‘Tis the season for changing foliage, changing temperatures, and unfortunately, changing skin. Whether you’re a beach bum who lives for sunny weather or a snow bunny who waits for winter to come each year, any time the seasons transition, sensitive skin tends to suffer most if you don’t take proper care. Luckily, I’ve found the perfect routine and an arsenal of great products that help my skin feel clean and radiant without drying out when the cooler weather rolls in.
Step 1: Get a Clean Start
Before applying any other products, you have to wash away the dirt and sweat that your face has acquired throughout the day. If a product for my face sounds both delicious and healthy enough to eat, I think it’s worth putting to the test. My favorite cleanser at the moment is KORRES Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser ($30 CA) because of how smooth it leaves my skin feeling. It is formulated with real Greek yogurt, which means that it is packed with proteins, minerals, and vitamins to help wash skin without irritation. This natural product is great for all skin types and available at a variety of retailers including Shoppers Drug Mart where you can earn PC Optimum Points for all your purchases. I must confess, I’m saving up my points for the Dyson Hair Dryer that they started carrying recently.
If you’ve been relying on using your hands or a cloth to wash your face all this time, I highly suggest taking the FOREO LUNA Play Plus ($59 CA) for a spin. The small pod-like device is designed to remove impurities, oil, and dead skin cells, and minimize the appearance of pores, all while helping your cleanser penetrate the skin.
FOREO also makes an awesome and undoubtedly futuristic line of UFO “smart mask” treatments that use the power of LED light therapy and detect your skin’s natural reactions to heat and cold to tailor the best pulsations for your skin. A variety of interchangeable Korean skincare makes are available to pair with the device and target different skin concerns.
Step 2: Have a Mask-querade
It’s important to apply a mask after you cleanse so that the mask isn’t sitting on top of dead skin and bacteria. Not only would it not be as effective, but by skipping the cleansing step you’re trapping all of that everyday grime in your skin, and never actually washing it away.
There are two great masks on the market that I swear by these days, though it is important to choose a mask (or build a collection of masks!) based on your skin type and specific concerns. During the between-season transitions, when skin tends to dry out the most, my go-to mask is the KORRES Hydra-Biome Probiotic Superdose Face Mask ($63 CA), I love this mask for the long-lasting hydration it provides and how it keeps my skin looking radiant in even though toughest seasons.
Another great option is the Boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask ($45 CA) which has been particularly helpful in detoxifying skin and minimizing pores. Its appearance may be daunting when you first apply it, but black charcoal has proven to be an extremely effective ingredient for removing bacteria, poisons, chemicals, and dirt from the skin.
Step 3: Don’t Forget to Moisturize!
And of course, if you’re looking for extra hydration while the weather is changing, and throughout the colder months, moisturizing is a great place to start—or rather, finish, when it comes to your skincare routine. During warmer summer months, you don’t want to go too overboard between steps 2 and 3—and hydrating mask or a great moisturizer on its own may be plenty, while using both during that time of year may actually leave your skin feeling too oily. But as the temperature starts to plummet you may need all the help you can get!
I’m loving the Eve Lom Moisture Cream ($210 CA) for its weightless texture that creates a dewy complexion. Unique ingredients like peach flower and white horehound extracts provide both antioxidant and antipollutant benefits while leaving skin looking radiant.
For anyone concerned about fine lines or wrinkles (whether you’re starting to see them already, or are simply preparing for the future), Lierac The Cure Absolute Anti-Aging ($150 CA) is a luxury offering that leaves skin looking radiant and feeling more comfortable. The brand boasts that “exceptional” anti-aging results have been observed in just 1 month of use, promising, denser, stronger, and repaired skin.
What is your go-to skincare routine when the seasons change? Share in the comments below!