Winter Skincare Essentials

I have a sensitive dry skin that’s prone to acne. It’s really difficult for me to find good products that work well with my face. I usually use skincare products from Shiseido, Skinceuticals, Tatcha, and Origins.

My skin also tends to become very dry during winter. It’s important for me to keep my face moisturized and hydrated.

Hydrators vs Moisturizers: What’s the difference?
Hydrators help infuse your cells with water and improve your face’s ability to absorb moisture and nutrients. They’re helpful for fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin.

Moisturizers lock and seal in moisture from the face. They’re helpful if your face is dry, flaking, and peeling.

Here are two products that I’ve been using this winter to help moisturize and hydrate my skin:

Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream
1.7oz (50mL) $70, Shiseido, Sephora
This moisturizer does not only help brighten dark spots and discoloration but it also helps moisturize dry skin. It’s in gel consistency so it doesn’t feel too thick. It also smells really good but not overpowering. However, this might be too fragrant for people with sensitive skin. I’ve been using this for over a year in all four seasons. For a thicker moisturizer, especially when you have dry patches on your face, I recommend Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream SPF 23 or Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Cream Enriched.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado & Glacier Water
2.5oz (70mL) $27, Origins, Sephora
I use this hydrating mask after I wash my face at night. A little goes a long way for this product. Note that this is not a thick opaque mask; it’s more of a gel consistency. The scent doesn’t really remind of avocados but it smells fruity. The scent could be overpowering for some people. However, it leaves my skin soft and moisturized all night until I wake up in the morning before washing my face with a gentle foam facial wash Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam.