THE WINTER SKINCARE ROUTINE THAT’S TOTALLY CHANGED MY SKIN

I have dry, oily, and sensitive skin, and my face is often red and irritated. The winter dryness only makes it worse, which is why I scheduled a dermatology appointment last month. My dermatologist told me that I had been overdoing it with harsh creams, acids, and serums, and advised me to simplify and soften my skincare routine. Each product I now use is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and free from parabens, dyes, alcohol, and phthalates. They’re all formulated with prebiotic oat, an antioxidant that helps soothe skin and nourish the moisture barrier. The results have been amazing, and my skin has never felt so calm.

If you struggle with sensitive skin, keep reading for my new winter skincare routine! It’s just five simple steps, and trust me, you’ll never settle for irritated skin again.

When my dermatologist recommended simplifying my skincare routine, I knew I had to make some serious changes. I went from about ten steps (depending on the time of day) to just four core steps, plus SPF in the morning. Here’s my new routine:

PRE-CLEANSE

My skin is dry, oily, sensitive, and prone to breakouts. So, I start by pulling my hair back and massaging a gentle cleanser onto my dry face. This step helps remove makeup, sunscreen, and any daily buildup like dirt and grime.

MOISTURIZING OATMEAL CLEANSER

Next, I wet my face with warm (not hot!) water, and use a gentle moisturizing oatmeal cleanser. This cleanser hydrates while it cleanses, leaving my skin feeling soft and nourished. I massage 1-2 pumps into my skin in circular motions for about a minute, then pat my face dry.

TRIPLE OAT SERUM

Once my face is dry, I apply 3-4 drops of a serum formulated with a Triple Oat Complex (oatmeal, oat extract, and oat oil). This serum instantly makes my skin feel smoother and more hydrated after just one use. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Plus, the dropper makes it easy to dispense just the right amount—no more wasted product!

OAT GEL MOISTURIZER

After the serum has dried, I apply a generous amount of an oat gel moisturizer to my face and neck, massaging it in with upward and outward motions. This moisturizer is formulated with prebiotic oat, which soothes sensitive skin and helps repair the moisture barrier. As someone with combination oily skin, I appreciate that it’s a lightweight gel that absorbs easily, leaving my skin hydrated without feeling greasy.

SPF

Lastly, I finish my routine with a daily sunscreen that has SPF 30. Both my mom and my dermatologist would be disappointed if I didn’t mention this step—sun damage can seriously harm your skin, even on cloudy days. I make sure to apply sunscreen every morning, even if I’m staying indoors, to protect my skin from sunburn and the harmful effects of pollution and blue light.

And that’s it! This simple, winter-friendly skincare routine has completely transformed my sensitive skin. If you’re looking for gentle products that nourish without irritation, you can find everything I use at Target or on Target.com.

Thanks so much for reading!

MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

A solid skincare routine is essential for maintaining the health of your largest organ—your skin. While we focus on regenerating and addressing skin concerns overnight, our morning skincare regimen is equally crucial. It’s all about protecting and preserving our skin from harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants. As someone with extremely sensitive skin, I’d like to share some of my favorite products and my quick morning skincare routine. A successful beauty routine doesn’t need to be complicated; in fact, the more complex it is, the less likely we are to stick to it. My entire routine takes less than 2 minutes each morning!

Cleanse

I tackle heavy-duty cleansing at night to remove makeup and environmental pollutants. In the morning, because my skin is very sensitive and I have rosacea, I keep it simple with just a little micellar water on a cotton pad for a quick refresh.

Hydrate 

I switch up my moisturizer with the changing seasons. As we transition into the colder months, I opt for a heavier moisturizer to combat the harsher conditions. I’ve found great affordable options for sensitive skin, like Trader Joe’s Nourish Moisturizer, Clinique Moisture Surge, and CeraVe Moisturizer. Additionally, I apply a light eye cream to prep my makeup; my favorite is Juice Beauty Smoothing Eye Concentrate. It’s lightweight yet incredibly hydrating and filled with organic ingredients.

Protect

Next, I mix a few drops of my favorite Vitamin C serum with my sunscreen. Currently, I’m trying out Avène Eau Thermale Sunscreen and will report back on it, but I’m really liking it so far. Combining sunscreen with antioxidants enhances its effectiveness, and that’s why I love the pairing of Skinceuticals C E Ferulic serum and EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40. I also appreciate that the EltaMD contains hyaluronic acid, which is one of my favorite ingredients. It’s fantastic for mature skin and helps plump it up.

I wear at least SPF 30 every day of the year and encourage my clients to do the same. The Skinceuticals Vitamin C serum is on the pricier side, but it’s truly worth it. You’ll notice a remarkable difference in your skin—it brightens, firms, and reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and overall clarity. For a more budget-friendly option, I recommend Drunk Elephant C Firma Day serum. At $80, it’s not cheap, but it’s about half the price of the Skinceuticals version.

That’s it! I then apply my makeup in 5 minutes or less and I’m out the door.