Winter is always a struggle when it comes to keeping my skin looking it's best. Between dry heat from heaters, the cold air outside, holiday treats, and just not drinking enough water because, well it's cold, I always battle dryness, redness and puffiness in the colder months. 

I've been both the girl who uses face wipes and calls it a day, and the girl with 20 products in her routine trying to find something that works for me, and I've finally found a happy medium that has my skin and looking and feeling all sorts of wonderful. Everyone's skin is different (I have combination skin, meaning I struggle with oil and dryness), so what works for me might not work for you, but I wanted to share my tried and true routine and the products I love to at least give you a place to start when it comes to clean skincare. All of the products I use are non-toxic and cruelty-free, and I try to opt for products with recycling programs, or that come in glass bottles or jars. 

Here's my current routine for keeping my face clean, clear and hydrate, plus some extra tips for combating dry skin this winter! 

AM Routine: 

1. Rinse my face with cold water only - over-washing your face will dry you out, AND it can make oily skin produce more oil to overcompensate for everything you strip away by over-washing. 

2. Ice Roll - This is my favorite way to wake up my face, reduce puffiness, and stimulate my lymphatic system. If I'm in a hurry, I'll skip this step, but it's like a mini at-home facial when you have the time for it. You can read all about the benefits of ice rolling here. 

3. Nash Jones Blemish Mud - this is my absolute favorite clean spot treatment, and it's locally made in Nashville! I get mine at OAK Nashville, but you can order on their website, or check out their site to see where else carries it. 

4. Skin & Co Truffle Therapy Toner - most toner's are really drying because they are alcohol based, and this one isn't, which makes it perfect for keeping your skin clear and also hydrated! I use a reusable facial round to apply this all over my face and neck.

5. Acure Seriously Soothing SPF Day Cream + Hydropeptide Firma-Bright Vitamin C Booster - I mix a few drops of this Vitamin C oil with my moisturizer (that also serves as a sunscreen!) and apply it to my whole face. This moisturizer is so creamy but light, and makes the perfect makeup primer too! This particular Vitamin C booster was gifted to me, and it's absolutely phenomenal at giving me that extra glow, but it's definitely pricey, so I may test out some cheaper alternatives when I run out of this bottle. 

PM Routine:

1. Wash my face with Little Seed Farm Charcoal Facial Soap + Croon Face Cloth - I can't begin to tell you how obsessed I am with my little Croon cloths. They're basically reusable makeup wipes, except they have more texture so they're able to really get into your pores. I soak mine, ring it out, and then rub a little bit of my soap bar on it before using it in circles on my face to cleanse and remove my makeup. 

2. Prima Night Magic Oil - This is my favorite part of my night time routine because it reminds me of going for a facial. The oil contain CBD and a whole bunch of nourishing oils, and it feels absolutely amazing to warm it up in your hands before applying it to your face and neck. 

3. Mad Hippie Triple C Night Cream - This night cream is in all-in-one for me, it has three forms of Vitamin C that are formulated to "revitalize sun damaged and aging skin." It also contains reishi, a powerful adaptogen that is packed with antioxidants & hydrating elements. It's super creamy and hydrating, but doesn't feel heavy or oily on your face. 

Once a Week or When Needed:

True Botanicals Moisture Mask - This is by far my favorite moisturizing mask I've tried. It's so nourishing, light and quick! I usually do this mask one morning a week. 

GOOPGLOW 15% Glycolic Overnight Glow Peel - I've been doing this peel once a week and my face feels like a babies when I wake up in the morning! It essentially "peels" off all the dead, dry layers to reveal fresh, hydrated skin.

Cel Protective Skin and Lip Moisturizer - This is my "I've skipped a few days of skincare and been in a lot of heated rooms and now everything burns it's so dry" rescue. It's really thick and oily, but when I put it on before bed, all of my dryness problems are solved by the time I wake up. 

Tips for Keeping Your Skin Hydrated and Glowing During the Colder Months:

1. Drink lots of water and / or herbal tea! I usually opt for herbal tea in the colder months because it's cozier than a cold glass of water, and there are so many different options with additional health benefits to choose from. 

2. Put your moisturizer on right after you get out of the shower to lock in the moisture! 

3. Exfoliate your skin! It's really a waste of your time trying to moisturize already dead skin cells, so scrub those bad boys off once a week.

4. As tempting as it is when it's freezing outside, don't boil yourself in the shower. It strips your natural oils and can cause redness and rashes. 

5. Use a facial lotion or oil based soap, as foaming cleansers can be incredibly drying! 

6. Keep a facial mist in your bag to spritz on when you're feeling dry throughout the day! This also helps smooth your makeup when your face is looking dry. My go-to is the Fresh Antioxidant Glow Water. 

7.  Run a humidifier next to your bed at night! This will help add some extra moisture to your skin while you sleep, and will help you breathe if your heat is running. 

I hope you learned something new, and love these products as much as I do! Get to glowing, loves. 

xx, Ana

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