Top Must-Have Skincare Products for Asians This Winter

Winter is upon us and it's time to prep our skin for colder weather and harsher climates. Asians tend to have more sensitive skin so it's important we choose effective, soothing skincare products that will protect our skin without over-drying or irritating it. Here are some top must-have skincare essentials for Asian skin this winter:

Hydrating Cleanser

One of the most important steps in any skincare routine is cleansing. However, many cleansers on the market are too stripping for sensitive Asian skin. During winter when the air is drier, we need a hydrating cleanser that removes impurities without disrupting the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A great option is the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. Made with hyaluronic acid and natural extracts like aloe vera, it gently lifts away dirt, oil and makeup while infusing skin with hydration. The low pH level of 5.5 maintains skin's acid mantle to keep it balanced and blemish-free. At just $14.90, it's an affordable cleansing staple suitable for daily use.

>> Check Coupon Code for Hydrating Cleanser on Amazon HERE <<

Moisturizing Cream or Lotion

With harsh winds and lower humidity levels, winter assaults our skin by sucking away its natural moisture. This is where moisturizers come in to replenish and lock in hydration. For combination to oily skin, opt for lightweight gel or lotion formulas that absorb quickly.

A popular choice is the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner. Often called a hydrating "facial in a bottle", it has a watery yet nourishing texture enriched with antioxidants, ceramides and hyaluronic acid. At $23 for 5.7oz, it provides intense hydration to plump and soothe skin without feeling greasy.

Those with very dry skin will benefit more from a rich yet non-comedogenic cream. The Cerave Moisturizing Cream is a holy grail product with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to replenish skin's moisture barrier. Free of fragrance and fatty alcohols, it moisturizes deeply for 24 hours and costs just $14.99 per 1.7oz tub.

Eye Cream

The delicate under-eye area is one of the first places to show signs of dehydration and aging. An eye cream with peptides, caffeine and antioxidants helps reduce wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles exacerbated by winter weather.

For $24, the I'm From Rice Toner contains nourishing rice bran oil and rice extracts to intensely hydrate and brighten the undereyes. It has a lightweight gel texture that absorbs in seamlessly without aggravating sensitive skin. In just 2-4 weeks, users see smoother, more lifted under-eyes.

Face Sunscreen

Even in winter, sun exposure happens when we step outside for brief periods. The UV damage accumulates over time and can worsen discoloration issues or lead to premature signs of aging for Asians.

A sunscreen must therefore be part of one's winter routine to ward off these effects. Popular for its high PA++++ rating and velvety formula, the Anthropic All Light Natural Sunscreen SPF40 is ideal for daily use. Comprising broad spectrum mineral filters, it leaves zero white cast or greasy residue on various skin tones. Plus, its cruelty-free and vegan credentials make it reliably clean too.

Exfoliant

To accelerate cell turnover and ward off clogged pores, using a gentle scrub once or twice a week helps slough off dead skin buildup over the colder months. Be sure to select an exfoliant suited for sensitive Asian skin.

The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser doubles as an exfoliant when massaged onto damp skin with soft circular motions. Its hydrating formula with betaine salicylate and natural rice extracts removes flakes and impurities without irritation. For an extra scrub, the Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner contains ahas, bhas and pha that sweep away dullness as it refines skin texture.

Sheet Masks

Nothing says luxury like a hydrating, pampering sheet mask. They counteract dry indoor heating while replenishing nutrients into the skin. Pick masks according to your needs - hyaluronic acid for hydration, snail mucin/essence for healing, propolis/honey for soothing antioxidants.

Some top-rated, affordable options include the Skin1004 Centella Asiatica sheet mask. Made with moisturizing centella asiatica, panthenol and hyaluronic acid, it soothes redness and replumps dehydrated skin. The 2-pack goes for just $9.99 on Amazon. For brightening effects, the My Beauty Diary Black Pearl masks contains enzymes from black pearls to renew skin clarity and radiance.

>> Save more with Amazon deals for the Skin1004 Centella Asiatice sheet mask <<

Lip Balm

The lips are as prone to dryness and flaking as the hands during winter. An intensive lip balm shields the delicate lip area from cold, windburn, and chapping. Look for SPF coverage too to ward off sun damage.

The best-selling Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a thick yet fast-absorbing overnight treatment that nourishes lips with antioxidants, shea butter, and minerals. Used daily, it repairs cracking and restores suppleness even with cold outdoor climates. A jar retails at $20 for an ample product that lasts months with regular use. Slightly cheaper at $12 is the Kosmea Rosebud Balm which soothes and conditions lips with rosehip oil and beeswax.

Hand Cream

With frequent handwashing and exposure to cold temperatures, our hands see a lot of abuse during the winter months. Slather on a rich hand cream after cleaning to restore lost moisture.

The Aēsop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm conditions rough patches with a moisture-intensive shea butter and coconut oil formula. Enriched with Australian eucalyptus citriodora and Moroccan orange flower water, it nourishes hands for a plump, rejuvenated feel. At $35 per 49g tube, expect it to last over a season with regular application. More affordable at $13 per 2.5oz is the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, another excellent pick for intensely hydrated hands.

With these top must-have skincare picks, Asian skin can stay protected, nourished, and resilient this winter season. Consistent use of gentle, hydrating products will keep flakes, dryness, and irritation at bay even with cold weather changes. With a little self-care, our skin can face winter confidently! Let me know if you need any other product recommendations for your winter regime.