My Conscious Winter Skincare Routine For 2024
It's cold season! Scarfs, warm coats, extra layers, and more curated skincare. Come find out what my conscious winter skincare essentials for 2024 are.
Winter began around October last year - at least for me! Temperatures in Madrid (where I am currently based) went from over 30ºC to 10ºC overnight, which was a little drastic for me.
Despite living here for over six years, my body is still used to milder temperatures. Also, the same temperature usually feels colder here than in Lisbon (where I am originally from). Does the same thing happen to you?
As cold tends to make my skin more sensitive, this year, I am relying on some skincare that has been my go-to for years and some new bits.
Disclaimer: Although this article mentions plenty of Kiehl's products, I purchased them with my own money during Kiehl's Friends & Family discount sale, which, despite the discount, was still a lot of money (at least for me).
Without further ado, this is my conscious winter skincare routine for 2024.
Cleanser
First, a skincare routine can't start without cleaning your face - as a gesture of prepping it for what comes next.
I usually use formulas that properly clean my skin without depriving it of moisture. I've been using CeraVe's Foaming Cleanser for over a year now. Besides enjoying the formula, it's available in different sizes for an affordable price.
Lately, I've been using Fenty Skin's Total Cleans'r. I took it with me on a recent trip back home, so I've been incorporating it into my skincare routine to prevent the formula from going rancid. Despite being a travel-sized cleanser, it comes with so much product that I can only finish it after winter.
Makeup Removal Balm
I’ve noticed a big difference in my skin when I started using cleansing balms daily, even when I am not wearing makeup.
Here’s why: I use sunscreen daily and re-apply it several times. So, by the end of the day, there’s a lot of grime on my skin that cannot be removed using only a simple cleanser.
Regarding cleansing balms, the one from Drunk Elephant has been my go-to ever since I tried it. I love that it has a very neutral scent and how effective it is. The only problem? Well, the price.
Toner
A toner's function is to prepare your skin for all the other products you'll apply next.
While I might skip it during the summer months, it plays a huge role in my skin's condition during the colder ones.
Regarding face toners, Kiehl's Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner has been the one I've used the most for many years, and I always go back to it after using other products.
Why? It has a soothing effect on my skin, which feels excellent, especially during my evening skincare routine - as my skin is sensitive because of the cold.
Eye Cream
I dare say that Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment is the best eye cream I have tried. Yes, I know there are plenty more products out there, and I’ll probably find something that works even best for me, but for now… this is it!
Despite being a dense cream, it absorbs quickly, nourishing and hydrating my eye area. I love the fact that it works perfectly with my concealers.
Is it pricey? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely! What do I love the most about it? Despite its dense and rich texture, it does its job perfectly and hasn’t created any milia in my under-eye area.
Serum
Even though serums have been part of my skincare routine for a few years, something game-changing happened this year: using a pre-serum followed by a standard serum.
After getting my skin needs checked, I’ve been introduced to this by a Kiehl’s SA. It turns out I had a weak skin barrier, and as winter was approaching, it was essential to tweak my skincare routine to reinforce it.
So, during winter 2024, I’ll be pairing Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum and Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. Since I started using this combo, my skin has never looked this good in my adult years.
Both products are pretty pricey (at least for my budget), so I only get these when there’s a Kiehl’s Friends & Family discount.
Occasionally, I’ll swap my second serum for The Ordinary’s Soothing & Barrier Support Serum in the evening. It’s the pink one they’ve released just a couple of years ago. I only use it in the evening (about once a week) because I don’t feel the formula goes well with my other skincare products, and my makeup would be worse.
Moisturizer
Regarding moisturizers, I prefer gel formulas that are easily absorbed by managing to get my skin hydrated simultaneously.
I knew I needed to try Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Soft Cream the moment they announced it in a newsletter, and it turns out it was one of the best products I’ve tried in 2023. It has a light texture and helps fight some age-related signs on my skin.
Some things that bothered me were the loss of elasticity, texture, and uneven tone. My skin has looked way better since using this combination with my serum. So, this will be one of my main conscious skincare products for winter 2024.
As some might know, I am a big fan of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream for the colder months. It gives my skin the moisture it needs, no matter how cold it is outside. So, I have a small jar that I’ll use whenever I need extra moisture.
Sunscreen
OK, no surprises here! Suntique’s I’m Aqua Sun Essence has been my holy grail for a few years regarding sunscreen.
I love its light-watery texture. It’s super easy to apply all over my face without leaving that greasy sensation that is so common on sunscreen formulas. Plus, it works wonderfully under my foundation.
I’ve re-purchased their stick version to re-apply on the go, especially when the sun is intense (even though it’s -1ºC outside).
Face Mask
Because I have combination skin, I must apply a clay face mask once or twice weekly to remove dirt and deeply cleanse my pores.
My makeup will only look better throughout the week if I do this.
Despite having tried other clay face masks, I always return to Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask.
Why? Because, until now, it was the one that got a better job cleaning my pores.
Given the price, I usually purchase a big jar during Kiehl's Friends & Family. The jar generally lasts for a year, which is okay!
And for that time of the month…
After suffering from severe acne for many years, my skin looks way clearer now. However, when I am about to have my period, I get a zit here and there.
So, this winter, I’ll use Erborian’s Centella SOS Patch to target any random zits that might appear. It creates a sort of transparent “second-skin patch” in the area to prevent it from worsening due to pollution or makeup.
What about you? What are your skincare essentials for winter 2024?
