It’s that time of year again! The furnace fires up, the Pumpkin Spice Lattes roll out, and your skin starts begging you for some extra moisture to combat the cold, sharp air outside. Summer is in the rear-view mirror, and it’s time to switch out your lightweight oil free skincare routine, and replace it with products that will lock the moisture in before the cold weather takes it from you.
Step 1.
Cleanser:
Cleansing is an essential first step to your skin care routine. Cleansing your skin washes away all the dirt, oils and makeup from your face and clears out your pores to ensure that the rest of your products can properly absorb into your skin. Regardless of your skin type, you will want to opt for a cleanser with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides to combat the moisture sucking Calgary air.
For normal to dry skin:
Shoppers Drug Mart- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser- $17.99
For combination to oily skin:
Shoppers Drug Mart- CeraVe Salicylic Lotion Cleanser- $18.49
Step 2.
Toner-
After cleansing, it is important to prep your skin with a toner. A toner helps restore your skins water barrier by moisturizing, providing a smooth surface for product application. Opting for a toner with AHA, PHA or BHA’s will add a gentle exfoliation to your routine, which will aide in unclogging pores and increasing cell turnover. A toner with hydrating and exfoliating ingredients will fully prepare your skin to absorb all the ingredients it needs for the rest of your routine.
Sephora Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Toner- $45
Step 3-
Serums:
Serums are a great way to give your skin an extra boost of what it really needs. These products are highly concentrated nutrients that give your skin an instant boost. You can use any number of serums in your routine to target any specific issues your skin may have. During the colder months, serums can be used to add an extra layer of moisture to your face, and restore flaky, irritated or sensitive skin that has been triggered by the cold, dry air.
L’Occtaine Immortal Precious Serum- $$85
Rocky Mountain Soap Calming Face Serum- $36
Step 4-
Moisturizer:
By now you understand the importance of moisturizing and keeping your skin as healthy and hydrated as possible. Moisturizer is always applied last in your routine as it will be the thickest product applied. Toners and serums are typically very viscous, so they need to be applied before a moisturizer in order to for the skin to fully absorb the ingredients. Applying moisturizer last will also help lock in the products to ensure you will get the most out of your routine.
Holt Renfrew Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream- $68
Step 5-
SPF:
So we know that moisturizer is the final step to your skincare routine, however, if your moisturizer does not include SPF, it is extremely important to add this to the end. Even when the harsh summer heat subsides, UVA and UVB rays are still present and damaging year-round. Protect your skin every morning with a sunscreen after moisturizing if your moisturizer does not have SPF. This will protect your skin from premature aging, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and help retain moisture throughout the day.
