Healthy skin does so much more than keep you looking good. After all, being the body’s largest organ comes with some big shoes to fill. Namely, protecting your entire being, regulating temperature, detecting infections, and producing Vitamin D. No big deal.
Since winter can be particularly harsh on your skin, we reached out to TAMMIRA Personalizer and Valor Skincare founder, Susie Grace to learn more about how to give our skin the love and care it deserves during these colder, drier months.
TAMMIRA
First thing’s first, we’ve gotta ask—what’s your holy grail skincare product for winter?
SUSIE GRACE
I have dry skin, so I use squalene oil on my face after cleansing and before putting on moisturizer. It’s non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores), packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and absorbs very well into the skin. I use it on my whole body and face after showering.
TAMMIRA
There are so many different kinds of oils out there! Any other favorites, or ones to avoid?
SUSIE GRACE
Oils are amazing. The trick is choosing the correct one for your needs and skin type. Here are a few that I highly recommend:
Pomegranate Seed Oil
Comedogenic Rating 0-1: Heavy (great for winter), yet still absorbs well. Very nourishing, with several vitamins and minerals.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil
Comedogenic Rating 1: Super fast absorption, high amount of UV antioxidants, and very sustainably grown.
Cucumber Seed Oil
Comedogenic Rating 0: Soothing, cooling, and absorbs well. A huge help for dry, wind-burned, or sunburned skin.
Ones to stay away from?
Red Palm OilComedogenic Rating 4: Not sustainably sourced and may clog your pores.
TAMMIRA
How should we be adjusting our skincare regimens for winter?
SUSIE GRACE
Drink warm liquids. It’s a game-changer. Warm tea, water, and turmeric golden milk help your skin wonders. On the topic of hot water—try not to shower too hot. It dries out your hair and skin. Lukewarm showers are best, with a little cold water at the end for extra points.
For products, use a very gentle cleanser and skip the toner if it’s at all drying. Look for moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, rose water, or glycerin, to name a few. If any alcohol or astringents are used, make sure they’re at the bottom of the ingredients list. Toners, if they are especially high in alcohol and astringents, strip the skin of natural oils and can be too drying for winter.
Lastly, layer with a serum, moisturizer, and balm to help you stay moisturized and hydrated during the colder, drier months.
TAMMIRA
Order is key. What’s your routine?
SUSIE GRACE
Cleanse, exfoliate, serum, moisturizer, then balm. Apply lightweight, hydrating products first. This will hydrate then lock it all in for your whole day.
TAMMIRA
What forms of exfoliation do you find most effective?
SUSIE GRACE
AHA Acids (lactic, citric, or glycolic) help get dirt and funk out of your pores.
Mechanical exfoliation (dermaplane, dermabrasion, etc.) helps remove dirt and dead skin cells. But tools with sharp or rough edges can create small tears in the skin’s surface. It’s best to start with gentle, rounded tools. It’s a one-two punch, and combining AHAs and mechanical exfoliation is a great way to keep your skin glowing.
Scrubs are for feet and coarse skin. Try gentle exfoliation a few times before resorting to facial scrubs. The same goes for lips!
TAMMIRA
Speaking of which—any advice for avoiding chapped and cracked lips?
SUSIE GRACE
First, don’t lick or peel your lips when they’re dry. This causes more damage and only adds more to heal.
Next, avoid petroleum and/or mineral oil. They’re drying.
Another thing to be on the lookout for is SPF in your lip products. We tend to forget that lips are skin, too. A light sunscreen is beneficial to have in your chapstick or balm.
TAMMIRA
When it comes to skincare, what do you splurge on?
SUSIE GRACE
Organic ingredients. The synthetic ingredients in most products are very inexpensive and might be a temporary fix, but we don’t really know what prolonged daily use does to our skin and bodies. I say splurge on yourself and your overall health. Splurge on knowing and trusting what you’re putting on your skin every single day.
I really recommend getting to know your ingredients. Spend some time researching what something is and does. It’s empowering to know that you’re taking care of yourself with beneficial products. Also, the label and marketing doesn’t always match the quality of ingredients, so it’s important to be informed.
TAMMIRA
OK, one last question. What’s the latest product or trend you can’t get enough of? SUSIE GRACE
I’m very into soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant ingredients. Calendula, comfrey… Also stoked about high-quality products in sustainable packaging.
Many thanks to Susie for answering our winter skincare woes!
Looking to uncover the mystery behind your own skincare regimen?
Book a private session with Susie on TAMMIRA (@susie_grace) for personalized insight into making the most of your skincare routine.
PS. Don’t forget to check out Susie’s skincare line, Valor Skincare.
Valor Skincare is committed to using only nature’s superstar ingredients that will benefit your skin’s health, and to offer them in the most sustainable packaging. They’re on a mission to help people take care of themselves and our beautiful Earth.
