Brown Pepper Talks

Happy 2025! It has been QUITE the winter hasn’t it? In Canada, the temperatures have been quite chillaaayyy the past few weeks. How has it been where you are from?

As we approach the middle of February, it is important that we are keeping warm and hydrated. Most importantly though, we must take care of the biggest organ of our body. Which is OUR SKIN! Our skin has three layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutis. Did you know how much our skin plays a vital role? The skin provides a barrier to organisms, temperature regulation and overall helps to preserve homeostasis. All in all, our skin plays a vital role! It can show the overall well being of a person’s health.

Hydrating our skin isn’t just important—it’s absolutely essential to safeguard that barrier. Without it, you’re inviting dryness and accelerating the aging process. It’s not just a basic care routine; it’s a powerful move to exfoliate and combat various skin issues. Sure, our skin has a natural ability to exfoliate and produce essential oils, but why settle for less? By harnessing the right products, you can amplify elasticity and vitality. Remember, the sooner you start this game-changing routine, the more remarkable the results!

I want to share some of the products I have been using this winter. I often get questions from my Instagram account (follow me @sune_xo!) and in person on what I use for my skin. I have normal to mild dryness in the winter and I have a combination skin type. The products I use are budget and user friendly. They are suitable for both men and women (yes, men, you should be taking care of your skin too!)

Morning products:

• Poppy Austin Snail Mucin Serum with Niacinamide – I find this helps keep my face so hydrated! Especially in very cold temperatures, I found this protects my pores and keeps my skin safe from frost bite. I purchased this on Amazon.

• CereVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 – sunscreen is essential during the winter. I am a big advocate for sunscreen! It is an essential item all throughout the year, wherever I am! This product not only has ceramides but it protects against UV rays. A win win! It also guards my skin from the photosensitive property of the AHA’s and BHA’s I use. It is available at Amazon, Walmart or Shoppers Drug Mart.

• my IN.ingredients Multipeptide Jade Stone Undereye Roller – I like how gentle this product is. It keeps my undereyes feeling flush. Available at Amazon and Shoppers Drug Mart. I got mine at Shoppers Drug Mart. I love how the Jade Stone feels against the skin as well.

• Obagi Vitamin C + Arbutin Brightening Serum – I found this product has been a game changer during the winter! It has helped for marks and dullness. I have been using this since December. I usually use the Neostrata 15% Vitamin C + PHA. I am still deciding which one I am prefer for my skin since some components are different. Will update soon! I purchased the Obagi serum from Winners and in the past have purchased the Neostrata formula from Shoppers Drug Mart.

• Teva Medicine Glycerin and Rosewater – I carry this in my bag. I also use it at home during the day and night. It comes in a bottle but I transfer the product into a mist bottle. This acts as a wonderful humectant and acts a great toner. I purchased this in Walmart. If you’re looking for something that will keep your skin in tact all day, this is it!

These are some of the products that I use in the morning. These products overall help keep my face hydrated and makes my skin less dull. I found this combination helps when I am outside in very cold temperatures this month.

Night products:

• CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment – light face lotion that I like to use. Available on Amazon. I purchased this in store from Walmart.

• Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA pore-tight toner – I use this 2 times a week. I love how this feels on my skin and makes my skin glow! I received this as a free gift from Sephora. The smell on this product feels refreshing on my face!

• The Ordinary Retinol 0.5 % in Squalane – I use this 4-5 times during the week. The squalene part is very hydrating. To reap the benefits it has to be used consistently. Purchased from Sephora.

• The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid – I use this once a week. This helps exfoliate and keep my skin looking bright. Purchased from Sephora.

Post Shower Products:

• Palmer’s Coconut Hydrate Body Oil – this product provides a lot of hydration to my skin after a shower. It is especially beneficial in the winter. Especially on the heel region where most get dryness, this product together with body lotion has been great! Someone bought this for me while I was visiting the USA. It is available in Amazon and in stores (actually buying it today as we speak!). I love this product!

• Vaseline Unscented Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion – this formula has been great and I really recommend it! Hydrating and keeps my skin soft.

• Nivea Lip Care & Vaseline Lip Therapy – I use these two post shower and before I sleep. Both formulas are very hydrating and its my go to while traveling too! If you’re out skiing or skating outdoors, I highly recommend to have either in your pocket!

I do not the use oil product daily. This winter, using products consistently has kept my skin soft and supple! I also use the oil on my nails as to keep my nail beds healthy.

Outside of products, I do other things. I drink water firstly! As soon as I am up for the day, I try to drink at least 1 L. In the winter, I find that drinking water keeps my skin supple. I continue to drink more water throughout the day. I exercise and make sure I am eating items that suit my skin type. Sleeping also has a lot of benefits for skin health. That has been a work in progress for me. Check out my last article about sleep! Click here

For some, genetics has blessed them with great skin. For me, I have had a long struggle with acne since adolescence. Maintaining a skin routine has always been important for me from a young age. Especially in the winter when our skin gets dry. I have used all of the products mentioned for more than 3-5 years. The only exceptions are the Obagi Vitamin C serum and shower products. What are some products that you use in the winter? I know there are so many products out there. If you have reached here, recommend in the comments below what you like. I also do DIY techniques, but that is for another time for me to write about.

Stay warm and till next time!

Disclaimer: If you have any known health condition, seek medical care. Work with a dermatologist first before trying anything if in doubt. Finding a good esthetician also helps to improve the appearance and health of your skin.