Your skincare regimen can be highly effective without needing dozens of products.. You want fewer steps using well-formulated products with fewer total ingredients. Use only what your skin needs. Too many products is often counterproductive, causing irritation and allergy leading to premature aging of the skin.

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar possesses amazing natural healing and soothing properties.

Mix raw apple cider vinegar and filtered, distilled or bottled water in these proportions:
For sensitive skin: 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water
For normal/dry skin: 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water
For oily skin: 1 part vinegar with 1 part water

Mix the ingredients together, and store in a glass or plastic bottle with sprayer. There is no need to refrigerate the toner, as the vinegar makes it shelf-stable. Mist onto cleansed skin before applying moisturizer, or spray on skin to freshen throughout the day.

Do use lotion, even when your skin doesn't feel dry. Apply moisturizer onto damp skin to help lock in water before it evaporates.

Don't use too much. Quality moisturizers are highly concentrated and designed to be effective without a thick layer. If you use too much, it's more likely to sit on the surface of your skin, occlude the surface and potentially trigger breakouts.

​Do look for products that match your skin type. While there are common allergens that are present in many lotions, look for those free of parabens, fragrances and aloe that can irritate sensitive skin or allergies.

Use a humidifier. The indoor climate becomes considerably drier in the winter months when the heater runs regularly. Using a humidifier can help restore a level of humidity that's better for your skin. Aim for humidity levels in the range of 35-50%.

​Use body lotion. Your skin naturally loses moisture throughout the day through evaporation, but you can help trap the hydration you add from bathing by adding a layer of quality lotion.

Shea butter, one of the most bioactive emollients found in skincare, is derived from shea nuts and comprised primarily of triglycerides, fats that also occur naturally in human sebum. When applied to the skin, these triglycerides sink into the gaps between dead skin cells, where they combat dryness by acting as softening emollients and keeping moisture in the skin.

One of the most unique things about shea butter is its ability to visibly soothe facial redness and neutralize the oxidation caused by external irritants, a leading cause of visible skin aging.

​Look for shea butter in moisturizers to keep your skin soft & soothed this winter.

Protect skin. Exposure to harsh weather can quickly dry and chap your skin, so any time you'll be outdoors, especially for extended periods of time, be sure to cover up exposed areas. Keep an extra set of gloves and a scarf in your vehicle so you're prepared for unexpected time outdoors, whether from an accident or impromptu stop at a local park for some fresh air and exercise.

​Wear sunscreen. Winter sun rays are just as strong as summer rays, even if you don't feel their heat quite as much. In fact, snow burns that result from sun reflecting off the snow can be even more dangerous than regular sunburns. Protect your skin from burning and drying out by using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 any time you venture outdoors.

One of the most important lipid categories that make up human sebum is ceramides. Ceramides are naturally able to fill in the gaps between the skin cells and are a critical component in keeping the skin strong & moisturized.

Over time, ceramide levels in the skin become depleted, leading to dryness and dehydration. This lack of moisture in the skin makes it look saggy and tired and emphasizes wrinkles. Low levels of ceramides can lead to a variety of inflammatory skin conditions, which lead to redness and irritation as well as long-term damage.

​Look for ceramides in moisturizers to keep your skin soft & supple this winter.

1. Some skin issues affect people of color more frequently
Although hyperpigmentation issues can affect anyone, people of color are more likely to develop them. Two of the most common pigmentation-related concerns are melasma, a condition that causes patches of brown skin and is commonly related to hormonal shifts, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which causes dark spots to appear after an inflammatory event, such as eczema or acne. Those who already have more melanin in their skin (i.e. Black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, etc.) are more likely to develop hyperpigmentation after an inflammatory issue. Although these pigmentation issues can be stubborn, they can be lightened through topical treatments and/or chemical peels.

2. Wear sunscreen
A common skincare misconception is that having darker skin is sufficient protection against the damage of UV rays. But even people with darker skin need sunscreen to prevent sunburns and skin cancer. Although people of color are less likely to develop melanoma, they are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage. Sunscreen is the essential first line of defense against sun damage, which can occur even if you don’t get a burn. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure to get one with broad-spectrum protection and at least SPF 30.