If the current blizzard in NYC and other various weather patterns around the country haven’t confirmed it, we’re still very much in the thick of winter. And my skin is feeling it.
To be fair, my skin is always on the dry side. But this year it’s been particularly so, to the point that it’s patchy and red—and breaking out, too. Maybe it’s aging, or perhaps because I’ve trying too many new products—a hazard of the job, and something I usually try not to do. (It’s not my fault: There have been a lot of fun new launches and I got excited! I’ll get to them.) Anyway, my skin paid the price and I’ve spent the last several weeks getting back on track.
The remedy: going back to my tried-and-trues for a while. I just got an annoying zit on the corner of my mouth, easily one of the top three worst spots—but overall things are in far better shape than it was, so I wanted to share what I used to get back there.
Before I get into it, here’s a rundown of my skin for comparison:
Age: 35
Skin tone: fair
Skin type: dry/combination
Main concerns: dryness, redness, acne/irritation, fine lines
Cleansers
Dr. Idriss Soft Wash
Just a really nice, gentle cleanser that leaves skin soft and not tight. It’s been my daily go-to lately.
Good Light Strawberry Moon Cleansing Balm
When I have makeup on, I’ll use this cleansing balm instead; I love the twist up packaging and it doesn’t break me out or irritate my eyes—surprising because it has a fairly strong (but nice!) scent of fresh strawberries. [Ed. note: I just saw TODAY via Allure that Good Light founder David Yi is shuttering the brand; devastating! Pick up this cleansing balm + the rest of the line while you can.]
Treatments & Serums
Mara Clear Skin Mineral Milk
I’m low-key obsessed with this product for those of us dealing with breakouts and dry skin at the same time. It’s made with 2% salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and niacinamide (for those breakouts), but it also has a creamy, moisturizing texture that leaves skin SO plump and glowing. In non-winter months, I can skip the moisturizer on top.
Aestura Atobarrior 365 Cream Mist
I’m a big face mist gal, and I swapped from watery versions to this K-Beauty cream mist to help with dryness. I really think it’s made a difference! Some people say it’s a dupe for the perpetually sold out Rhode Glazing Mist—which I haven’t tried—and while their ingredient lists aren’t identical they are probably somewhat similar in execution.
Sweet Chemistry Barrier Repairing Hydro Serum
I wrote about this product in my best of 2025 list, and I’m still obsessed. It’s a hydrating serum-plus-plus, with tons of peptides and ceramides to protect skin.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum
I was off retinol for a while and started to notice a difference (derogatory), so I’ve been incorporating it back in. I still just use Medik8 Level 1 but it might be time to level up to 3, we’ll see.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant
In general I’m an under-exfoliator, but I like to use this OG on my nose and chin area every few days, as my pores tend to get congested.
Eyes & Lips
U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate
I hate that this eye cream is so good because it’s $148. But I do love it and it’s what I’m currently using, and you deserve honesty!
Versed Weekend Glow Eye Gel
On the other hand, this roller is $15 and I’ve gone through more tubes than I can remember. It’s the best first thing in the morning.
Experiment Softwear
I’ve tried a lot of lip balms this season—many of them disappointing (I even wrote a story for Byrdie about it). But my favorite new addition is probably this cult fave from Experiment, which “cocoons” the lips with a layer of hydration that really helps in dry weather.
Moisturizer + Sunscreen
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Rescue Barrier Balm
I’ve actually been using this morning and night for the most part, and it’s done wonders for my redness. The only time I don’t use it is when I need to put makeup on in the morning, in which case I’ll use something that absorbs more readily, like Verdoie La Creme Hydratante.
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++
I bought this beloved Japanese sunscreen at Ten Ichi Mart, so if you’re in NYC I’d do the same. (If you’re in another city, a similar Japanese grocer may also sell it, I’m not sure.) Otherwise it’s available on Stylevana; the formula on Ulta or Amazon is different.
The Mara Clear Skin Mineral Milk is EVERYTHING!