Oh the weather outside is frightful! ICYMI, snow is already a-comin’ across the USA – even in Texas! It felt like we were hovering around warmer temps for approximately too long when BAM – snowflakes. Snow obvi means colder weather, which usually brings about less-than-stellar feels in the skincare department. Between the actual cold temp, drier air + occasional gusts of bitter wind, the natural oils are actually removed from your skin, which leaves ya feeling dry (and sometimes blatantly irritated). No bueno.

First thing’s first: Protect

It’s time to be extra cognizant of what’s going on/around your skin, to prevent future damage. We all lovelovelove a long, hot shower when it’s freezing outside…but hot water actually dries out your skin more! So keep it quick, whenever possible. When you’re done washing your face, don’t rub your skin (rubbing causes wrinkles!). Instead, just pat yo’ face dry.

Pay extra attention to maintaining healthy habits across the board, to stay in tip-top shape all season long (which not only helps your skin, but also helps your immune system, to not catch a cold!). Stock up on foods that are rich in fatty acids – these help boost your body’s overall hydration.

And, don’t sit right next to the fireplace! That could inadvertently suck moisture from your skin, too, leaving you more parched.

Second thing’s second: Exfoliate

Exfoliation is a godsend. BUT, not all exfoliation is created equal. The wrong kinda scrub can actually do more harm than good, damaging that uppermost layer of skin instead of just gently exfoliating away the bad stuff. My personal favorite way to exfoliate is chemical exfoliation – things like glycolic acid, hydroxy acids, and the like. They’re meant to just remove dead skin cells, instead of ALL skin cells, so it’s a gentler process that’s typically more effective at targeting exactly what ya wanna exfoliate anyways.

Beyond that, I recommend finding a fave dermatologist (I’ve got one in the Philly area, if any local girls need a rec!) who can do seasonal treatments for a deeper exfoliation – like microdermabrasions or chemical peels.

Third thing’s third: Hydrate (+ re-hydrate)

Drinking water is even MORE important in a season where everything and its mom is drying you up. So, first off…DRINK YO’ H2O, YO!

Beyond fueling up on the inside, you’ve gotta hydrate on the outside. If the air around you is drier this time of year, a humidifier could do the trick (ideal humidity should be between 30-50%). And moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!!!! Even if you’ve got oily skin (*raises hand wildly*), you STILL need to add moisture to the skin. Oftentimes, your skin might be oilier in the first place BECAUSE it’s overcompensating for a lack of hydration in the present state. I’ve been using a new moisturizer lately (it’s from the drugstore – woo!), and I lovelovelove it as a lighter option for daily wear. Introducing: Whip from Olay!

Whip has a non-greasy formula – SUPER important to me, since y’all have heard me talk your ears off by now about my oily skin woes. Whoever named Whip “Whip” deserves a promotion and a gold star, cos whipped is exactly how to describe the formula. It’s so…whippy. Light + literally fluffy to the touch. Not heavy in the SLIGHTEST, so you can feel good about getting that extra hydration without feeling actually weighed down by your moisturizer. HA.

The Total Effects formula has got Vitamins C + E for 7 keys benefits: actively replenishes moisture, evens skin tone appearance, enhances brightness, visibly smooths fine lines, minimizes the look of pores, restores firmness and visibly reduces dark spots. It’s formulated for fast absorption – actually has Active Rush Technology, so it transforms from cream to liquid on your skin to instantly sink in. AND it’s breathable + light sans any feeling of stickiness or weight (HATE that in moisturizer!). For any gals with drier skin, it actually makes a great makeup primer, too!

If you wanna order Whip, you can do so here!

Have you tried the new Olay moisturizer, Whip, yet?

*Thanks to OLAY, a brand I lovelovelove, for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions + thoughts presented are entirely my own. Thank YOU for supporting the brands that support Coming Up Roses!