The only winter skin care tip you need

Frigid dry air outside, dry heated air inside, both do a number on your skin's hydration level.

There are many skin care tips that will help, but there is one in my experience that gives you the quickest result.

You already use this technique in preparing to go outside.  You layer your clothing to keep warm.  The same technique is helpful to protect the hydration levels of your skin.

You can layer hydrating, nourishing skin care products to hold in moisture and protect your skin from moisture loss this winter.  You can use this tip anytime you're feeling too dry.

How to layer skin care products

Step 1:  Start with freshly cleansed skin.  Do not remove all the water from the skin.  There should be a layer of dampness coating your skin.  If your skin is too wet, it won't work - the layers will be too diluted.  If your skin does not have enough water still left on it, there will be no moisture to hold in.

Step 2: Apply a non-alcohol toner.  Read your labels.  Even things that say they don't have alcohol usually do.  Spraying toner is ok, but spraying into your hands and massaging into your skin is much better, because you can make it an even layer and cover all parts thoroughly.  

Step 3: If you're usually dry all year, apply an essence or aqua over the toner while it is still moist.  Essences and aquas are more viscous liquids with a higher concentration of nutrients.  You can pat it on like they do in Korean beauty protocols, but I prefer to massage it in. 

Step 4:  Use a serum or ampoule.  These are corrective in nature and add nutrients to address your particular skin care concerns.  Choose one that is appropriate for your needs, whether it's acne, rosacea, hyper-pigmentation or signs of aging.

Step 5:  Apply a moisturizer.  This may be your night time moisturizer as long as it does not have acids or retinoids.  If you choose your regular moisturizer, then you'll need an spf over it for day time. The spf can be in some moisturizers, or makeup, or a convenient-to-take-with-you mineral powder.

Step 6:  If your skin is super dry, then add an oil layer. The oil can be its own separate layer or a drop can be be mixed with your dispensed moisturizer.   Just ensure that it all goes under the spf for day.  

It may seem a little involved, but it really takes a minute or two once you have your items lined up.  The layers have made all the difference for my chronically dry clients.

Bonus:  skin conditions like acne, rosacea and hyper-pigmentation heal best when your skin is properly hydrated for extended periods of time.

Shop my site to choose your layers, or get in touch if you need a little help choosing between items.

Joanna Tringali

Holistic Esthetician and Facial Massage Therapist