Soothing Skincare for a Cold Winter
Winter can take its toll on a person—mentally, spiritually, and physically. There is perhaps no better visible evidence of this than the effects it has on one’s skin. Many in Maine find themselves in the fall with dull, dehydrated skin, so we have curated the ultimate guide to weather-beaten skin to transition you from fall to winter.
Meet Elaluz, the recent brainchild of Super Influencer Camila Coelho. After trying everything the beauty market had to offer, skincare lover Coelho realized that rather than continue to search for the perfect products, she would make them herself. Her intensely hydrating Beauty Oil and 24K Lip Therapy are healing and protective yet never heavy, and her All Day Beauty Water is the midday refresher we’ve been waiting for. It really does help to be an expert.
Another brand new brand making waves in the space is probiotic skincare company Symbiome, whose mission is not to bring back the past, but to restore as much of it as possible–naturally. Using only the purest ingredients, Symbiome has set out to replace the essential nutrients and biomolecules we may have lost over the years. With their three step process (The Renewal Daily Cleanser, The One Restorative Cream, and Rebalance001 Postbiomic Oil) your microbiome will be nourished in no time.
Dr. Dennis Gross is behind some of your favorite products for sloughing off that dead layer of winter skin, include the Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel and the Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel (but don’t sleep on his sunscreen either, like the All-Physical Microfine Body Spray, even in the winter months). He is a dermatologist first and foremost, and the effects of his products on the skin reflect that.
One lesser-acknowledged effect of winter is the havoc it can wreck on our lips. As the temps lower, they can become dry, cracked, and can even bleed. That’s where Lip Queen Sarah Happ comes in. To remedy this dilemma, she has created a foolproof system. First, her Lip Scrub will get rid of any dead skin cells that are blocking moisture; second, the Sweet Clay Lip Mask heals and rejuvenates the lips; and finally, her signature Lip Slip Balm will leave your lips hydrated, pouty, and plump.
Another brand whose lip products have personally saved us on many occasions is Fresh, whose Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm (and really the entire Sugar line) has saved us winter after winter. Another holy grail from Fresh is their Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil, which will lock in all of your products and protect your skin from the elements. Go to bed in their Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask and you’ll wake up feeling like you slept like a million bucks (even when you didn’t).
For Peter Thomas Roth, skincare is in his blood. His family owned spa resorts in Hungary, and his brand uses those many of their abiding philosophies, combined with cutting edge technology. His Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum, Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel, and PRO Strength Retinoid Peptide Serum all fight the effects of aging, while never leaving the skin stripped or sensitive–making it great for year-round use.
British skincare company ALLEVEN was founded on the core principle that taking care of oneself should be joyful. Supermodel Celia Forner launched the brand with its signature body concealers, and has expanded into skincare that manages to be both gentle and intensive. The Ultra Cleanser, Total Face Serum, and Stellar Mask will keep your skin joyous all the way to spring.
Beloved skincare brand Tatcha needs very little introduction, with products like its Water Cream, Essence, and Rice Polish already donning the shelves of so many skincare gurus. What might be less known than its well-deserved popularity is that Tatcha, founded by Victoria Tsai, donates to Room to Read with every skincare purchase to support the education of young women throughout Asia and Africa. That’s a purchase that I think we can all stand behind.
A lot of brands use the term “clean”, but for Kinship it’s not a suggestion, it’s the core tenet of their philosophy–in fact, they exclude 1,300+ questionable ingredients banned by the EU. This accessible line includes affordable products that pack a mighty punch, including their Naked Papaya Gentle Enzyme Face Cleanser, Supermello Hydrating Gel Cream Moisturizer, and Insta Swipe Lemon Honey AHA Pads.
German physician Dr. Barbara Sturm’s eponymous molecular skin-care brand collaborated with luxury ski proprietor Perfect Moment to develop their new Ski Cream (1). The water-in-oil formula not only offers protection to skiers as they move downhill against the elements, but the rich cream also provides hydration and nourishment. It layers well with Shani Darden’s Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer (2)—a hero product both on and off the slopes.
There is a reason that Napa Valley native April Gargiulo’s Vintner’s Daughter two-step regimen has achieved cult status. Composed of Active Treatment Essence and Active Botanical Serum (3), it has also been consistently recognized as one of the most potent and beneficial systems on the market. “Hydration comes from water, and moisture comes from oil. Hydration reaches deep into skin, and moisture remains at the top to seal in hydration,” she says. “Most people focus on moisture, but just as important is hydration, especially during the drier winter months.” With these products, your skin will feel the maximum benefits of both, with minimal steps.
Facials can be inaccessible, expensive, and time-consuming, which is why electrical aesthetician Melanie Simon created an at-home tool, the ZIIP OX (4), that allows users to experience the benefit of nanocurrent technology in their own bathrooms. This handheld device pushes microcurrents through the skin, leaving thirsty skin more refreshed, plump, and lifted.
After a frightening thyroid cancer diagnosis, True Botanicals founder Hillary Peterson dedicated herself to creating a skin-care line that is not only effective but completely clean. Her Resurfacing Moisture Mask (5) uses ingredients such as avocado butter and lactic acid to clear the face of any cells rendered dead by the cold, while also delivering optimal hydration. Goop guru Gwyneth Paltrow’s GoopGlow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator (6) is an excellent option for those looking for both chemical and physical exfoliation. For ultimate radiance follow either one up with the Cosmic Glow Oil (7), which includes camellia seed oil, squalane, and organic baobab seed oil, from Melissa Medvedich’s line, Supernal.
Hope Smith’s aptly named Mutha was developed when she was pregnant with her first child and she was looking for a way to protect her skin as her body changed. “I researched raw ingredients, which are known to be high in vitamins A, C, E, K, and D, fatty acids, omegas, and antioxidants. I started ordering these raw ingredients, and my kitchen became a science lab.” The precise combination of these elements resulted in her Body Butter (8), one of the most emollient body lotions in existence. For maximum absorption, slough off any dead skin first with beauty industry mogul Jen Atkin’s Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub (9).
Founded by Sir Fraser Stoddart, winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Noble Panacea uses science and innovation, including their patented Organic Molecular Vessel Technology, to create intensely effective and natural skincare. In individual dose-sized packets, The Absolute Collection Rejuvenation Night Balm and Active Replenishing Moisturizer are great for travel, and you’ll wake up feeling completely renewed.
Donning a newly redesigned facade, Pai‘s beautiful new packaging still doesn’t hold a candle to its incredible formulations–which have not changed. Founded by Sarah Brown when she was struggling with sensitive skin issues (relatable), products like Pai’s cult favorite Rosehip Oil, Oil Cleanser, and Living Water will take care of your skin gently and effectively in these more trying and drying months.
New-to-us skincare brand Cirem doesn’t just have wonderfully potent facial products (including, as their name might suggest, a fantastic serum), but also tools that we’re loving during a time when we could all use a little extra self care. Massage in their HCR 3-IN-1 Serum or Mending Moon Moonglow Face Oil with the Skin Tool for a truly spa-like experience.
Joanna Vargas may have started as a celebrity esthetician, but there is no question that she is now a star in her own right. Balancing two full-time spas and an ever-growing product line, she is an entrepreneur changing the wellness game. Her Professionals Kit gives you access to everything you need for glowing and vibrant skin–including her Magic Glow Wand, which will almost make you feel like you’re getting a facial in person.
Another multi-hyphenate and resource to the stars, Beverly Hills-based Dr. Harold Lancer is one of the most respected and revered dermatologists in the country. His eponymous skincare line prides itself on its efficacy and its ability to jumpstart anti-aging, and his patented step-by-step Method makes it easy to follow Dr. Lancer’s lead. The Method Intro Kit for Sensitive-Dehydrated Skin is perfect as we head into the winter months.
We tend to forget that skincare includes our makeup, and that for flawless application we need to be diligent about hydration properties in our first layer. For that, look no further than the original. With products like Facestudio Master Prime, Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm, and Dream Fresh BB Cream, Maybelline has you covered from top to bottom.
Another brand known for its makeup that is doing skincare right is e.l.f. Cosmetics (or: eyes, lips, face). Their Holy Hydration! line will have your skin primed and ready for flawless application, while keeping you hydrated throughout the day. Start with the Daily Cleanser and Face Cream in the morning, and then take it all off at night with the Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm. Your plumped skin will thank you.
Pixi Beauty is a beauty lover’s destination. From skincare to an evening eye look, they have some of the best products on the market, and all at affordable prices. Their Glow Tonic is a cult classic, and we’re also enjoying the newer Clarity Tonic. And if the cold winter months have you dragging, we suggest the DetoxifEYE–you’ll look awake and alert for Zoom in no time.
Founded by Zoë Foster Blake, an Australian beauty editor who had tried–literally–every product on the market, Go-To Skin Care is just that–the products you go to whenever you need to feel nourished and calmed. The brand’s hero products, including the Face Hero Face Oil, Fancy Face Nourishing Oil Cleanser, and the Transformazing Sheet Mask, are all devoid of “faux-science” and packed with nutrients to make you glow on the go.