Now is about the time when it feels like winter has been more of a decade than a season in South Dakota. Crisp cool air has transformed to ice cutting your nose as you inhale. And that beautiful blanket of snow feels more like that endless white abyss Captain Jack Sparrow was stuck on in Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End. But, alas, South Dakota has so many more redeeming qualities that more than make up for the eternal winter of February and March.
Winter in South Dakota can wreak havoc on your skin. The outside air is significantly drier coupled with heaters in your home results in loss of moisture with your skin. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that winter is when my skin is flakey, my makeup looks like it has cracked, and there’s no glow in sight.
All those things are what I used to describe my skin as in the winter. The past two years I am singing a different tune of healthy glowing skin no matter what the frigid air threatens me with. I’ve invested a lot of time into researching skincare and implementing it. And, of course, a few dollars to make sure I’m using quality stuff. If you’re ready face off with South Dakota winter weather, here are my skincare essentials.
Winter Skincare Essential Number 1: Moisturizer
Bet you didn’t see that one coming, eh?! I know, I know, it seems so obvious! But winter is a time you may need to transition to a heavier moisturizer. I use the same moisturizer all year because I have naturally dry skin. If you read my favorite products of 2018, then you know my ride or die moisturizer is the Milk Crème from Maskcara Beauty. My sweet South Dakota sisters (and beyond) – this product will revolutionize your skincare! It has improved my dry skin so much that I still only need it at night as opposed to morning, night and all day like other products I’ve used.
Winter Skincare Essential Number 2: Exfoliator
Now, there are plenty of different exfoliation treatments on the market, so BONUS, I’m going to give you two.
One of the key factors in achieving glowing skin is to get rid of the dull, dead skin cells on top. Not only will this help your skin glow during the cold, South Dakota winters, but will also make your skincare more effective. By eliminating the barrier of dry skin between your moisturizer and healthy skin, it allows that hydration to be more effective.
1. Milk Masque
Yes, here I am again with another recommendation from the Milk line. I can’t help it! I love it! This is different than what you may be picturing for an exfoliator because it is an enzyme-based exfoliant. You apply it like a mask and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. While it’s on your skin it is gently removing bacteria and dead skin cells while also sealing in moisture and protecting your skin’s delicate acid layer. I have pretty sensitive skin so I stick with the minimum time.
Be forewarned: the first time I ever used a similar mask my skin was BRIGHT RED after. I shouldn’t have done the max time. Don’t let that scare you. The advantage of using an enzyme-based exfoliator as opposed to a physical exfoliator is that you don’t risk scratching your skin and introducing bacteria. This is gentle and leaves you with great results. Plus who doesn’t need the excuse for 3 quick minutes of pampering?
2. PMD Tool
I know the price tag on this one has you thinking I’m crazy. I waited a good long while before I invested in my PMD (personal microderm classic). The advantage of the PMD is not only exfoliating dead skin, but the vacuum increases blood flow. The results? A decrease in fine lines and wrinkles as it boosts collagen and elastin in the skin. The PMD also works to decrease blemishes and large pores. It definitely delivers on all its promises.
During a week where I have totally brought my A-game to my routine, I will alternate between this and the masque so that I’m exfoliating twice a week. More often than not I only do them once a week so I still alternate between the two.
Winter Skincare Essential Number 3: Hydrating Mask
If you are part of the Shine with Shi Facebook community, you know how much I love masks and merging my self-care with skincare. After exfoliating your skin will have 20x the penetration of hydrating goodness. I love to follow the exfoliating treatment with a sheet mask. I love sheet masks because they are easy and mess free. Apply, relax, and toss away. Bam!
Winter Skincare Essential Number 4: Setting Spray
I’ll be honest, setting spray has been the last item incorporated into my routine. It wasn’t until I started digging into the ingredients of the Maskcara Stay Spray that I decided it needed to be more constant in my life.
There is Vitamin B3 to promote brightening and anti-aging properties. The Hyaluronic Acid promotes wound healing (umm and hello, zits are wounds!). You’ll also find aloe vera to help calm the skin and green tea extract which is antioxidant and anti-aging. That’s a whole lot of goodness in one bottle.
On top of that they have come out with a Stay Spray with SPF so you can get SPF protection ON TOP of your make up! It’s easy to forget about SPF protection when temperatures have dipped down below zero, but it’s important to protect your skin from UV rays all year.
Winter Skincare Essential Number 5: Cream Foundation
This has been the biggest game changer for me in regards to my skin surviving the winters here in South Dakota. Prior to discovering Maskcara Beauty’s 3D foundation I was primarily using a tinted moisturizer. Even with “Moisturizer” in its name, by 10 am my skin was flaking and felt incredibly dry.
Here is why cream foundations are amazing. When you use a liquid foundation they are most commonly water-based. They go down liquid and are then designed to dry on your face. Then they dry they are more prone to cracking and settling on your skin. Do I need to even talk about powder/mineral based foundations? They go on dry and stay dry. Cream, on the otherhand, sits on top of your skin. It does not dry and instead moves WITH your skin. As a result it lasts all day with its dewy glory and does not dry out your skin. If you want to try out this 3D foundation for yourself, consider me your personal expert. I’d be happy to set you up with the right colors for your perfect match so you too can see the difference it makes for your skin.
Give these products a try and let me know how you like them. I won’t promise that winter in South Dakota will be any warmer, but at least you’ll have vibrant, glowing skin beneath all those layers!
