As the cold weather sets in, it’s time to gear up and prepare your skin to win the battle against harsh conditions. But your typical go-to’s might not make the best cuffing season buddy.
For those who don’t know, I have eczema — meaning that dry, cold, harsh weather creates the perfect storm for potential flare ups. I’m also highly allergic to a universal solvent that’s in almost every substance from laundry detergent to shampoo. What’s this pervasive ingredient you ask? Propylene Glycol.
And yes, the process of figuring out I was allergic to Propylene Glycol triggered my eczema for about eight months, but I’ll save that story for another day.
Having these two compounding issues puts me in a unique position to be insanely anal about what’s in my skincare, how my skin feels, and how to keep my skin calm regardless of the freezing temperatures. And that’s where this winter skincare guide comes in!
I firmly believe my miscellaneous struggles to find the best non-toxic skincare products should be shared so you can learn from my mistakes and skip over all the challenges I’ve encountered.
In this non-toxic winter skincare guide, I’ll walk you through this seasons’ must-have clean skincare products that will keep your skin healthy and glowing during the frosty months, plus tips and skips to maximize the products you already have! Keep reading to get inspiration for your perfect winter wonderland skincare tool kit.
The Non-Toxic Winter Skincare Line Up:
How to Keep Skin Glowing in Winter
Let’s start with the basics since no one has time for a complicated skincare routine. Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type is mission critical, but with cold and dry weather, you’re bound to have some dry spots or an overall dry complexion.
To really lock in moisture, I recommend two things: swapping your water-based cleanser for an oil-based cleanser and slugging as the final step in your nighttime non-toxic winter skincare routine. Let’s get into what each of these mean and how they can help you win the fight against irritated skin:
Ditch water-based for oil cleansing
If you’ve been on TikTok, you might have seen oil cleansing trending on the skincare side of the app. But oil cleansing isn’t a new trend!
Oil cleansing can be done on its own or used as the first step in a double cleansing routine for a really deep clean that leaves your skin feeling fresh. I personally tried oil cleansing a couple years ago and have had an oil based cleanser in my cabinet ever since.
I oil cleanse consistently in the winter since the oil gently breaks down and dirt, debris, sunscreen, and makeup with ease and to remove it, I use a warm wash cloth that I leave on my face for 30 seconds or so. It feels like an at-home mini facial that leaves my face feeling clean and clear without stripping any oils out of my already parched skin.
If you have a lot of makeup on that day or just want to get a deeper clean, you can follow up your oil cleanser with a water based cleanser. This process can be addicting in the best way possible, but make sure your water based cleanser is the right choice for your skin type so you can maximize the benefits.
Here are my favorite oil cleansers that will help you get excited about washing your face:
- One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil: Designed to gently removes makeup and oil-based impurities while exfoliating with papain and papaya enzymes to purify pores and soften skin. Infused with a Botanical B complex of papaya, pumpkin, and sunflower oils for non-stripping cleansing, it supports your skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH balance. Enjoy the delightful pineapple and citrus aroma that transforms your cleansing routine into a joyful escape.
- Primally Pure Cleansing Oil: I am a big fan of Primally Pure. I’ve purchased their non-toxic skincare products for five plus years now and continually find myself going back to try new releases. One thing that they do very well is their cleansing oil and double cleansing bundles. They have multiple oil cleansers for different skin types and have a bar of face soap that’s also designed for dry, normal, or acne-prone skin types. Find the best fit for your skin needs using the links below:
- True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm: I originally bought this cleansing balm to use when I was planning my summer camper road trip around Florida. I don’t always connect to water sources and needed an easier way to wash my face. This was a great purchase! It has a different texture than traditional oil cleansers but once you warm the product up in your hands, it smooths right out and is ready to get to work. I usually rinse this off with warm water or a damp washcloth depending on my mood. The inclusion of turmeric works as a brightening agent that leaves my skin with a wonderful glow after every use, making it a great choice for a non-toxic winter skincare lineup.
- Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil: Although I haven’t personally tried this cleansing oil, I’ve loved everything I’ve ever bought from Biossance. This cleansing oil is ideal for those who want more hydrating and plumping products that also help reduce signs of aging. It’s a lightweight and affordable option for those who have more mature skin types.
Give your moisturizer a boost by slugging
WTF is slugging? Good question. I thought the same thing the first time I heard about it. Traditionally, slugging refers to putting petroleum jelly on your face on top of your skincare before going to sleep. Stick with me here.
By applying a top layer that locks in moisture and provides an additional protective barrier between your skin and your mildly abrasive sheets at night, you create a seal over the top layer of your skin — effectively locking moisture in while keeping dirt and bacteria out.
People have great things to say about using petroleum jelly as their slugging product of choice.
But, personally, I don’t want to put anything on my skin that’s derived from petroleum and widely considered “safe” since I also used “sensitive skin safe” detergent that made me break out in hives. HARD PASS.
So instead of using petroleum jelly, I opted for using a non-toxic balm to achieve the same effect.
I added the Primally Pure Everything Balm to my nighttime skincare routine a year ago as my slugging product choice and I LOVE the results. The Everything Balm is packed with skin-loving and soothing ingredients like beef tallow, calendula, emu oil, and marshmallow root. It’s become one of my must-have products that’s helped alleviate chapped lips, a burnt finger, and create glowy skin. If you’re looking for a reliable and luxurious balm for your non-toxic winter skincare routine, don’t sleep on the Everything Balm.
If you’re looking for a balm that packs a different punch based on your skin’s needs, choose one of the following to be your slugging companion this winter:
- Primally Pure Antioxidant Balm: This balm is designed to repair skin damage, replenish collagen levels, improve skins elasticity, and much more. It’s filled with moisturizing ingredients that will help restore your skin and fight signs of aging.
- True Botanicals Everything Rescue Balm: This balm is similar to the Everything Balm I mentioned earlier. It’s designed to be your go to balm for calming flaky hot spots, taming flyaways, healing chapped lips, and more.
Related: My First Attempt Winter Camping: Trip Recap
Don’t Forget Your Lips
Although most people are concerned about the skin on your face and body, it’s important to remember that the skin on your lips is sensitive too! For those who like partaking in winter sports, you definitely know that there are few things worse than super chapped lips on a cold day.
And like I said in the previous section, I try to avoid petroleum jelly since it’s derived from petroleum so here are some non-toxic daytime and nighttime options that will keep you moisturized on the go and repair your winter blistered lips at night.
Daytime Lip Care
Invest in a non-toxic lip balm that packs a punch. Shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax are your lip’s best friends in the winter.. A nourishing, hydrating lip care routine might seem frivolous to those who have never enjoyed silky soft lips, but trust me, finding your new favorite is a critical element of a well-rounded non-toxic winter skincare regime. Keep one in your purse, one on your nightstand, and maybe even one in your car!
- Kosas LipFuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm: A sheer and buildable ultra-hydrating hyaluronic lip balm loaded with active skincare ingredients that visibly improves the condition of lips the more you wear it. I currently have the Flow tinted sports version of this lip balm and it’s my new go-to tinted lip balm for the winter season.
- RMS Daily Lip Balm: This daily lip balm comes in multiple tinted colors or a translucent shade so your lips stay moisturized, protected, and beautiful regardless of where the day takes you.
- Ilia Lip Wrap Revival Balm: I love this lip balm! It’s hydrating, moisturizing, and nourishing. When I need a boost of moisture without any tint or color, I immediately grab this. I’m attached to this lip balm. I lost it last month for a solid two weeks and was not a happy camper.
- Evolve Organic Beauty 360 Eye and Lip Contour: This is one of my beloved products. I bought it on a whim and didn’t have high expectations but it became a quick favorite. You can almost feel the difference in your skin right after application, which is ideal for me. It’s smooth and silky in texture and one of the few multi-purpose skincare products I always reach for.
Nighttime Lip Masks
Treat your pout to an overnight lip mask. A mix of honey and olive oil can work wonders while you catch those Zs. Wake up with lips as soft as a marshmallow when you use any of these overnight treatments:
- Ilia Lip Wrap Overnight Treatment: This is the Lip Wrap Revival Balm counterpart and it permanently lives on my nightstand. This leaves my lips insanely soft and adds a quick hit of moisture when I need it the most. The tiny jar will last you much longer than you think. A little goes a long way with this overnight treatment and I can’t recommend it enough.
- Three Ships Buttercream Hydrating Lip Mask: This lip mask is perfect for those with ultra-dry lips. Key ingredients include hydrating coconut oil, sunflower oil, and shea butter to really lock in moisture and heal your skin from the inside out. The ingredients used in this lip mask are traceable and vegan-friendly!
- Beneath Your Mask Remedy Conditioning Lip Balm: This is a nourishing lip treatment for hydrated, soft lips, utilizing potent oils for dryness protection. You can apply it as a daily lip balm as well, but with its cream-style packaging and twist-off lid, it’s easier to apply before bedtime or after you treat yourself to an at-home spa day.
Related: How to Build Self Care Into Your Daily Routine
Must-Have Body Oils, Butters, and Lotions
I have to admit, I am usually not a big fan of lotions or butters. In the past, I’ve only found ones that have a greasy finish which is a big turn-off. However, I have become a major advocate for mixing body oils with butters or lotions to achieve enviable moisturizing benefits without having to rely on thick creams or lotions on their own.
This combination helps thin out the lotion or butter, making it easier to apply and allowing it to absorb quickly — leaving you with soft, hydrated skin with minimal product loss. This process is similar to when you add a facial serum to your moisturizer to skip a step after a long day without bypassing your standard skincare steps.
I also mix multiple body oils together for a perfect dual attack on my eczema flare-ups, ensuring that flaky skin is taken care of before it becomes a major issue. This is the ultimate tip to maximize skincare for dry winter skin.
Below are my body butter and lotion recommendations, then we’ll get into the covetable body oils I’ve used in the past and what I’m using now.
Body Butters and Lotions
- OSEA Undaria Algae™ Body Butter: For luxuriously hydrated skin that feels silky and nourished, meet the Undaria Algae™ Body Butter. This ultra-rich formula is packed with organic undaria seaweed, shea butter, and ceramides to deeply moisturize and strengthen your skin barrier. Ideal for dry skin, this body butter melts in without any greasy residue, leaving you with a healthy glow and long-lasting hydration. Treat your skin to a burst of ocean-inspired nourishment!
- OSEA Undaria Collagen Body Lotion: Achieve smooth, resilient skin with OSEA’s Undaria Collagen Body Lotion. Formulated with undaria seaweed, vegan collagen, and antioxidant-rich plant extracts, this lotion firms and plumps, helping to improve skin elasticity and texture. Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, it absorbs effortlessly, making it a perfect daily lotion for soft, radiant skin. Experience this ocean-derived skincare that leaves you feeling fresh and revitalized!
- OSEA Anti-Aging Body Balm: Turn back the clock on your skin with the OSEA Anti-Aging Body Balm. Infused with undaria seaweed, coconut oil, and acai berry, this rich balm boosts hydration and targets signs of aging, like fine lines and sagging. Its antioxidant-rich formula protects against environmental stressors while keeping your skin soft and supple. Perfect for an at-home spa ritual, this balm nourishes your skin and leaves a lasting, dewy glow you’ll love!
Body Oils to Buy Right Now
- OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil: I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve gone through four bottles of this. I also turned my mom onto this product and she’s gone through at least three since I initially introduced her to it. Since we’re loyal customers and mildly obsessed with this body oil, we were over the moon when we found out that they now sell a larger 9.6 fl oz bottle size which will last us a little longer and is absolutely worth the price.
- Primally Pure Blue Tansy Body Oil: This calming and nourishing body oil harnesses the power of nature to soothe both skin and senses. Rich in azulene, this oil boasts potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it perfect for reducing redness, irritation, and swelling while promoting smoother skin. Its natural anti-bacterial benefits support healing and repair, ideal for acne-prone skin and scars.
- Detox Mode Altogether Oil: This clean body oil includes jojoba, macadamia, and ginseng, which are known for their nourishing properties. The oil has a unique spray mist that helps evenly distribute a light amount, offering a mess-free, moisturizing experience
Winter Skincare and CBD: A Perfect Match for Irritated Skin
The first time I heard about CBD skincare, I was confused and hesitant. After doing some research, I jumped into the deep end and haven’t looked back.
Overall, I am a fan of CBD, especially for cold weather skincare routines. Once I was diagnosed with eczema, I knew that CBD skincare was next on my list since it has great anti-inflammatory properties that my angry skin would benefit from.
Here’s the quick and dirty version of why CBD is great in skincare: studies have shown that applying CBD topically to irritated skin can balance the oxidative stress that your skin is experiencing while also helping to trigger a boost in target genes within the body that support anti-inflammatory responses and reparative processes.
For those who are wondering, oxidative stress causes cell damage and can result in chronic inflammation. Inflammation in the body is ALWAYS a recipe for disaster. For me, most of my inflammation responses occur because of physical contact with an irritant but inflammation occurs all throughout the body for a litany list of reasons. It’s a part of life, but reducing inflammation is key!
My current winter skincare lineup includes Primally Pure’s Soothing CBD serum. This serum is an upgraded version of their existing Soothing Serum. I’ve already had a couple of flare-ups on my neck and face in response to a new sunscreen I bought and this serum has been helpful in managing that unexpected response to a new product.
If you’re itching to get your hands on high-quality CBD skincare products, check out Primally Pure here and CapriCBD here. Looking for quick hydrating face masks for winter? Make this DIY CBD Face Mask! Mix a few drops of CBD oil with honey and aloe vera gel for a DIY face mask. Apply, relax for 15 minutes, and rinse off. Your skin will thank you.
Winter Skincare Tips for Healthy Skin
1. Stay Hydrated: Winter air can be dehydrating which is why staying hydrated is the top winder skincare tip list. Guzzle that water like it’s your winter survival kit. If you’re like me, cold water on a cold day isn’t always the most appealing drink. I try to keep my hydration up by drinking a lot of tea! A nice warm cup in my hand with the toasty steam warming up my freezing cold nose is really nice and a blissful way to keep your fluid levels high.
2. Bundle Up: Protect your skin from the elements as much as you can. A cute scarf not only keeps you warm but also shields your face from biting winds, making it an easy winter skincare tip for girlies on the go. You can also opt for a jacket with a tall collar or a face shield, depending on the conditions. If you want another layer that doesn’t require more clothing, add a protective facial oil as your top layer of skincare before you go outside. I do this every time if I’m going for a run with Rocky or if the winds are crazy that day. It helps, I promise!
3. Sunscreen, Always: Don’t ditch the sunscreen just because it’s winter. The sun can still do damage, especially when reflecting off snow. Opt for a non-toxic, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 40 or higher. This goes for your lip balm too.
4. Get a Humidifier for Your Bedroom: This has helped me and Rocky tremendously! I definitely notice the difference in my skin and my sinuses when I sleep with the humidifier on versus when I sleep without it. You don’t have to get anything expensive, but if you have a hard time staying hydrated or just want a simple way to stay comfortable regardless of the weather, this tip is a must.
5. Take a Trip to the Sauna: This idea may seem out of the blue, but it’s been a critical element of my workout and skincare routine. It’s really hard for me to get a full-body sweat in when it’s under 40 degrees out. Whether its a HotWorx or red light sauna membership, a good sweat produces a naturally antimicrobial peptide called dermcidin, which helps to destroy harmful bacteria on the skin, minimizing the risk for infection, acne breakouts, and flare-ups in chronic skin conditions.
Things to Skip
1. Harsh Chemicals: Avoid skincare products with harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. Your skin deserves better. It also deserves some patience and extra attention as the temperatures drop since we’re all just trying to do our best to survive.
2. Over-exfoliation: It might be tempting, but resist the urge to over-exfoliate. Your skin needs some of those natural oils to brave the cold. I personally ditch the coarse exfoliators altogether and choose face masks to keep my skin feeling refreshed and renewed.
3. Hot Showers: As tempting as a hot shower might be, it can strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water to keep your skin happy. If you have to douse yourself in hot water, choose a warm bath with oatmeal powder or coconut cream to help lock in hydration before you even get out of the tub.
4. Harsh or Drying Cleansers: If you have acne-prone skin, choose an oil-based cleanser that’s formatted for your skin type to help avoid drying out your already irritated skin. It also could be beneficial to skip the daily acne treatments and opt for every other day or less, depending on what works well for your skin.
5. Gluten: If you’re already having an eczema flare-up, cutting out gluten is one of the most reliable ways to reduce how annoyingly hot and itchy your skin feels. Gluten is naturally inflammatory so an eczema flare-up + inflammatory foods = perpetuated disaster and discomfort. Kissing gluten goodbye is a critical step that I always take at the first sign of any flare-up (I still eat bread & pasta though).
How to Keep Skin Glowing in Winter
There you have it, your ultimate non-toxic winter skincare guide. Embrace the chill with confidence, and let your radiant skin be the talk of the winter town!
I hope this winter skincare guide helps you create your personalized cold-weather toolkit that leaves your skin feeling loved. By opting for ultra-hydrating, non-toxic skincare products, you can feel confident about what you’re putting on your skin — especially since your skin is your largest organ after all.
Pairing hydrating products with quality self-care practices, like drinking plenty of water and wearing sunscreen, you can avoid the annual battle with dry, flaky, irritated winter skin.
If you have a clean skincare product you love that is amazing for winter weather, let me know in the comments!
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