Here’s Every Skincare Product Renée Uses In The Winter

Updated 12/08/21. Despite what some people might think, here in Texas, we get cold. Yes, ice and snow! Granted, it comes in short bursts and it’s not like my days of growing up in Minnesota and Boston where the cold lingers for months. Still, the heat is definitely cranked up in my house this time of year, so my skin is feeling more dehydrated than normal. It’s telling me it needs serious hydration and extra special care.

I used to be a Skin Type 2 (oily, combination, occasional breakouts, anti-aging), but ever since I turned 47, I’ve been a Skin Type 6 (normal, anti-aging). Your skin type won’t change from season to season, but it can change over the course of years (want to know your skin type? Take the Skin Type Quiz to find out!). I still make a few adjustments to my routine come winter, so I can be sure I’m caring for my skin in the best way possible. Keep reading to see my complete winter skincare routine from start to finish!

My Morning Skincare Routine in the Winter

Step 1: I Use a Sulfate-Free Cleanser

I love using the Mint Renewal Cleanser in the summer, but sometimes, in the winter, I want something a little milder, so I switch to the Moisture Protecting Cleanser. If I’m really tired, though, or I need a pick-me-up, I still go for the Mint Renewal Cleanser. The mint botanicals really wake me up and get me glowing in the morning. Plus, the gentle polishing beads target dullness and make my skin feel super soft.

Step 2: I Use an Alcohol-Free Toner

Throughout the year, I use the Energy Boosting Toner faithfully. In the winter though, I often switch to the Moisture Infusion Toner instead. It’s a serum-infused toner, which means it can deliver hydration deep into the skin. It’s the perfect product to use on dry winter skin.

Step 3: I Use an Antioxidant Serum

I always use the Vitamin C&E Treatment under my sunscreen for my daily dose of skin-brightening antioxidants. This also has ingredients in it that make the skin look really smooth under makeup. My aging skin loves it.

Step 4: I Apply Sunscreen to My Face and Neck

My favorite sunscreen has always been Weightless Protection SPF 30, as it has no white cast, dries to a matte finish, and is virtually undetectable under makeup. With broad-spectrum protection, it keeps your skin safe from both UVA and UVB rays. (Make sure you know how much sunscreen you should actually be applying every day.)

Step 5: I Dust on a Mineral Powder Foundation

I wear makeup every day, as it provides additional sun protection (you can read more about that, here). In the summer, I wear a mineral powder foundation, but in the winter, I wear a liquid foundation. Liquid foundation tends to be a bit more moisturizing, and my skin needs all the moisture it can get on cold, dry days.

My Evening Skincare Routine in the Winter

Step 1: I Use a Cleansing Lotion

The Vitamin-Infused Cleansing Emulsion is my go-to evening cleanser. It’s a cleansing lotion, so it can effectively remove the makeup and sunscreen that’s still on my skin from daytime. For any eye makeup I might be wearing, I use the Soothing Eye Makeup Remover. It’s oil-free and doesn’t sting my sensitive eyes at all.

Step 2: I Use an Alcohol-Free Toner

Once my cleansing step is complete, I reach for the Moisture Infusion Toner again. I always make sure to apply it within 60 seconds of cleansing and leave it damp before applying my next product (I call this the Golden Minute Rule, and it’s the easiest way to make sure your skin looks healthy and hydrated!).

Step 3: I Use a Treatment Serum

Nighttime is when your skin goes into rest and recovery mode. That’s why I always apply a high-quality treatment serum to my skin before moisturizer. Because I’m a Skin Type 6, I rotate between the treatment serums recommended for that skin type. I use the Pore + Wrinkle Perfecting Serum one night, the Firm + Repair Overnight Serum the next, and the Advanced Resurfacing Serum the night after that. Basically, I rotate through all three to make sure my skin is receiving everything it needs.

Step 4: I Use Moisturizer

The Hydraboost Rescue Creme is the moisturizer that’s recommended for Skin Type 6, but lately, I’ve been using something else—the Skin Recovery Lotion. It’s nice and soothing for dry winter skin and it provides me with just the right hydration. If I feel like my skin is really in need of moisture, I apply the Skin Recovery Lotion and then I’ll lock it in with the Pro Remedy Oil. (On that note, make sure you’re using your face oil correctly! So many people don’t.)

Step 5: I Apply Eye Cream

I’m a huge believer in eye creams so I never, ever go without one. I actually only use it at night, but you can certainly use it during the daytime, too. I always apply Total Eye Repair Creme to my eye area as the final step in my evening routine. It’s formulated with peptides and antioxidants to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay while also promoting skin elasticity.

Skincare Extras

I supplement my winter skincare routine by using Triple Berry Smoothing Peel a few times a month as well as the Mint Buffing Beads. I use these on my skin about twice a week in the morning. When I have extra time, I’ll use the Bio Calm Repair Masque afterward. It helps to soothe and cool my skin. I also love the Rapid Response Detox Masque. Even though I rarely break out anymore, it gives my skin some much-needed hydration.

As for in-office treatments, I go in once a year to get a skin cancer screening. I also get any skin growths or bumps removed via cryotherapy or electric cauterization. Aside from that, I have something called Poikiloderma, which is basically discoloration of the skin on the neck. It’s exacerbated in the summer months, so in the fall and winter, I’ll get a photo facial once a month for five months to address it.

So there you have it, my full winter skincare routine. Note: The skin is always changing. Whether it’s from season to season or climate to climate, the skin is constantly trying to adjust itself to keep it balanced and behaving well. It’s really important to adjust your skincare routine, especially when you can feel or see that your products aren’t working as well as they used to.

Next, find out how to fix eight annoying winter skin issues!