Winter is always a really hard time for my skin. It gets so dry, red, flaky in patches, and over the last few months I have noticed a complete deterioration of my facial moisture barrier (the protective outer layer of skin). This means my skin wasn’t retaining moisture and was more susceptible to damage from external factors like bacteria. It also meant that even though I had found a skin care routine that worked over the summer and into fall, it was no longer effective. I noticed that many of the products I had been using were actually making the situation worse! To fix the problem, I adjusted my routine slightly, and now my skin is better than ever! Hopefully some of these products/ tips will benefit you as well.
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The first major change I made was slugging my face 6 nights a week. I had seen this trend going around TikTok and had to try it! Essentially “skin slugging” or “slugging” is a K-beauty technique where you use Vaseline or any petroleum-based product to lock in moisture. Although it’s having a resurgenc, this skin care secret is nothing new. Looking back, my mother used to use a similar technique with another petroleum based skincare product before bed, but I never understood the logic behind it, and just thought she was making her face greasy! I have also found that slugging helps lock in my other skincare products, and I 100% credit my dewy glowing skin to this process.
After the first night trying this skincare routine, I noticed slight improvements in the overall appearance and texture of my skin. After a month and a half, my skin is plumper, literally glowing, and my moisture barrier is restored!
Every evening before bed, after I remove my make up, I wash my face with cold water and the Youth to the People Super Food Cleanser. What I love about this cleanser is that it is very powerful and easily removes any left-over makeup or whatever else is on my skin, while still being gentle enough for my sensitive skin. It includes ingredients kale, spinach, and green tea. I use 1-2 pumps and massage it on my face for about a minute before rinsing, again with very cold water.
Next, I use the Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner. Why I like this toner is that it is a spray mist that doesn’t dry out my skin like other toners I have used in the past. I think this is because this toner does not contain alcohol. It does however contain aloe vera, cucumber, and COQ-10 which can help reverse the negative effects of sun damage. It is very refreshing!
Under my eyes I use Bioderma’s Soothing Moisturizing Eye Contour Gel. This is the first under eye cream that I’ve used that doesn’t irritate or burn my under eye area. I noticed an improvement after several uses in the puffiness and fine lines under my eyes. Then I apply No7 Line Correcting Serum around my mouth and on my forehead. After this step dries, I apply a few drops of the Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil, and my new favorite, Agent Nateur Holi Oil Refining Ageless Face Serum.
When I say I am obsessed with this Holi Oil serum, "obsessed" an understatement. It is a thick golden serum that is soooo satisfying to apply. This serum reduces redness due to dehydration, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dryness, age spots, dull/ uneven skin tone, scarring, loss of elasticity. And let me tell you, yes it does do all of these things! I like to apply and work it into my skin with my Joanna Czech facial massager or Gua Sha.
However, I did not appreciate the full benefits of this serum when I first started using it. Because my moisture barrier was so damaged, my skin could not properly absorb the product. When I implemented the final step of my new routine, is when I finally began to realize the full potential of my skin care products.
After the serum is somewhat dry and absorbed, is when I actually get to the “slugging” part of my routine. All you do is apply a layer of Vaseline or other petroleum-based product all over your face and lips. I apply a pretty generous amount and this works for me personally, but you will want to vary the amount you use until you find what works best for you. The Vaseline creates a seal on your skin and keeps your skin care in place. You will want to keep your hair up or wrapped so that it doesn’t get Vaseline in it overnight. At first it will feel like a lot on your skin, but I promise its worth it and you will get used to it! Then as soon as you wake up in the morning wash your face and begin your morning skincare routine.
The best part about slugging is that you can add it to the end of whatever night time skin care routine you are already using! I was hesitant to use this much Vaseline on my skin at first, but it is completely safe! Vaseline has been used for almost 150 years to heal wounds and burns. It is also very unlikely that this process will clog your pores, or cause breakouts because the Vaseline itself isn't actually absorbed by your skin. I have always used Vaseline to treat my dry cracked lips as well!
You will have to experiment with this technique to see what works best for you, but I find the best results when I do it 6 nights a week. On the sixth night I only wash my face and use a very light weigh moisturizer like, the Youth to the People Air Whip Superfood Moisturizer.
I hope there is something in this routine that helps your skin glow and be the best it can be! Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more skin care tips and other lifestyle/fashion content. All the products mentioned are in the carousel below and on the free LikeToKnow.it shopping app. Also don't forget to subscribe to the bog so you don't miss a post!