Hey everyone! I’m Trina Renea, your master esthetician from Los Angeles, and I’m thrilled to break down this special episode about Winter Beauty Secrets on Facially Conscious. Today, we do a deep dive into our best winter skincare tips, with input from my co-hosts: Dr. Vicki Rapaport, a Beverly Hills board-certified dermatologist, our resident skincare scientist Rebecca Gadberry, and our skincare-savvy consumer expert Julie Falls. We’re here to demystify the skincare aisle and arm you with tips that will keep your skin glowing, hydrated, and protected through the winter.
Why We Focus on Ingredients, Not Brands
First off, a quick note on why we keep things brand-neutral on the podcast. Talking about specific brands can compromise the credibility of our recommendations, so instead, we dive into ingredients. On Facially Conscious, our goal is to give you trustworthy, actionable advice, breaking down the science behind skincare without promoting any particular product.
Protecting Lips and the “Slugging” Method
Rebecca’s winter focus: her lips! Lips lack the protective outer skin layer, the stratum corneum, which makes them more susceptible to dryness. Rebecca’s solution? She uses a rich lip balm at night and even applies her eye cream on her lips for extra hydration. Another tip that’s a game-changer for both her and me is “slugging.” For those unfamiliar, slugging involves applying a hydrating serum, like hyaluronic acid, then sealing it with a heavy, occlusive moisturizer or balm to lock in moisture.
Rebecca loves layering multiple hyaluronic acids with beta-glucan — a molecule from oats and baker’s yeast. After that, she slathers on a thick moisturizer as a final seal. This barrier cream helps protect her skin from harsh winter weather, especially when she’s traveling.
Winter SPF? Absolutely!
Winter or summer, Rebecca never skips SPF 50 to protect against blue light emitted by screens and infrared light from indoor heating. According to her, infrared heat can deplete collagen, leading to faster skin aging. So, yes, wearing sunscreen indoors — even in the evening — is part of her routine. Plus, turning on “Night Shift” or “Blue Light Filter” mode on devices can cut down on HEV exposure.
Moisture Tips for Winter Skin
I find winter’s dry air often leads to dehydration and even irritation from indoor heating. My go-to tip: keep your current moisturizer but enhance it with a hydrating serum or face oil. Adding hyaluronic acid and layering with an oil before applying your moisturizer can make a huge difference. Using a humidifier at night, especially close to your bed, keeps the skin hydrated, reducing the need for extra-rich products. These easy swaps help keep my skin comfortable without needing a total product overhaul.
Julie’s Cold Shower Trick
Julie shared her “cool” approach to skincare: ending showers with a blast of cold water! Not only does this help reduce inflammation, but cold water on the face gives an instant glow. I love that cold therapy stimulates oxytocin, our “feel-good” hormone, too! If you can handle it, a cold splash after a warm shower can perk up tired skin and add a dewy touch.
Oil Cleansers: Dr. Vicki’s Winter Skincare Mantra
When Dr. Vicki shared her favorite winter routine, I was surprised none of us mentioned oil cleansers first. They’re truly a game-changer. Oil cleansers work wonders, especially in winter, to remove makeup and impurities without stripping away natural oils. Vicki’s go-to oil cleanser is packed with nourishing oils like safflower, olive, jojoba, and a blend of essential oils that make the process smell incredible. She uses it on dry skin, rubbing it in like a mini meditation session, and rinses it off to reveal perfectly clean and hydrated skin.
Rebecca’s Post-Shower Winter Hack
Rebecca’s post-shower routine is inspired! After showering, instead of completely drying off, she lightly pats herself with a towel, keeping her skin slightly damp. Then, she applies a rich, lipid-based oil to seal in the water on her skin. This is essentially body slugging, and it’s genius — her skin stays soft, even in dry winter air. She recommends this post-shower routine morning or night to help skin feel moisturized without heavy creams.
How Less Can Be More
Julie’s winter skincare philosophy is all about doing less. She doesn’t go overboard with products. Instead, she gauges what her skin needs daily, adjusting for dryness or any flare-ups in her rosacea. On most days, she sticks with water-only cleansing in the morning, a gentle moisturizer, peptides, and always sunscreen. And, she limits deep cleansing to avoid stripping her skin’s barrier. I love this approach because, as we always say, less is often more when it comes to skincare.
DIY Slugging for Dry Skin
For our grand finale, let’s talk about DIY slugging. Slugging is an easy, cost-effective way to supercharge your winter skincare. My advice for clients? Don’t slug every night — that could overwhelm the skin. Instead, try slugging when your skin feels particularly dry or irritated. Apply a thick, occlusive layer over your usual nighttime routine and let it work overnight.
Slugging with petrolatum-based products (think Aquaphor) can be incredibly effective, but you have to be cautious around areas prone to milia, like the under-eye. Milia, or tiny white bumps, can occur if too much of the occlusive product gets too close to the eye area. Dr. Vicki mentioned slugging as a great option for most but advised against it for acne-prone clients, who may benefit more from a lighter moisturizer.
When to Ask Your Esthetician
We wrapped up with a listener question about “skin purging” after a facial. Skin purging happens when products cause clogged pores to surface quickly. Although purging doesn’t happen to everyone, it’s pretty common after deep treatments or facials with extractions. If you ever have questions after a facial, don’t hesitate to ask! As an esthetician, I’m here to explain every step — from which products might trigger a purge to how to care for your skin post-treatment. I am also happy to discuss your concerns with you. You can always reach out to me for a complimentary consultation at Esthetic Concierge.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for joining me and the Facially Conscious team for these winter skincare tips! Remember, staying hydrated and protected is key. Adjusting your routine with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, oils, and a touch of slugging can make all the difference in keeping your skin radiant during the colder months. Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. Small adjustments and consistent protection go a long way. If you’re interested in any of our specific product recommendations, check out our exclusive Patreon page. Until next time, stay hydrated and stay glowing!
