Is it just us, or is Fall turning into Winter faster than we’d like? As the temperatures drop and we crank up the heaters, our skin can often feel the negative side effects too but with Current State, we’ve got you covered. The winter season can be a tough time for your skin so let’s make sure you’re stocked up on all the skincare essentials and know-how needed to keep you looking and feeling your best in time for the holidays! Moisture and hydration, anyone? Moisture vs. Hydration: What's the Difference? Before we dive into winter prep, let's get our basics right. Moisture and hydration are often used interchangeably, but they're two different superheroes in your skincare squad. Moisture is all about locking in the oils in your skin. It's like putting on a cozy blanket or that favorite sweater to shield your skin from the harsh winds and conditions. Moisturizers, serums, and creams containing ingredients like Amino Acids, Vitamin E or Botanical Oils (Marula & Sunflower are a couple of our faves) do wonders here. They help prevent water loss from your skin, keeping it plump, soft and supported. Hydration, on the other hand, is all about that inner glow. It's like drinking a tall glass of water, but for your skin. Hydrating products contain water-binding ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and Aloe Vera, which quench your skin's thirst, making it look and feel juicy and radiant. Just remember, to keep your skin barrier functioning at its best, you need both in your daily routine! Prep Steps for Winter Wonder Skin 1. Gentle Cleansing Swap those harsh cleansers (which you shouldn’t be using anyways!) for a milder, hydrating cleanser or nourishing oil/balm cleanser depending on what your skin needs that day. Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it parched and more susceptible to damage. Feeling extra-dry? Go for Sunflower + Oat Melting Cleansing Balm Oily? Salicylic Acid + Green Tea Exfoliating Cleanser is a must Somewhere in between? Try Strawberry + Probiotic Balancing Gel Cleanser 2. Hydrating Serums Introduce a hydrating serum into your daily routine. Look for products containing Hyaluronic Acid, which can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water! This will keep your skin plump and radiant. We recommend Hyaluronic + Arnica Hydrating Serum (which as an added bonus, keeps skin cool, calm & collected). 3. Load Up on Antioxidants Antioxidants are your skin’s best friend when it comes to keeping your skin barrier at peak performance and do wonders for maintaining moisture balance & easing irritability during months. Plus, choosing one with Vitamin C keeps your summer glow and keeps dull, lackluster complexions at bay. We recommend Vitamin C + Super Greens Brightening Serum 4. Moisurize Like a Pro Choose a moisturizer that's richer and heavier than your summer one if that’s what your skin will love most that day. This is the season to load up on products with ingredients like Fatty Acids which don’t just nourish but can help with overall skin strength and resilience. Need something lighter weight? That’s OK too! As long as you’re packing on the moisturizing ingredients, choose a texture that fits your skin’s current state! For ultra-rich moisture try Bamboo + Amino Mega Moisture Cream For something lighter that still packs a punch, go for Aloe + Algae Lightweight Gel Cream 5. Don't Skip Sunscreen EVER. Sunscreen isn't just for summer. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still reach your skin and deplete essential moisture & hydration. So, keep applying that SPF to protect your skin from damage. Bonus points if it’s rich in antioxidants which keep your barrier at peak performance. 6. Focus on Overnight Repair Catching some ZZZs equates to your skin’s time to recover from stress & damage. Try an active treatment like Retinol or AHAs that’s balanced with nourishing ingredients like Botanical Oils and Phospholipids to never lose sight of your goals: moisture & skin health! Our glow-to? Retinol + Marula Renewing Serum And most importantly… Stay Hydrated! Don't forget the importance of drinking water. Your skin's hydration also depends on what you put inside your body. Sip, sip, and glow! At Current State, it’s our mission to remind you that everyone's skin is different, so it's essential to find the right products and routine that work for you. It’s 100% OK if those change daily so feel free to experiment, but don't forget to focus on what feels right for you and your skin. Show Winter who’s boss this season and get ready to flaunt that nourished glow. What are your favorite ways to stay glowing all Winter long? Share your favorite Skintuitive tips & recommendations on Instagram or TikTok and tag us @currentstateofbeauty
