This post has been sponsored by Physicians Formula. All opinions are my own.
Winter is just around the corner, and while I’m very much looking forward to spending time with family during the holidays, sipping hot PSLs until spring, and enjoying the fall leaves and scenery (which is about as good as it’s going to get here in Cali), there is one thing that I’m not looking forward to, and that’s battling dry skin.
Dry skin had never really been an issue for me, until I hit the age of 24. Maybe my skin was maturing and going through a new ‘phase’. Or maybe it had something to do with my new found love for drinking iced coffees almost everyday at work (yes, even in the winter!). Either way, I tried everything under the sun to prevent my skin from drying out. Eventually, I discovered the cbd lotion and two essential steps that made the biggest difference in my complexion.
Two Winter Skincare Essentials
The first essentials are gentle cream cleansers and balms. Unlike harsher foaming cleansers, creams and balms don’t strip the skin. Instead, they help preserve skin’s natural moisture levels, which is especially crucial in the dry winter months. The second category? Hydrating serums. As opposed to daily moisturizers, lotions, and creams, serums are made up of smaller molecules that penetrate deep down into the skin for longer-lasting moisture.
Both products are easy to incorporate into any skincare routine if you too suffer from dry skin. Serums, for example, tend to be lightweight, easy to spread, and fast-absorbing. They also work great on their own, or applied just before your regular moisturizer. And when it comes to cleansing, simply swap out your current cleanser with a cream one come winter. Or, if have acne-prone skin, try switching to a cream cleanser in the morning, then reach for a more intensive, clarifying one in the evening (followed by a rich night cream or hydrating overnight mask, to counteract the harsher ingredients).
There are also a vast array of options available, from super high-end luxury formulas, to more affordable (and sometimes equally effective) concoctions. If you’re not sure where to begin, look no further than Physicians Formula’s new vitamin and superfood-packed skincare line-up. It consists of three targeted serums (aka their Skin Booster Vitamin Shots) and an ultra-gentle cleansing duo, which includes their Coconut Milk Eye Makeup Remover and Matcha Melting Cleansing Balm. I’ve been using all five for the past week and let me tell you, they are little treats for the skin! The formulas are soothing, hydrating, and super-effective yet gentle (even on sensitive skin). Best of all, they’re budget-friendly!
Physicians Formula’s Coconut Milk Eye Makeup Remover
The eye area tends to be one of the driest parts of the face (and is often the first to show it too, through wrinkles and fine lines), hence why a hydrating eye makeup remover that won’t strip or irritate skin is a must. This is where Physician Formula’s Coconut Milk Eye Makeup Remover comes in. It has a lightweight, ultra-gentle creamy consistency that melts away stubborn waterproof eyeliner and mascara in literally seconds, without causing irritation. It also blankets the skin in moisture and leaves the entire eye area feeling smooth and soft, but never oily. You can apply it directly to the eye area and massage in using gentle circular motions, or use with a cotton ball, cotton round, Q-tip, or tissue for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
Physicians Formula’s Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing Balm
For gentle cleansing, Physician’s Formula Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing Balm is heavenly. Just as the name implies, the naturally-colored, cool green balm melts into the skin on contact and instantly starts dissolving makeup. But where does the 3-in-1 come in? On top of acting as a makeup remover, the balm also works deep down to remove impurities and clear pores, plus it helps replenish moisture and nourish skin with antioxidant-rich natural matcha green tea, bamboo shoot, and lotus extracts. The best part? Unlike other balm cleansers I’ve tried, it rinses away completely with just a few quick splashes and doesn’t leave behind a layer of greasy-feeling residue.
The Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing Balm is so effective at removing grime that it even works on more stubborn eye makeup, so you can knock out both at the same time (though, I personally prefer to use the Coconut Milk Remover for mascara/liner, as it’s a bit gentler and more soothing). Have sensitive or dry eyes? Don’t don’t worry, the formula won’t cause irritation, and according it PF’s website, it’s safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. I personally struggle with dry eyes (partly thanks to LASIK) and have had no issues with dryness or stinging after using this.
To apply, use the tiny spatula that’s included to scoop out a small amount, then smooth onto your face (you can use on dry or damp skin). Then, using your fingers, massage the balm into your skin, moving in gentle upward and outward circular motions. To remove eye makeup, put a little bit of formula on your fingers first, they gently sweep over closed eyes. Move in a downward and outward motion to avoid pulling your skin too much (as the formula is a tad thick to start out). To remove the balm off, simply rinse with water or gently wipe off with a damp washcloth.
Physicians Formula’s Skin Booster Vitamin Shots
For lasting hydration as the day goes on, Physicians Formula’s new serums, aka their Skin Booster Vitamin Shots, are the perfectly little concoctions to slip into your winter skincare routine. Each serum is formulated to hydrate and feed skin with a healthy dose of vitamins for that extra glow-inducing boost. Their are currently three unique variations that target different skin concerns, including dryness, dullness, and uneven skin tone. What’s great is that you can pick up one and use it on its own, or grab two or three and mix them together to create a customized serum that tackles your skin’s unique needs. Here’s the rundown on all three:
- Hydrating Boost: Combats dryness and dehydration using Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, and Soothing Aloe Vera.
- Brightening Boost: Target uneven skin tone and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots using brightening Vitamin C, Licorice, Vitamin B3.
- Time-Restoring Boost: Helps to reduce signs of aging including dullness, wrinkles and loss of elasticity using Vitamin A, Firming Red Algae and Vegan Collagen.
For wintertime, I highly recommend grabbing the Hydrating formula, for obvious reasons. Though the other two feel just as skin-quenching, the Hydrating formula features hyaluronic acid, a high-performing humectant that helps to boost hydration for all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated skin. I’ve been using the Hydrating Boost + Time-Restoring Boost together (in equal parts) and I am loving the instant moisture surge they provide. They also spread easily, absorb quickly, and layer well under my daily moisturizer, so they’re essentially no-fuss!
All the formulas above from Physicians Formula are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, so they’re great for those with sensitive skin. They’re also vegan and cruelty free!
Available at Physicians Formula
Do you suffer from dry skin in the winter? What are some of your favorite products (or methods) to combat dryness?
