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New Year’s resolutions are often difficult to keep up with when it’s time to put them into practice, no matter how motivated we are before January rolls around. The reason? They're not specific enough and we become overwhelmed when we don’t know where to start! This year, try something different and set yourself up for success by setting a routine instead of a goal—and what better way to usher in the new year than with a new beauty routine for winter?
For many of us, it doesn’t set in that winter has arrived until the snow starts to fall and temperatures drop. Our hair and skin, on the other hand, have more than likely already taken notice. Even worse, by the time we finally come around to changing our products and switching up our routine, much of the damage is already done.
Our skin serves as protection against outside stressors, and while it’s incredibly resilient, it has its work cut out in the winter months. Chapped lips, tight skin and rough patches are just a few of the telltale signs of winter. It’s also common for those with sensitive skin, dandruff, psoriasis and other conditions that result in dry, flaky skin to see more flare-ups when the temperature drops and we’re exposed to indoor heating systems that dry out the skin.
Winter doesn’t just wreak havoc on the skin, either—the health of our hair is impacted as well. Dry, brittle hair is also more common during the winter months when the temperatures change. Our hair often appears less shiny and the hair strands themselves may feel drier and coarser from the lack of moisture in the air, all of which easily lead to breakage, split ends and overall lackluster hair.
Achieving healthy hair and skin during the winter may seem like a huge endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be too complicated. In fact, it can be relaxing! By incorporating some changes into your beauty routine during the winter, you can give yourself an extra dose of self-care while working towards your hair and skincare goals. Below, we’ll break down a new winter routine and talk about which products will help you get the best out of your hair and skin for the year to come!
Use a Non-Drying Cleanser
The right cleanser sets the tone for the rest of your skincare routine, and in the winter, it's especially important to start your routine off right with a face wash that can cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. The key is to choose a mild cleanser with ingredients that are gentle yet effective enough to rinse away dirt, oil and makeup without leaving the skin too dry.
The Vitamin C Face Cleanser checks off all the marks for a wintertime face wash and is suitable for all skin types. Formulated with skin-brightening antioxidants Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid, this cleanser encourages cell turnover to reveal a brighter and more even-toned complexion without the use of acids or scrubs. Soothing Green Tea and Cucumber Extracts help calm and refresh the skin, making it a great choice for those who want a face wash that’s gentle enough to be used daily in both the mornings and evenings.
Sneak in Extra Hydration With a Toner
While toners aren’t necessary, they can make a great addition to your winter skincare routine for the extra dose of hydration they provide. Not all toners are the same, however, and while toners are water-based liquids, some can be quite drying depending on the ingredients. Combination, dry and sensitive skin types have to be careful when choosing a toner, especially in the winter. A good rule of thumb is to opt for one with hydrating ingredients that calm and soothe the skin.
We recommend our Hyaluronic Acid + Aloe Vera Toner after cleansing your face to hydrate the skin before moving on to the rest of your routine. The star ingredient of this toner is hyaluronic acid, a natural humectant produced by our own bodies that retains water wherever it’s applied, making it essential for hydration during the winter. Simply spray it over your face after cleansing and you’re done! You can also use it throughout the day for a refresher whenever your skin starts to feel dry and tight.
Target Skin Concerns With a Gentle Serum
Serums are where you can really make a difference with your skin. Infused with a higher concentration of ingredients to combat skin concerns, serums like those with Glycolic Acid and Retinol are popular choices for their ability to fight acne, reverse signs of aging and reduce hyperpigmentation. In the winter, however, the dryness and irritation that accompany these more potent serums can be even worse. This doesn’t mean you have to avoid them entirely, however. Simply reduce your usage to every other night or even one to two nights a week and apply a more gentle serum on the nights in between.
If your concern is anti-aging, our Collagen Serum is formulated with concentrated Plant Collagen to supplement the body’s natural production of its own collagen for skin that appears plumper and firmer. It’s packed full of other anti-aging ingredients, including Soy Extracts that target crepey skin and Algae Extract that’s been shown to inhibit the enzymes that break down collagen.
Can’t decide what skin concern you wish to target? Our Niacinamide Serum helps just about everything and promotes healthy skin overall! It’s formulated with 5% Niacinamide, the optimum concentration to help suppress hyperpigmentation, soothe irritation and inflammation and support firmer, more youthful skin. In addition, it’s safe for dry and sensitive skin types as it’s formulated with Hyaluronic Acid that hydrates while Zinc protects the skin.
Eye serums can make all the difference to those who are plagued with under-eye bags, puffiness and dark circles, and our Puffy Eye Serum is just the thing to keep your eyes looking youthful during the winter. Formulated with Plant Collagen, Peptides, Gotu Kola and Vitamin E, it helps firm the delicate skin around the eye area while hydrating and soothing tired eyes in need of a pick-me-up.
Protect the Skin With a Lotion or Cream
Whether it's for your face or body, a good lotion locks in hydration, moisturizes and helps protect your skin’s natural barrier. At Advanced Clinicals, we like to keep it simple. Our lotions are formulated to be used for the face as well as the body with easy-to-use pumps in larger sizes, so you don’t have to spend a fortune on multiple products. Some lotions are lighter than others, and depending on your skin type and skin concerns, you may prefer one over the other.
Our Collagen Lotion is the perfect everyday lotion for all skin types and makes a great body lotion. It’s formulated to restore and rejuvenate our skin as our body’s own collagen stores decline as we age. It’s also infused with antioxidants Green Tea and Chamomile that aid skin cells in protection against free radical damage caused by environmental stressors. For those with excessively dry or sensitive skin, our Aloe Vera Cream is a heavier lotion that deeply hydrates with Aloe Vera and Glycerin that soothe inflammation and irritation
Wind chapped fingers, rough cuticles and dry hands are an all too familiar reminder that winter is here. And, while all of our lotions make great moisturizers from head to toe, our Vitamin C Hand Cream is specifically formulated to rehydrate chapped hands and help protect them from further irritation. In addition to nourishing shea butter that moisturizes and protects the skin, it’s formulated with antioxidants Vitamin C and fruit extracts from Turmeric, Ginger, Apple, Sunflower and Rosemary that help brighten skin and protect against free radical damage.
Our feet aren’t exposed to the elements the way our hands are, but that doesn’t mean they go unscathed. Cracked heels and calluses are cumbersome no matter what season it is. Our Cracked Heel Cream softens the feet with Shea Butter and Avocado Oil that rejuvenates and restores dry skin. It’s also formulated with Lactic Acid that gently sloughs off the dead outer layer of skin contributing to rough spots for smoother feet with every use.
Seal It In With an Oil
Oils aren’t necessary, but for those who do like to use one in their routine, now is the time! Oils serve to soften and smooth the skin and lock everything in underneath, making them ideal to use at night when our skin does most of its regeneration. Different oils have different properties, which makes some oils better to use than others depending on your skin type and what you wish to target. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Much like serums, you can alternate oils on different days to get the best of both worlds.
Our winter pick for a facial oil is our Turmeric Oil that’s suitable for all skin types. Touted as a “miracle worker” Turmeric has been credited for alleviating just about every type of skin concern thanks to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. For the body, look no further than our Hemp Seed Body Oil that’s rich in Omega Fatty Acids and Antioxidants that instantly hydrate skin while fighting signs of aging. You can apply oil over bare skin or at the end of your skincare routine. In the winter, however, we recommend using a few drops mixed in with your lotion to give you a double dose of hydration!
Nourish and Protect Your Hair
They may look completely different, but your skin and your hair actually have quite a bit in common. Much like our skin, our hair requires hydration to stay healthy, and when it’s not sufficiently hydrated, concerns like itchy scalps, hair breakage and split ends can arise. The good news is you can make use of hair masks and leave-in-treatments to replenish hydration during the winter, and when used regularly in your hair care routine, they can help prevent your hair from becoming too dry in the first place.
For those with weak, brittle hair or hair that’s undergone one too many chemical services, our Keratin Hair Repair Mask strengthens weak strands with Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein that helps rebuild the essential nutrients for healthy, shiny hair. This nourishing hair mask can be used to deep condition and repair hair weekly, or as frequently as two to three times a week for extremely damaged hair. Pair it with our Keratin Leave-in-Treatment Spray that can be used after you’ve washed your hair to protect and smooth your hair throughout the day.
Even if your hair isn’t weak or damaged, you’re still susceptible to developing dry hair during the winter. You can get ahead of the game and protect your hair by using our Castor Oil Hair Mask that has Castor Oil, Biotin, and Coconut Oil that replenishes hydration and nutrients. It can be used weekly as a deep conditioning hair mask and is great for all hair types, including those with coarse, curly and kinky hair textures. For some everyday nourishment, apply our Vegan Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner to wet hair to strengthen your strands and condition your ends in between washes.
Get the Most Out of Your Hair and Skin This Winter
Hopefully this guide took the guesswork out of a new routine for healthy hair and skin this winter! Chances are you’re already incorporating some of the tips and products listed above—and if you aren’t, now’s the time to start! So long as you prioritize hydration and protection, you can bring out your best with a routine that’s winterproof from head to toe. Lastly, always be sure to apply sunscreen before going outside to prevent skin damage from UV exposure, even during the winter. After all, you don’t want to undo any of the work you’ve done taking care of your skin!
