. I’ve seen a few too many “snow days” without a hint of a snowflake. But two snowstorms in one week is enough to convince this Buffalo native that winter is in full swing.
Winter isn’t always the easiest time for my skin. I have combination skin that tends to dry out really quickly, especially when the temperatures fluctuate dramatically. On top of all that, I walk outside to + from work. I swear, my commute feels like a wind tunnel most days. Needless to say, my skin has to deal with a lot during the colder months.
My nightly skincare routine during these months focuses on moisture, moisture, moisture. Plus, anti-aging (of course). Despite the heavy focus on moisture, this regimen does not make me break out. I’ll ease up during my shark week because I always get a few pimples during that time thanks to hormones.
My Winter Bedtime Skincare Routine:
Step 1: Face Wash
I have used Trader Joe’s Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil for more than a decade at this point. I’ve tried other cleansers but this is always the one I go back to. If you like an oily T zone like yours truly, I’d suggest giving this facial cleanser a whirl. I love how it leaves my skin feeling clean + oil-free but not tight like it’s been stripped. I wet my face and use one pump of this face wash.
Step 2: Toner
I started the switch to cleaner beauty a few years ago + Beautycounter’s Hydrating Essence from their anti-aging Countertime collection is an absolute favorite for me. It has a very spa-like scent to me that just feels very calming + puts me in a Zen mood. If scents aren’t your thing, don’t worry because it doesn’t linger.
The Hydrating Essence is wonderful because it’s a true workhorse. It provides vital nutrients to improve your skin’s moisture barrier—instantly boosting hydration and radiance. AND it preps your skin for the following steps in your routine, meaning your serum(s) will work even better!
I pour out about 5 drops into my palm + pat onto my face, neck, + decolletage.
Step 3: Serum(s)
Every other night, I apply Beautycounter’s Overnight Resurfacing Peel. This peel is gentle yet effective to reduce dullness + bring glow to your complexion. It also improves your skin’s texture without over-drying it! Warning: This isn’t the best smelling skincare product but the scent quickly dissipates. The Overnight Resurfacing Peel has made a difference in my skin, leaving it feeling smoother + helped minimize the pores on my nose + cheeks.
I apply 1 pump to my face + 1 pump to my neck + decolletage. Wait 3-5 minutes before moving onto the next step to let the peel fully absorb.
Steps 4+5: Moisturizer
Also from Beautycounter’s anti-aging line, the Supreme Cream lives up to its name. I apply this after the Overnight Resurfacing Peel so that both products are working their best to help reduce the appearance of fine lines + wrinkles. The Supreme Cream also has a luxurious feel to it that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself.
On night that I’m not using the peel, I apply Trader Joe’s Marula Oil as the final step on my face. I wrote a whole post about how much I love this skincare product that you can find for only $7 at your local TJ’s. YES. Only seven dollars. I love this oil makes my skin look dewy + well-moisturized when I wake up in the morning. Add this to your TJ’s list now.
Step 6: Lip Sleeping Mask
This is a new step for me this year. My Sephora VIB birthday gift this year was a sample of Laneige masks + I’m officially a convert to Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask. I’m still working through my sample size but once it’s done, I will definitely be getting the full size. It’s made a huge difference in fighting off the usual wintertime chapped lips.
