Winter Beauty Edit: Skincare

Today is the first day of my Winter Beauty Edit and I'll be covering a topic that I think is the most important during the winter months. As the temperature drops and the wind picks up I've found that my skin has had a lot of trouble adjusting to the cooler weather. As my skin went through some transitions I found it harder to maintain as I was used to a skincare routine that focused on controlling oil rather than targeting dryness. After suffering from some really bad breakouts I decided to completely revamp my skincare routine. These are some products I've been using to really clear my skin and fight the winter weather.

To cleanse

You may have heard my rave review of the Pristine Oils Custom Cleanser and hands down this has been my holy grail skin care product to help my skin's crazy reaction to the change in weather. Check out my full review here.

Why is it good for winter?

As an oil, this cleanser is not only fantastic for really cleaning your face but is really moisturising and another way to inject the moisture that is drawn out of your skin from the cold, dry air.

To exfoliate

During the warmer months I would use a really intense face scrub to exfoliate and help balance out a lot of the oil on my face. As my skin became more dry I found that I still needed to exfoliate and remove some of the dry, flaky spots on my skin, but I didn't need something as deep. The Natio Detoxifying Face Scrub with Jojoba Beads is perfect for a gentle exfoliation.

Why is it good for winter?

This gentle scrub is perfect for a gentle exfoliation to remove dry skin and smooth out the skin without creating any irritation. As part of Natio's Acne range it also helps control breakouts. I use this scrub a couple of times a week.

To moisturise

My holy grail moisturiser is the Natio Antioxidant Face Moisturiser which I use as a night cream. Not only is it really moisturising but the antioxidants work so well to brighten and smooth the complexion. Another option for added moisture is the Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil. I love this rose hip oil because the smell isn't as intense as some other rose hip oils I've tried. Its really moisturising and is absorbed really quickly. Finally I've introduced the Benefit's It's Potent Eye Cream into my routine.

Why are they good for winter?

The cold, dry weather as well as not spending as much time outside in the sun can leave the skin looking sallow and thin. The Natio moisturiser really brings life back into the skin. I absolutely love using a face oil and in particular rose hip oil has helped so much in reducing the pigmentation from acne scarring. Again, another fantastic option for injecting moisture back into the skin. Adding an eye cream into my routine has been great to brighten under the eyes and add the the overall healthy look of my skin.

For the body

As I used to be a competitive swimmer and spent a lot of time in chlorine I know exactly how awful dry skin can be all over the body. While my skin doesn't get quite as scaly as it used to I definitely notice it becoming drying during the colder weather. I've been using the Dirty Works Buttery Salt Scrub as well as the Aveeno Stress Relief Lotion to moisturise.

Why is it good for winter?

The Dirty Works scrub is perfect as a deep exfoliation to remove all the dead skin from my body which just seem to build up so much more in the winter. I also love the Aveeno Lotion because in the colder months my skin gets a lot more irritated and this one is perfect for calming my skin and moisturising as well.

I hope you enjoyed this post and don't forget to check in tomorrow for another addition to my Winter Beauty Edit.

xx Catherine

Sick Day Saviours

The last week and a half have been quite stressful with loads of assignments and of course coming down with a cold in the middle of it all. When my skin gets chronically dry and lips are always cracked, these are the products that add little bit of comfort when I resemble something of a walking viral plague.

1. Bio Oil - the ultimate saviour - I think it should be a staple in everyone's skin care stash. A few years ago I struggled with really dry skin for about 2 weeks, having to apply moisturiser almost every few hours to stop my face from being in pain. The only thing that helped regain moisture into my skin was Bio Oil. Since then I reach for it in any time of need. I like putting it on my lips and around my nose as it keeps them moisturised for longer than vaseline or papaw and is more comfortable.
2. Lucas' PaPaw Ointment - I carry this around like a baby when I'm sick. When I don't want any lip balm that is scented or tinted this is exactly what I reach for. A cult product that you would probably find in most handbags.
3. Natio Antioxidant Face Moisturiser - I featured this product a few times and it was in my February favourites. It smells like green tea so even the thought of putting this on my face is soothing. I like using this in the evening to really refresh my skin overnight. This is a really affordable product too and I find all the skincare from Natio is fantastic.
4. Kosmea Rosehip Oil - Recently I've been putting a little bit of this on before I put on my moisturiser and I go to bed. It has really helped with added a little bit of extra moisture and I wake up feeling that my skin has really been replenished overnight. After struggling with a lot of breakouts earlier in the month, this has also helped with scarring and surprisingly, I have noticed a reduction in the size of my pores!

And finally, the best way to keep warm and relax when you're sick is to take a bath! I love having baths and bath ballistics or bubble bars from Lush just make having baths so much more fun. And it goes without saying, snuggle up in bed and watch as many episodes as you can of your favourite tv show! 

I hope you all had a fantastic Easter weekend and keep these tips in handy as we come into winter and the cold and flu season.

xx Catherine