Few things embody the utter joy of a glowy, hydrated complexion. After all, it’s the ultimate canvas—allowing for vibrant self expression whether you choose to wear makeup, or not. But at this time of year, with indoor heat, high winds, and inclement weather, it can be a challenge to stay on top of flaky patches and dry, itchy bits, even with the best of intentions. Upping your fluid intake at the first signs of dryness will always prove helpful (as will the inclusion of healthy dietary fats from the likes of walnuts and avocados), but both can only go so far if your daily skincare regimen is ill-fit to deal with the tolls of the season.
Luckily, it’s never too late to hone your routine—swapping out products that no longer serve a purpose for a small number of moisture-boosting and barrier-protecting ones—to ensure year-round radiant skin. Below, Youth To The People’s Senior Education Executive, Jacob Tomás del Rosario, singles out four all-star products to help you keep skin hydrated all day, alongside a handy template for how to use them. Together, they’re everything you need to tackle severe dryness and prevent it from happening again.
PREP YOUR FACE
“Choosing the right cleanser is probably the most vital, and the most often overlooked, step in skincare,” explains del Rosario. “It sets your skin up for success, allowing for the full force of any subsequent products to take effect.” He recommends the super gentle Superfood Cleanser, which can melt away a full face of makeup, and is suitable for even the most sensitive and dehydrated of complexions.
SPRAY IT ON
To maximize moisture levels, del Rosario reaches for this soothing mist, the Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist after cleansing—and continues to spritz it on liberally as needed throughout the day.
“What I love most about it is that it can be used in conjunction with a serum, or anywhere else in your routine,” he says. “It takes away visible signs of dehydration with lots of beautiful, bio-available emollients, creating a clear pathway for absorption. It’s like picking up a spill with a wet sponge versus a dry sponge.”
SWITCH TO A CREAM MOISTURIZER
Before your mist has a chance to dry, you’ll want to massage in a pea-sized amount of this pillowy, shea-butter packed Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream.
“It contains ashwagandha, fermented reishi, jojoba oil, squalane, and shea butter to instantly help calm visible symptoms of dryness and chronic irritation, including flakiness, crepiness, and general redness,” says del Rosario.
DOUBLE UP WITH OIL
Using a cream and an oil is common sense if you’re serious about packing your skin chock full of hydration.
“Yes, you should be applying the moisturizer and this antioxidant-packed oil,” says del Rosario. He’s talking about the Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil, and he adds that the oil is “goof-proof” thanks to its versatile nature: “It can really do no wrong. Use it as a booster with your cream, or warm a few drops in your hand and gently press it into the skin whenever your makeup needs a refresh.”
CHILL OUT
Del Rosario’s last step has nothing to do with a product, but it is of utmost importance if you’re following his radiance regimen. As tempting as it is to blast a hot shower on chilly days, it’s a categorical no for your skin, he warns.
“Speak to any skin professional and they all will say the same thing—take tepid or cold showers if you want to avoid skin tightness and further dehydration.”
