I don’t know about the rest of the world, but here in mid-Michigan, we are experiencing a mid-winter freeze! It’s nothing, though, for this Minnesota native and skin care maven. I put together some tricks, tips, and quick fixes to get you through the winter, and to keep your eye on spring!

1. Always Exfoliate! Winter weather can dry skin out, and in the long run that causes quicker aging. To keep smoothes and moisturized in the coldest weather, it is important to exfoliate first and to keep using your toner. An exfoliation treatment once a week will most likely do the trick. Try Clinique' s Seven Day Scrub once a week, or for a gentler application, use a clay mask once a week like Origin’s Clear Improvement charcoal mask. A common misconception, is that toners can dry, causing many to skip that part of there skin regimen in the winter. Although toners that contain alcohol, or are for acne, or oily skin, can be drying- a gentle, alcohol free toner will do the trick. This will allow your next step- your moisturizer- to go on smoother, and get to the first layers of skin, by gently removing dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells. If your toner is too harsh, try Alba’s Hawaiian Toner with Pineapple extract.
2. Create a shield with a serum! They make serums for all kinds of skin types and needs- anti-aging, evening skin tone, balancing Ph levels, preventing damage, etc. Find a serum that fits your needs, any one will act as another barrier between your skin and the elements. It glides on after you tone, and before your moisturizer. For the winter, I recommend Lancôme’s new Absolue serum for dehydrated skin. In addition to adding moisture, it firms, lifts, and minimizes deep creases. Use at night and in the day for best results.
3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! This one is a little more obvious, especially if you are experiencing the intense drying and cracking. If you are you might want to stick with a moisturizer that has oil in it. For very serious conditions, use a treatment cream moisturizer, like Lancôme’s Nutrix Royal, or if you are on a budget, good ol' Vasaline. This is not for everyday applications, but use it for a few days until your skin is back to normal. Then follow with a rich daily moisturizer with antioxidants, vitamins, and SPF. Even in the winter, it is important to use a sunscreen. At night, repeat your ritual- wash and then tone, serum, capped with a night cream. It may seem like a lot, but your skin will thank you. Especially at night, when it is working extra hard to repair the damages of the day.
4. Give all your skin the same attention! In the shower stick to a liquid body wash, a bar soap can dry you out. Use a gel to shave your legs too, it will keep them smoother in the winter nights. Treat yourself like a baby by applying baby oil to your legs and arms also! Or, use a fancier version of soothing body oil like Aveda Blue Oil.

Well, there you have it! Winter skin care tips from the girl who has to dig her car out of a snow drift every morning to get to work…