For us combination-skin humans, (shout-out one time for the combo skin squad), we drown in our own pool of oil during the summertime and in the winter time, we’re suffering from dry and flaky skin. We can never win (unless if it’s during Fall or Spring).

The cold air has hit Toronto and I’ve been experiencing some dry patches around the sides of my nose and some on my cheeks. Excluding the fact that I use very drying topicals for acne, my skin does get very dry underneath my makeup, making application very hard to do, especially with powder. It’s important that during this time of year, we must maintain the moisture in our skin. There may be “win” in winter, but we will not allow it to win against healthy and hydrated-looking skin!

With these 5 products, you’ll be able to treat dry winter skin.

FACIAL OILS

Face oils help with retaining your skin’s moisture and elasticity. It also provides a healthy glow to your skin. For me, I’ve been using the KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil, after receiving a few samples (bless that Sephora worker for giving me so many samples) of it. I’ve included the facial oil into my nighttime routine and I’ve also worn it under my foundation once when my skin had some dry patches. Throughout the whole day, my skin felt hydrated and nourished. There were no visible dry patches and it gave me a healthy glow.

HYALURONIC ACID

Hyaluronic Acid is actually already found in your skin. It naturally maintains hydration in your skin, resulting in healthy, hydrated and plump skin. You can include Hyaluronic Acid to your skincare routine during the time of year to help treat any dryness. I’ve used the Hyaluronic Acid serum from The Ordinary, which is only $6.50 CAD!

FACE CREAMS

Consistent application of moisturizers is key to treating dry skin. Everyone loves to skip cream application during their skincare routine, but it is such a vital step, even for those with oily skin. I’m currently using the MISSHA Super Aqua Ice Tear Cream. It is so lightweight, but it feels very hydrating upon application. It comes in a compact container, however, a little goes a long way. It’s become one of my favourite creams of all time!

SHEET MASKS

What can I say? I am a sheet mask FANATIC. I always have 10 masks on hand at all times. It is such an easy way to provide your skin with the necessary nutrients and hydration it needs without using a million different products. I always get my sheet masks from the Face Shop or any other Korean skincare stores.

EXFOLIATORS

The worst thing you can do with flaky dry patches is to pick on them and peel them off. I’ve recently come across an exfoliant that is not harsh or drying and I’ve mentioned it in one of my weekly favourites. The Sugar Face Polish Exfoliator by fresh is such a gentle exfoliant and leaves your skin soft and hydrated. Many exfoliators I’ve used in the past have done the job of buffing dry skin away, but the chemicals in it are so harsh that once my face dries after washing it, my skin tightens and it feels so dry. With this exfoliator in particular, I don’t experience that at all.