This $22 Drugstore Product Made My Skin Look Near-Perfect In -26 Degree Weather—Now I Use It Every Day
It's one of my top cold-weather skin essentials.
My makeup-free skin.
I live in Northern Michigan, where the winters can be harsh, and the cold can be extreme. Unphased by subzero temperatures, I do what I have to do—bundle up and brave the elements to walk the dog, go grocery shopping, or catch the rare glimmer of winter sunlight. Even though I'm used to it, my skin isn't.
I have dry, sensitive, and redness-prone skin, so extreme elements can do some serious damage. Even when I armor up my routine with moisturizing, barrier-strengthening ingredients, I often experience irritation, flaking, peeling, and the odd rosacea flare-up. That's especially true this year. Recently, the temperature hovered around 0 degrees, with a whopping -26° wind chill (yes, really).
Here's proof in the form of a screenshot I took of the Apple Weather app.
It was cold, to say the least, and I could only hibernate inside for so long. Luckily, I had a new skincare product on hand that promised to soothe, hydrate, and strengthen the skin. Spoiler alert: it made my skin look and feel near-perfect despite the weather, and I've been using it every single day since. The best part? It's on the affordable side of the skincare equation, only costing $22 per bottle.
Naturium Barrier Bounce Mist
Here it is—Naturium's Barrier Bounce Mist. It's an ultra-fine mist that can be used anytime to refresh, re-hydrate, and protect the skin. Lately, I've been using it multiple times a day, often applying it before or after moisturizer.
It's specifically formulated to support and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, which is why I think it's so effective. Ingredients include urea, a ceramide complex, and squalane. The first is known for its moisturizing properties; it acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin. The second strengthens the skin barrier, prevents moisture loss, and soothes redness and irritation (yes, please). Last but not least, the third ingredient adds even more moisture, while giving the skin a soft, supple feel.
Since it's an ultra-fine mist, I can apply it over and over again throughout the day without affecting my sunscreen or makeup application. I swear that this, along with my go-to moisturizer (more on that in a minute), saved my skin.
It's worth noting that the aforementioned mist is a companion product. Naturium already offered another Barrier Bounce product—this daily facial serum. It contains the same moisturizing and barrier-strengthening ingredients: urea, ceramides, and squalane. I will gladly vouch for its efficacy the same way I do for the mist. Especially when used together, these products make my skin look and feel hydrated, soft, smooth, and plump. So, the opposite of what it normally is.
Shop More Cold-Weather Skincare Products I Recommend:
I swear by this milky toner. It contains hyaluronic acid, microalgae, prickly pear flower, and a barrier renewal complex (lipids, fatty acids, and sterols) that rebuilds and replenishes the skin barrier.
These "Pillow Pads" are incredible for dry, irritated skin. They're soaked in a combination of colloidal oatmeal and ceramides for rich, soothing moisture.
I can't say enough good things about this moisturizer. In fact, it's my favorite Korean moisturizer of all time (my friends and family members agree; I can't tell you how many people I've recommended this to). I use it alongside Naturium's Barrier Bounce Mist for soft, plump, moisturized skin.
This mist is just as good as the moisturizer. It features 10,000 PPM ceramides and a triple lipid complex, so it's basically a tall, soothing drink of water for dry skin.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Rhode's Glazing Mist. It moisturizes dryness like a magic charm, while providing the prettiest glow.
