Winter Hair and Skincare Essentials
Eight products used to hydrate, nourish and protect during the colder months
All seasons require attention to skin and hair, but the winter months provide a certain type of duress. Colder air holds less moisture. Blasting indoor heat takes its toll. The results can be unsightly, more importantly they’re uncomfortable and could lead to long term damage. Prevention and maintenance are key (we hope you are slathering on the SPF every day of the year). Here are some of our favorite products that can provide nourishment in the winter months, many of which are applicable the whole year through.
Activator 7 Oil
Free from harmful additives, Sans Ceuticals’ products are small-batches from 100% naturally derived ingredients. Their three-in-one Activator 7 Oil ($43) is incredibly nourishing and can be used on the face, hair and body to stimulate cell repair and increase collagen production. With plenty of vitamin A, it helps to correct damaged skin thanks to anti-oxidants. Importantly, the ingredients are 100% biodegradable, the packaging is 100% recyclable and all ink used is made from vegetables—so it’s not just good for you, but also the environment.
Rejuvenate Restorative Facial Oil
Argan oil, chia seed, and rosehip oil are only some of the featured botanical ingredients in Naked + Thriving’s rejuvenate facial product ($72). Application of this gentle, 95% organic oil feels both light and nourishing. Active hydrating components do everything from hinder premature aging to enhance glow and reduce fine lines. It’s delicate enough for daily use, even on naturally oily skin.
Avocado + Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream
Made for dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin, pai’s Avocado + Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream ($55) is one of the richest moisturizers we’ve used. Leaving skin feeling extra soft and nourished without a greasy residue, this lotion utilizes avocado (rich in vitamins A, D and E) and jojoba, which is similar to the skin’s natural sebum. The result is silky, smooth skin that feels truly hydrated. Moreover, this is all achieved using no alcohol, parabens or artificial fragrances. Suitable for vegans, it’s also Certified Organic by the Soil Association.
Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm
Intensely rich and thick, Aesop’s Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm ($35) is made for parched skin. An application leaves skin feeling soft and supple, and ultimately nourished thanks to macadamia and sandalwood oils. The fragrance blends citrus and vanilla for a slightly creamsicle-like scent.
Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish
This cane sugar body polish can be used year ’round, but it’s invaluable during the winter. Gently exfoliating, REN’s Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish ($60) doesn’t leave skin feeling stripped or dry, rather it will feel silky smooth and nourished (thanks to olive and almond oils) and slightly rose-scented. The fragrance is 100% natural, and the dense scrub is also suitable for vegans—plus the brand never uses synthetic microbeads.
Walnut Hand + Foot Scrub
For a thorough and thoroughly refreshing exfoliation experience, NY-based Beau Brummell’s Walnut Hand + Foot Scrub ($28) delivers. Using pulverized walnut shell, pumice, oat flour and a variety of natural oils, the grainy powder removes dead skin and cleanses. It’s rough, but after months of testing we can attest to its ability to clean and enliven.
Keratin Recovery Treatment
Free of all kinds of harmful ingredients like alcohol, parabens, sulfate, pthalate, and sodium chloride, CONTEXT’s recovery treatment ($35) is full of organic proteins that protect and hydrate hair. Not only focusing on tresses, this product also nourishes the scalp—thanks to chamomilla, sage leaf and calendula extracts. Plus, white oak bark extract works as an anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant, which is especially helpful in the colder, dryer months.
Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment
Haircare line Reverie (founded by Santa Clarita, CA-based hairstylist Garrett Markenson) makes one of our favorite products: an anti-frizz leave-in nourishing treatment called MILK ($42). It’s a go-to whenever hair looks particularly frazzled and lifeless, transforming strands into soft, effortless locks. Plus, the featherweight formula (a blend of 16 essential oils that imparts a fresh, natural scent) makes it nearly impossible to accidentally overdo. The bonus is that all Reverie products are vegan and cruelty-free.
Hero image by Cool Hunting, all others courtesy of respective brands
