Winter Skincare
Unisex options to add to your arsenal to combat the cold, dry weather
When the cruel and punishing weather wreaks havoc on the skin, it comes time to brush the dust off your humidifier, load up on the fatty fish (and vitamin C) and of course, add some formidable ammunition to your skincare arsenal. Below are some options for any of the sexes that protect, repair and will (hopefully) keep you somewhat sane until the poppies start blooming again.
Byredo Hand Cream
This fall, Stockholm-based fragrance brand Byredo introduced hand creams in three of its most popular scents. The unisex Bal D’Afrique lotion, in a 30ml aluminum tube (resembling those that hold oil paint), turns the somewhat menial task of moisturizing the hands into a sensuous and exotic experience. Neroli, African marigold and Moroccan cedarwood are just some of the notes that energize and awaken. $39
Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Yu-Be’s Moisturizing Skin Cream is a miracle cream. The 1 fl oz tube slips easily into a purse or coat pocket, making it an all-purpose solution for combating dry skin on the go. The popular Japanese import’s secret is its uniquely high glycerin content, which hydrates and soothes pretty much any part of the body, from dry, cracking knuckles to chapped lips. It absorbs immediately without no greasy residue (particularly great for those pesky dry patches that appear on the face); results are so effective that we hardly ever re-applied. $16
Arcona Chamomile Balm
While redness and irritation is unavoidable when exposed to the outside elements, we’ve finally found a product that offers relief and results. LA-based Arcona’s Chamomile Balm is an anti-inflammatory formula that actually feels more like a super-light lotion than a thick cream. It alleviates redness, repairs capillary damage and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier with an ingredient list that is easily pronounceable; featuring blue chamomile oil, aloe, horse chestnut, licorice, white tea and more. As the chamomile balm works its same magic on sunburn, too, and even just as a light moisturizer, it makes a versatile, year-round product. $28
Sanitas Skincare Winter Survival Kit
The privately owned Sanitas Skincare (the latter meaning “good health” in Latin) formulates its paraben-, phthalate-, dye- and cruelty-free products in Boulder, Colorado, where they’re also manufactured and distributed. They’ve put together a Winter Survival Kit this season for those who eagerly seek the outdoors no matter how low the temperature drops. Together, Solar Block (an oil-free SPF 20 sunscreen gentle enough for babies), Vitaclude (a vitamin-enriched ointment) and Topical C (a rich moisturizer that accelerates healing) protect and treat too much sun and wind exposure. Though not included, Sanitas Skincare’s Papaya Pineapple Mask ($30) is also an effective winter regimen treatment, exfoliating dead skin with enzymes and accelerating skin tissue regeneration. The limited edition kit launches today, 1 December, and can be purchased at Skin Factor. $39
Graydon All Over Body Oil
Toronto-based line Graydon knows how to get through those Ontario winters, offering plant-based formulas that target sensitive and dry skin. And when lotion just won’t cut it, their All Over Body Oil multitasks as a moisturizer (most effective when applied post-shower), a facial cleanser, massage oil or even a shaving aid. This season, they’re also offering a four-piece Winter Detox + Renewal Kit, which makes a thoughtful gift if you have a particularly dry, scaly friend or family member in mind. $24
Dr Alkaitis Organic Night Crème
All ingredients that holistic skincare brand Dr Alkaitis uses are edible, resulting in biologically active products that don’t contain synthetics or GMOs. These living ingredients aren’t sourced from third-party suppliers but are made in-house in their California laboratory—even the herbal extracts. The potent aloe vera gel-based (opposed to water, which can dilute the formula) Organic Night Crème includes brier rose blossoms, jojoba and echinacea root on its impressive ingredient list. The nearly scentless whipped crème applies smoothly for almost instantaneous absorption. Over the course of a few weeks, we found ourselves using less and less of the product, as our skin’s condition improved and retained more moisture. $70
Lead image by Josh Rubin, all other images courtesy of respective brands
