Looking for the best skin care products for the winter? There’s nothing worse than dry, itchy skin when the temperatures start to drop.
![](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EGP_4237-1200x1800.jpg)
Since I was a child, I’ve suffered from drier skin than normal during the cold months. My face and hands become red, chapped, and the skin around my fingers split easily.
Protecting My Hands from the Dry, Cold Air
My hands are the first place to show signs of a lack of moisture during the winter. The skin around my fingernails actually splits from being so dry. I also develop itchy patches on the palms and top of my hands. It’s a pretty unpleasant situation.
In the past, lotion was a quick fix, never actually providing enough moisture to take away the uncomfortable and painful symptoms of dry skin. Taking notes from how we treat my youngest, Ailey’s, eczema, I started using two different skin care products on myself.
Aquaphor
The first time Ailey had a scaly patch on her leg in the winter the pediatrician told me to use Aquaphor Baby healing ointment on the area. Her skin felt smooth and soft in just a few hours. Suddenly it dawned on me to use regular Aquaphor on my own dry skin.
Aquaphor is the ONLY product that works to keep my hands from feeling awful, as well as the rest of my skin on my body. Aquaphor is different than a lotion or cream because it is an ointment made with products that allows oxygen to flow while healing damaged skin.
Dove Soap
Between Dove Body Wash and Dove Hand Soap, I’ve noticed a significant change in how my skin feels. If I use anything else when washing, the negative effects are instantaneous. Dove is a gentle cleansing soap that puts moisture back into your skin instead of pulling it out. Make sure you don’t use extremely hot water when washing since it dries out your skin.
My Skin Care Routine for Winter
![Woman in white turtleneck smiling while holding under eye cream in front of mirror](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EGP_9131.jpg)
![Woman in white turtleneck smiling while holding under eye cream in front of mirror](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EGP_9131.jpg)
The skin on my face is tricky – sometimes oily, sometimes dry, sometimes spotted with an allergy induced rash. I find products with the least amount of ingredients are best for my skin. Every day I follow the same winter skincare routine. Here it is!
Step 1: I rinse my face with cold water in the morning. If I use an overnight moisture mask on my face, I will wash with a gentle cleanser. Some of my favorite face cleansers are by Indie Lee and Tula.
![Woman in white turtleneck and gray workout pants dropping face oil from a dropper in her hand while standing at bathroom sink](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EGP_9136.jpg)
![Woman in white turtleneck and gray workout pants dropping face oil from a dropper in her hand while standing at bathroom sink](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EGP_9136.jpg)
![Woman in white turtleneck and gray workout pants applying face oil while standing at bathroom sink](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EGP_9139.jpg)
![Woman in white turtleneck and gray workout pants applying face oil while standing at bathroom sink](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EGP_9139.jpg)
Step 2: After cleansing I pat my face dry with a soft towel. The last time I had a facial I learned I rub too hard on my skin post-cleanse, so pat-away it is. I use the following 4-5 skin care products every single day:
To be honest, I rotate brands every 5-6 months depending on the state of my skin. Currently I’m using a combination of Indie Lee and Strange Bird Beauty products, as well as a few speciality items. My MIL gave me an R+F Eye Cream I will use until the container is empty and I like Elemis products too.
Every night I remove my eye makeup with this and apply the same a.m. products, except sunscreen. Once a week I exfoliate my face at night with this exfoliant.
Don’t leave out FACE MASKS – one of the most important skincare products for the winter!
![Woman wearing lemon print pajama top applying charcoal mask to her face in front of a mirror](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EGP_8815-1200x800.jpg)
![Woman wearing lemon print pajama top applying charcoal mask to her face in front of a mirror](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EGP_8815-1200x800.jpg)
Face Masks are a saving grace for my temperamental skin. During the winter I up my face mask usage, especially when its comes to anything that is moisturizing. I love to use a charcoal mask to clean out my pores and then a moisture surge mask. Under eye patches that hydrate and firm the skin are another one of my favorite skin care products.
![Woman wearing lemon print pajama top applying charcoal mask to her face in front of a mirror](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EGP_8821-1200x800.jpg)
![Woman wearing lemon print pajama top applying charcoal mask to her face in front of a mirror](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EGP_8821-1200x800.jpg)
Don’t neglect your skin this winter – make sure to stay hydrated (lots of water) and always wear SPF even if the sun isn’t shining.
Looking for lip care during the winter? Check out my lip care routine.
![](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Turn-on-the-magic.png)
![](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Turn-on-the-magic.png)
Perfect timing on this! Thanks!!
The winter months really are so hard on our skin! I will have to try aquaphor because I really want to clear up that dry skin on my hands!
https://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/
I love a good face mask too!! This post makes me want to do one!
xo, Hillary | hillheady.com
Aquaphor is a lifesaver in the winter! The best cure for dry skin & chapped lips!
xoxo Sarah
OOH thank you for sharing! I have seriously dry skin too and already use some of these products and I LOVE a good face mask!!
xx rebecca
This winter has been so harsh on the skin! I can’t wait to incorporate those products into my daily life, I’m struggling. I know aquaphor is great for tattoos, I never thought about just using it daily. Great post!
Thanks for the wonderful advice!
Loving these skin care tips! I need to find a more moisturizing face mask! I find myself using them less in winter, as I feel they make my skin a bit drier after!
I do like that you use a product that increases moisture retention! I need to look into that!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
My skin has been SO dry! I need to grab some Aquaphor asap
Oh yes I love Charcoal masks! They are my lifesaver during the winter months.
You skin looks amazing! I love your freckles and these gorgeous snowy pictures
You have the best skin!! Definitely going to try these products out!! Thank you for sharing!!!
These are great tips for taking care of your skin in winter!! Ps the photo of you with the snowflakes is SO GORGEOUS!
xo, Laura
Your skin care is so important it is the first thing to break down as you age. Which is why taking care of it is so important. Great post!