Here’s how your skincare routine adapts to winter:
The drop in temperature makes us go from being Brazillian Bombshells to the aestheticSlavic Girl, hot drinks are the best, and the parties of the season are exciting. All are incredible, except when the skin starts to crack, not to mention that the lips and hands also suffer. Also, if you have a problem such as rosacea or dermatitis, be prepared to have a plan b, that is, you should have a winter skincare routine.
The skin tends to become sensitive due to low humidity and cold wind, which lead to dryness, redness, and sensitivity. Lips can also become chapped, and acne can worsen due to dry skin and increased sebum production. You may experience more frequent breakouts due to a lack of moisture in the air.
It is important to adapt your skincare routine with moisturizing and protective products, as well as avoid excessive use of heating, which can aggravate skin dryness. But don’t worry, here we guide you so that winter doesn’t catch you off guard.
Opt for a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser that won’t strip your skin of natural oils, as exposure to cold, dry air can aggravate dryness. Cream or oil-based cleansers may be best suited for this season, as they help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
Exfoliate once or twice a week, to gently remove dead skin cells and stimulate cell renewal. But be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate dry, sensitive skin in winter. Opt for gentle exfoliants that contain ingredients like enzymes for a less abrasive exfoliation.
During cold weather, use a thicker, more nourishing moisturizer to protect your skin from dryness and cracking. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, jojoba oil, or shea butter, which help lock in moisture and strengthen your skin’s protective barrier. Consider applying a hydrating serum underneath your cream to provide extra hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
Even if the days are cloudy, don’t underestimate the importance of wearing sunscreen, because the UV rays are still there. Repeat after us: I must wear sunscreen every day. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously to all exposed areas of skin, including the face, neck, and hands.
Consider including serums or treatments with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, or niacinamide to address specific skin concerns, such as dark spots, fine lines, or redness. These ingredients can help improve skin texture and tone, as well as stimulate collagen production for a firmer, more radiant appearance.
Don’t forget to protect your lips with a nourishing lip balm that contains moisturizing and emollient ingredients such as cocoa butter, coconut oil, or vitamin E. Apply sunscreen regularly, especially before going outdoors, to prevent dryness, cracking, and irritation on your lips.
Wear gloves, scarves, and hats to protect your skin from the cold and wind when you are outdoors. These extra garments will help protect the delicate skin on your hands, neck, and face, well as prevent moisture loss and avoid irritation caused by the elements.
If you’re serious about your skincare routine, you’ve likely got a few tools lying around. Whether a jade roller is proudly displayed on your bathroom shelf or you’ve invested in something a bit more high-tech, these handy devices are meant to provide luxurious experiences as well as address certain skin concerns. With brands becoming more and more innovative, it’s now possible to get spa-like treatments at home, and the number of options is only growing larger by the day. Case in point: SolaWave’s brand new blue light upgrade to their buzzed-about skincare wand.
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The original Red Light Wand is designed as a four-in-one tool that delivers microcurrents, red light therapy, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth to help with things like fine lines, wrinkles, and overall radiance. The new SolaWave Blue Light 3 in 1 Wand, which launched somewhere in August, takes a more targeted approach to skincare — specifically, to acne. The portable (and chic) tool uses blue light to fight breakouts and kill acne-causing bacteria. The wand’s warmth function also helps your products better absorb into your skin 2x as effectively while using less product. The SolaWave Blue Light Wand also reduces redness, brightens dark circles, combats blemishes, while the vibrating capabilities de-puff, promote circulation, and boost the skin’s radiance.
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While the Blue Light Wand isn’t cheap, it typically retails for less than the original wand ($139 versus the Red Light Wand at $149) — and currently, it’s on sale for $119. If you’re looking for acne-fighting solutions and have been curious about skincare devices, now’s the time to dip your toes in.
The aluminum alloy tool has a razor-like shape and a form that’s easy to clean and recharge. Safe for all ages, the wand is best used on hydrated skin and it comes to life thanks to smart-touch activation. Perfect for use on the forehead, under eyes, cheeks, jaw, neck, and upper lip, the wand can be used in one of two positions.
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Primp Tips:
SolaWave can be used on most areas of your face: forehead, under eyes, cheeks, jaw, neck, and upper lip.
The SolaWave Wand forms two distinct positions: (1) the vertical “I” orientation and (2) the rotated “T-bar” position.
When using the wand, glide across your face in an upward and outward movement.
Clean your SolaWave Wand by spraying a dry cloth with water or disinfecting spray and wiping down the head.
We only include products that have been independently selected by BeautyLeeBar’s editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
Keys Soulcare, Alicia Keys’ beauty line, landed in our lives at the perfect moment. Created by the musician as skincare with self-care at its core, Keys Soulcare launched in 2020 (a year when we needed an awful lot of self-care) and started with a range of 10 facial and lifestyle products, from moisturizers to a scented candle. Now, Keys is adding body care to the mix: a hand and body wash, body cream, and body oil, all bearing that same philosophy of taking time for yourself.
“While working closely with Alicia on the facial skincare, we wanted to also infuse many of the ancient and nourishing ingredients into our body offerings,” says board-certified dermatologist Renee Snyder, who co-created Keys Soulcare along with Keys. “It is so important to take care of ourselves, and the body is another moment where we can focus on self-care.” To add to the ritual of it all, the products also come with a corresponding affirmation meant to be spoken with each use. “Alicia and the team develop each affirmation based on the action and feeling you will experience with the offering,” explains Snyder.
Because Keys is known for her radiance—in addition, of course, to her legendary voice—I was intrigued to try her latest products to see if I could capture a bit of her glow. Keep reading for a full breakdown on the new products courtesy of Snyder, and for my honest reviews to find out if I’m fallin’ for them (sorry, couldn’t help myself).
Courtesy of Keys Soulcare
All About Keys Soulcare, According to the Derm Who Co-Created It
The benefit of being developed by a dermatologist? Each ingredient has a purpose. The formulations are also cruelty-free and made without things like parabens or sulfates. What you’ll find instead? Loads of moisturizers, all of which are intended to strengthen the skin barrier. “The skin performs many important functions for us; from helping us eliminate toxins to temperature regulation, but most importantly it acts as a protective barrier,” explains Snyder. “When your skin is hydrated, it is resilient and plump.”
So while the Renewing Body and Hand Wash may be a cleanser, it still puts nourishment first. Think skin-loving Manuka honey, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Meanwhile, the sage and oat milk scent (Alicia’s fave!) helps promote “comfort, clarity, and balance,” according to the derm.
The body cream, as you’d expect, is also chock full of hydrating ingredients. “Sunflower seed oil is extremely high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays and other environmental stressors,” explains Snyder. But that’s not all: “Ceramides, along with shea and cocoa butter, promote the infusion of hydration into the skin.” Topping it off is the rose of Jericho, which “can spring back to life at the first drop of water, imparting one’s skin with the feeling of a renewed vitality,” according to Snyder.
Keeping with the theme of protecting the skin, one of the key ingredients in the Sacred Body Oil is baobab oil, which “is known for its regenerative abilities,” according to Snyder. “It is excellent for softening the skin and aids in healing due to the levels of vitamins A, B, and C, along with omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids,” she explains. The formula also contains marula oil, “which is purported to contain 60% more antioxidants than most other oils, packing a powerful punch to the skin,” adds Snyder.
I’m not particularly picky when it comes to soap and body wash, but I’m a sucker for a good scent. My skin can also get dry, so I was excited to see if this formula is as hydrating as it claims. Right off the bat, I loved the fragrance—it reminded me of expensive perfume, without being overwhelming. The texture of the body wash is gel-like, and it lathers up fairly well (especially considering it’s sulfate-free). As I used it, I remembered about the affirmation part of the deal, luckily, they’re printed right on the packaging. For the body wash, the affirmation is “I love myself as I am.” I repeated it a few times until I admittedly felt a little silly. But I tried!
Immediately after toweling off, I could tell my skin felt softer and more hydrated than with my usual body wash, but the true test, in my opinion, would be how it held up post-shower. The next day, I’m pleased to report, my skin was just as soft. I also smelled amazing (if I do say so myself). The product has been a mainstay in my shower since the first use so I haven’t been using it as a hand soap, but the pretty bottle would look great on the sink, too.
I love a good body cream, so this was probably the product I was most excited to try. I would say it’s almost like body butter, both in texture and color (picture Kiehl’s Creme de Corps). Let’s just say she’s thick. A little goes a long way, which is something I learned after I overdid it on leg number one. It’s not scented, which I appreciated, especially because I was still in the throes of the body wash. It didn’t feel greasy after applying, but I let it sink in for a few minutes for good measure. All in all, it’s a solid, super-moisturizing formula, but if you’re looking for something lightweight, you may want a more traditional lotion
While I love a good body cream, I don’t often use body oils, but I was there for the full Keys experience. First off, I was a fan of the dropper bottle, which is super convenient to use. It also has the same fragrance as the body wash, but again, isn’t overpowering. As instructed, I warmed the pale golden oil between my hands first, and it applied like a dream—not greasy at all, and just enough slip. It’s recommended to use this right after showering, but I found myself reaching for the bottle to moisturize my elbows and cuticles, all times of the day. Consider me a body oil convert!
Containing both physical (Hojicha powder, oats, and mung beans) and chemical (lactic acid) exfoliants, this gentle scrub can be used once or twice a week.
Rich and hydrating, this moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to moisturize, and bakuchiol to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Bonus: It also comes in a fragrance-free version.
Keys and Snyder smartly packaged the line’s signature scent in candle form for maximum relaxation vibes.
Have you tried Keys Soulcare products yet? If so, which is your favorite? Let me know down in the comments what you think about the products mentioned above. xo
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As you know, rule number one of working out is to take off your makeup! Doing this alone is a great to start ensuring your skin looks better, not worse, at the end of a workout. But when it comes to working out we don’t often think about our skincare routine, but treating your skin properly before and after your workout will make a huge difference to your skin. When you exercise, your body temperature increases and more often than not, you sweat – a lot – and that makes your pores dilate, making it even easier for makeup and bacteria to make its way in and block your pores.
So, we’re here to share the ultimate skincare routine for before and after your workout to ensure your skin brings its a-game every time. We’ve even discovered some workout skincare products that are giving us incredible results while we exercise – now that’s multitasking at its best!
Pre-Workout Skincare Routine
Step 1: Wash your Face
…Not with makeup wipes!!
A.M.: If you’ve just woken up or you’re not wearing makeup, do a quick wipe with micellar water on a cotton pad or splash your face with a little water. It’s important that your skin is clean, so if you feel like your skin needs it, do a gentle cleanse with a milk or gel cleanser.
P.M.: Double cleanse to remove all your makeup! We love to use the Face Halo, because all you have to do is wet it, and the tiny little fibers will lift off makeup and dirt, so it’s super easy to use on-the-go. To finish, we love to use the Foreo Luna 3 cleansing device with a gel cleanser to remove every last trace of makeup – the T-sonic pulsations and soft silicone bristles help clean extra deep into pores, which is exactly what you need before a workout!
Step 2: Actives That Work
Just because you’re working out, doesn’t mean your skin shouldn’t get a little love. We love to use lightweight, hydrating and protective formulas while we work out, like a vitamin C serum, or an antioxidant-rich gel moisturizer to protect our skin from free radicals that attack during exercise. Avoid anything to rich and heavy, which could feel uncomfortable when you sweat.
Without a doubt, one of our most exciting new discoveries is Face Gym’s Training Sticks, $49, aka heat-activated skincare that gets to work while you do! Since we’ve discovered these, we literally haven’t worked out without them, and we love how they warm up on your skin while you work out, slowly releasing potent actives that penetrate deeper as your skin’s metabolism is accelerated. The controlled delivery system also helps improve your complexion for up to six hours post-workout (even after cleansing).
The Training Sticks are so quick and easy to use – literally just swipe onto your forehead, cheeks, chin, and temples – and we love the different options: Spirulina for lifting and firming, Activated Charcoal for detoxing, and Brazilian Pink Clay for brightening. You can also buy all three in mini version, plus a hydrating Multivitamin stick for $75 – so you can multi-mask to target different issues. The charcoal formula leaves our skin feeling super soft and bright post-workout, and we love that these fight against damaging free-radicals, which are rife during exercise.
If you’re working out outside in the sun or going for a hike, SPF is essential. We recommend a mineral sunscreen, which means when you sweat your eyes shouldn’t sting (chemical SPFs often sting the eyes). Check out one of my fave mineral sunscreen here.
Finally, don’t forget a little lip balm to keep your lips moist and to prevent cracking. And always tie your hair up to avoid hair and hair products mingling with your skin.
Post-Workout Skincare Routine
Step 1: Cleanse
We know after working out you often have places to be, but it’s so important to wash your face post-workout as soon as possible. If you’ve washed your skin before your work out (we really hope you did), use a gentle water-based cleanser to get rid of sweat and bacteria. We love the Holi Frog Superior Omega Nutritive Gel Wash, $36, which is pH-balanced and deeply cleans the skin while nourishing it with omega fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants to replenish the skin. It also has natural antibacterial properties to help prevent breakouts and clogged pores, without stripping your skin.
Finish your cleanse by splashing your face with cool water, which helps to tighten the pores and shrink blood vessels, which will help to reduce redness more quickly.
Step 2: Hydrate
First things first, drink plenty of water to hydrate your body and skin – the best hydration comes from within! Then use plenty of hydrating ingredients on your skin. Start with a toner that’s soothing and calming, so look for ingredients like chamomile and aloe or opt for hydrating milky formulas. We love the Pixi Rose Tonic, $18, which helps to reduce redness and calm the skin while balancing your skin’s pH levels. Follow with a lightweight serum or hyaluronic acid, like the Sarah Chapman Intense Hydrating Booster Moisture Serum, $98, which is formulated with Bioecolia and Beta Glucan to activate the skin’s natural defenses against bacteria and irritants, plus hyaluronic acid and soothing rose water. We love how fluid this serum is and how easily it melts into the skin to instantly hydrate and repair the skin after the stress of working out.
Step 3: Lock it in
Now your skin is well hydrated, lock it all in with a moisturizer. We prefer to steer clear of thicker formulas post-workout (save that for nighttime), instead, stick to gel-like or lightweight moisturizers like the Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer, $52, which helps to reduce redness (great for after a workout), tighten pores, and balance your skin.
Now enjoy that glow-up and feel proud of yourself for working out and showing your skin some love at the same time.
