We've long admired Rachelli Wein's modest fashion outfits and style over here at The Reflective and, in recent months, have been turning to her for all of our skincare advice. As a practicing Dermatology PA, Rachelli knows all of the latest best practices in skincare making her our go-to trusted source for the most effective products and routines to take on in replenishing and nourishing our skin.
Because fashion is cool and all, but taking care of our mind, body and health is most important especially in the cold winter months when all we want to do is snuggle in a warm blanket and hide from the cold.
Rachelli breaks down the most important dos and don'ts of good winter skincare and the 4 extra steps she recommends adding into our winter skincare routine to leave our skin hydrated, healthy and nourished during the cold winter months.
7 Winter Skincare Dos and Don'ts
Don’t take hot showers/wash your face with hot water. Do use luke warm water.
Do take ~15 minute shower to let the water absorb.
Do use body wash at the END of shower (rather than at the beginning).
Don’t use a drying body wash or face cleanser. Do use a sensitive body wash like Dove Sensitive Skin (what we recommend to all our patients!) and a gentle face cleanser like La Roche Posay hydrating cleanser or a cleansing balm like Elemis Cleansing Balm or Versed Cleansing Balm (for non acne prone skin)
Do pat dry or even better air dry. Don’t rub dry.
Do moisturize immediately after shower with an emollient.
Do get a humidifier for your room (this is by far the best one out there). In the winter, the air outside is very dry and the heat inside is very dry. A good humidifier is a must in my opinion.
4 Steps to Add to Your Winter Skincare Routine That Will Leave Your Skin Soft + Hydrated
If you're looking for more than just some dos and don'ts for winter skincare best practices, then you're in luck. Rachelli Wein breaks down 4 steps to add to your winter skincare regimen that will leave your skin feeling soft, nourished and hydrated:
Step 1: Exfoliate (but don't over exfoliate!)
You want to use a gentle chemical exfoliant to get rid of the dead skin cells so that your hydrating products can really penetrate the skin. This doesn’t need to be done daily if you’re sensitive; just a couple of times a week so as not to disrupt the skin barrier. Too much exfoliating will make you more red, raw, irritated, and possibly more dry.
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Step 2:Spray Hydrate
Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial in the cold, dry winter months. It's actually a great idea to hydrate your skin outside of your usual hot showers and moisturizing routine.
I recommend hydrating your skin throughout the day with thermal mists and sprays - you can really use any product as long as it contains water and glycerin. The glycerin helps the water stick to your face to act as the hydrant, so you can actually even make this mixture at home yourself if you're feeling creative.
P.S you can definitely spritz your face throughout the day even when you're wearing makeup.
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Step 3: Moisturize
We all probably know or have heard that moisturizing is an important step to incorporate into any year-round skin care routine. In the winter months, you'll want to double down and be diligent on moisturizing.
My biggest tip with moisturizing in the winter is to opt for a thicker moisturizer than what you would usually use in warmer months. Especially at night-lather it on!! It's okay to feel and look extra greasy with your moisturizer at night.
Another tip for anyone with really dry skin would be to use zinc oxide (like what's in diaper cream) - it can be very soothing and help fix the skin barrier.
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Step 4: Add a Humidifier
My last recommendation for the cold winter months would be to add a humidifier next to your bed for extra moisture and hydration when you sleep.
This humidifier is by far the best one out there.
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