Winter Skincare: Navigating the Drugstore
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Today's article is all about the best drugstore finds. So, let's get started. This list might not cover everything, but it's comprehensive and includes both old and new favorites. Remember, you don't need to splurge on expensive skincare to achieve glowing skin; all it takes is understanding your skin and selecting the right products.
Let’s start with cleansers
The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser tops the list, especially for those with sensitive skin. It’s free from irritants, but you might want to use a makeup remover first as it's not the best at removing makeup. Be careful around the eyes though, as it can be a bit irritating. This cleanser is perfect for everyday use and a safe bet if you have allergies.
If you have dry and eczema-prone skin, consider adding the Aveeno Calm and Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser to your routine. Loaded with Avena Sativa Oak Kernel Flour, it soothes while restoring your skin's natural barrier. Like the Vanicream cleanser, it’s not great at removing makeup.
And that's where the Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Oil to Milk Cleanser comes in. It's not your typical oil cleanser; it's more of an ointment. When rubbed in, it doesn’t leave an oily residue. This cleanser is made with sunflower seed oil, Viola tricolor extract, and chamomile flower extract. Upon adding water, it’s instantly transformed into a milky cleanser. Unlike the typically oily residue left by oil-based cleansers, this one leaves no such film on the skin. Ideal for makeup removal without the greasy feel oil-based cleansers can leave, it retails at $20 and doubles as a nourishing face mask. Sunflower seed oil in this cleanser not only retains moisture but also has anti-inflammatory properties.
If you're in search of an active cleanser to act as a mask and have acne-prone or oil-prone skin, consider Panoxyl. Retailing for $10, this benzoyl peroxide cleanser is beneficial for those with blackheads, acne, or excessive oil because it regulates oil production and serves as an antibacterial agent. To get the most of the product, let it sit on your face before rinsing. If you rinse right after applying it, you might as well pour money down the drain.
The Role of Vitamin C
Moving onto serums, the first vitamin C product that comes to mind is from the Timeless Skincare line, typically available at drugstores. The product line offers a 20% vitamin C and a 10% vitamin C serum. The less potent one is in the darker color packaging, which can be confusing. The serum combines ascorbic acid (the active form of vitamin C) with ferulic acid and vitamin E. This transparent lightweight serum has a peculiar hot dog smell but comes in an opaque pump rather than a dropper, winning points for packaging. It retails for $27. However, ascorbic acid isn't for everyone, it can be irritating and unstable. An interesting new product on the block is the No7 Future Renew damage reversal serum. Composed of ascorbyl glucoside (an ester form of vitamin C), niacinamide (great for anti-acne and barrier repair), and tocopherol acetate (a form of vitamin E), it's a thicker serum that absorbs quickly and helps brighten skin and act as an antioxidant.
Exploring Non-Retinol Solutions
For people who can't tolerate retinols but still want effective skincare, Cetaphil has introduced their Healthy Renew Purified Peptide Face Serum, retailing at approximately $30. This serum serves as an excellent alternative to retinols, ensuring you don’t feel left out by focusing on highly purified peptides. However, I have questions about the specific peptides used and the meaning of 'purified.' They have not provided detailed information on their website or packaging about these peptides. They claim the purified form is more precise, but unfortunately, no further details were given. Also included are niacinamide and panthenol, or vitamin B5. The serum is lightweight, feeling hydrating, and the capsules disintegrate upon application. I'm eager to explore it further in the coming months. The product could be a suitable option for those with sensitive skin who wish to try a new layering serum under their moisturizer and sunscreen, or those who can't tolerate retinols. It's an affordable option that also promises hydration. It's based on glycerin and interestingly, doesn't contain Hyaluronic Acid. I say give it a chance, especially on your neck and chest, regions known for their intolerance to retinol.
An Introduction to Retinoid Serums
Next up is e.l.f's youth boosting advanced night retinoid serum, a blend of Granactive retinoid (also known as hydroxypinacolon retinoate - found in Caroline Hirons retinoid), 0.06 percent retinol, and various antioxidants. This mix of different types of retinols is very lightly scented and ideal for beginners wanting to venture into the world of retinols. For those of you who have sensitive skin or cannot tolerate stronger retinols, this product works well under a moisturizer or applied after if you have sensitive skin.
Hydrating Serums and Moisturizers for Winter
With winter approaching and the air growing drier, I appreciate deeply hydrating products. Aveeno's Calm and Restore hydrating serum is a staple of mine, but it's time to discuss richer, thicker moisturizers. La Roche Posay's Cicaplast Balm B5 is a favorite, loaded with panthenol, shea butter, Ecocide copper, and zinc gluconate. It's a white cream that I apply like frosting all over my face, letting it soak in for about 30 minutes to an hour before bed. When I wake up, my skin is visibly more radiant.
Embracing the Power of Coenzyme Q10
On the other hand, Eucerin's Q10 anti-wrinkle face cream is ideal for winter given its richness. It's unscented and includes coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone), a potent antioxidant, making it a delicious choice for your face. When considering antioxidants, Vitamin C is typically the first thing that comes to mind. However, Coenzyme Q10 (MQ10) is another potent ingredient renowned for rejuvenating cellular energy. This cream has multiple benefits for your skin, including improving texture and providing protection against photoaging. You can incorporate it into your routine, using it day and night, even under your sunscreen. Despite its thickness, it's especially beneficial if you're in a dry environment.
Using Occlusive Products
Switching gears, let's discuss occlusive products. Many people swear by Vaseline, and I'm one of them. I find it superior to Aquaphor, which contains lanolin - a substance not everyone's skin agrees with. However, Aquaphor has an ace up its sleeve: a handy ointment body spray. It's a dream to use and distributes evenly without leaving a greasy residue like traditional ointments. You can use it overnight, and even on your face if you're washing your hair the next day.
Treating Your Body With Retinol
Lastly, we have a body lotion from Versed, boasting retinol. Though the exact percentage of retinol isn't disclosed, it's safe to assume it's on the lower side. But why shouldn't we treat our body's skin the same way we treat our face?
I hope you found this article informative and beneficial. I've got a lot more to share from the drugstore aisle. If you enjoyed this, let me know, and we could do more roundups. Let me know what you'd like to learn about next!
About the Author: Caolan
With over a decade of international experience, Caolan's passion lies in simplifying the complex. His innovative thinking and audience-first approach have made significant impacts across the creative industries. Now, as the founder of But More Importantly, he applies these talents to the world of cosmetics, aiming to unmask marketing hype and provide readers with the truth about beauty products. His mission: to help you make informed choices and discover what truly enhances your beauty routine.
