When it comes to skincare, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Not only is each person's skin unique to begin with, but it is also contending with and responding to different internal and external factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental conditions. This is why, rather than pushing a prescriptive 3-5 step routine, I encourage my clients to choreograph their own skincare routines based on their skin concerns and goals in relation to their skin's current condition. Below, the JSS team chronicles both their AM and PM winter skincare routines to serve as skinspiration for your own choreographic pursuits. As you will see, though the four of us use the JSS philosophy to guide and build our regimens, each of our routines is as unique and individual as we are!
Jordan, Founder and CEO
- Skin Type: Combination/Sensitive
- Current skin goals: Keep skin even toned and balanced while reducing sensitivities.
- Desert Island Product: The Performance Cream
"The perfect moisturizer for a combination, oily and/or sensitive skin type. Helps to moisturize without over-nourishing, leaves a beautiful satin finish and utilizes peptides to help support the skin."
Daily AM:
Step 1—Cleanse: The Matinee Cream Cleanser—apply to a slightly damp skin and rinse clean with lukewarm water.
Step 2—Neutralize: thermal water—spray and absorb excess moisture with a tissue.
"I have started to use a thermal water to help neutralize hard water minerals from NYC's hard tap water on my skin."
Step 3—Hydrate/Treat: Hydrate Facial Serum OR a new serum we are working on (I’m sorry 😏).
Step 4—Moisturize: The Performance Cream—apply to a slightly moist skin from the prior serum step.
Step 5—Sun Protection: generous application of SPF 50 on face, neck, scalp, ears.
Daily PM:
Step 1—Double cleanse (choice of cleansers changes seasonally)
- First Cleanse: The After Show Treatment Cleanser for Sensitive Skin—work the cleanser into dry skin with dry hands and remove with warm wet cloth.
- Second Cleanse: The Matinee Cream Cleanser—same usage as AM routine.
Step 2—Neutralize: thermal water—spritz and lightly dab.
Step 3—Hydrate/Treat: Hydrate Facial Serum OR the new serum.
Step 4—Moisturize
- The Performance Eye Gel—apply all around the orbital bone on both eyes.
- Moisture Recovery Cream
"This (Moisture Recovery Cream) has become a true savior during the colder months for my skin; however, I have a feeling this will have a permanent place in my routine all year round now."
As Needed:
Step 1.5—Exfoliate: JSS Mandelic Exfoliating Mask (soon to be released 🤗)—used once per week, applied between cleansing and the thermal water.
Erin, Chief Operating Officer
- Skin Type: dry/sensitive/rosacea-prone
- Current Skin Goals: Keeping skin comfortable and hydrated through the winter.
- Desert Island Product: Matinee Cream Cleanser
"This stays in my routine year-round—I love that it rinses well in the shower but leaves my skin feeling hydrated and fresh."
Daily AM:
Step 1—Cleanse: The Matinee Cream Cleanser—I apply cleanser with dry hands to dry face before adding some water and further massaging the cleanser into my skin. If I’m at the sink I remove that with one of our skincare cloths; if I’m in the shower, I just rinse.
Step 2—Hydrate/Treat: Hydrate Facial Serum and the new serum Jordan mentioned that we are working on (👀 again, sorry)—with skin still damp from cleansing, apply a layer of Hydrate Facial Serum, followed by a layer of the new serum.
Step 3—Moisturize: The Performance Cream & The Moisture Recovery Cream
Step 4—Sun Protection: mineral SPF 50, usually Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense or Sheer Physical UV Defense.
Daily PM:
Step 1—Double Cleanse
- First Cleanse: The After Show Treatment Cleanser for Sensitive Skin—work the cleanser into dry skin with dry hands and remove with warm wet cloth.
- Second Cleanse: The Matinee Cream Cleanser—see AM description above.
Steps 2 & 3—Hydrate/Treat and Moisturize: same serum and moisturizer protocol as AM routine (see above).
As needed:
Step 1.5(a)—Exfoliate: Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant or ultrasonic exfoliator, applied/used between cleansing and hydrating steps.
"Having learned the hard way about skin barrier damage, I now exfoliate sparingly and only as needed in targeted areas."
Step 1.5(b)—Mask: REN's Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask—used when my skin is feeling really dry or irritated, applied after cleansing.
Step 4—Spot Treatment: Renee Rouleau's Anti Bump Solution—used when I feel a spot coming on.
Nikki, Social Media Specialist
- Skin type: Dry
- Current skin goals: Support my skin for a stronger & more resilient barrier; minimize fine lines
- Desert Island Product: Moisture Recovery Cream
"It's a cushiony, comforting cocoon for my skin. Winter has been particularly rough on my dry husk skin since moving back to Chicago--a true testament to what Jordan always says about climate affecting skincare! This cream has helped to keep my skin comfortable and protected in extreme weather, and it also works as a spot treatment for the dry, sensitive patches I get near the corners of the eyes and sides of my nose."
AM:
Step 1—skip cleanser: splash with water to dampen skin.
Step 2—Hydrate: Hydrate Facial Serum
Step 3—Moisturize/Treat: Siero Antiossidante Antioxidant Serum & Moisture Recovery Cream—cocktail 5 drops of Siero Antiossidante into a pea-sized amount of Moisture Recovery Cream.
Step 4—Sun Protection: Beauty of Joseon Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA+++—apply generously.
PM:
Step 1—Double Cleanse
- First cleanse—The After Show Treatment Cleanser for Sensitive Skin—massage into dry skin and remove with a damp washcloth.
- Second cleanse—Matinee Cream Cleanser—apply to still damp skin and rinse with tepid water.
Step 2—Hydrate
- Hydrate the Mist—spritz to replenish skin post-cleanse.
- Hydrate Facial Serum—apply to damp skin.
Step 3—Moisturize: Moisture Recovery Cream—apply over serums.
As needed:
Step 3.5—Moisturize: Soothing Facial Oil—apply over the top of Moisture Recovery cream to entire face or use as spot treatment for dry areas.
"On my most severe husk skin days, I'll top it off (Moisture Recovery Cream) with a layer of Soothing Facial Oil. I'll also do an extra layer of this around the red, sensitive corners of my nose if I've been particularly sniffly, like during allergy season or cold & flu season."
Step 4—Treat: prescription retinoid—used twice per week—applied as the last step in the routine, after moisturizer and serum have absorbed into skin.
"Applying on top of moisturizer and oil helps buffer back the retinoid a bit for a gentler effect. I always make sure to wait until after my other skincare has had a chance to absorb and dry down, because applying retinol or retinoids to damp skin can increase absorption and make them a little too aggressive. I also double-check with my prescribing physician for guidance on the frequency & method of application!"
Step 5—Treat: Kate Somerville's DeliKate Recovery Serum—applied occasionally for extra soothing and barrier support.
Step 6—Spot Treatment: Topicals Faded—apply after the occasional blemish to help even tone.
Ben, Chief Marketing Officer
- Skin Type: oily/combination
- Current Skin Goals: Maintain skin health, avoid breakouts, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Desert Island Product: The Performance Eye Gel
"Given that I'm beginning to develop more prominent lines around my eye area, I love that the silky-feeling gel immediately makes my skin feel plump and hydrated while also knowing that the formula's peptide blend is working to help my skin's long game. Plus, given the fact that an eye product is not always seen as an essential step, its application always makes me feel like I’m treating myself to a deliberate moment of self-care."
Daily AM:
Step 1—Cleanse: The Matinee Gel Cleanser—massage a cherry-sized amount into wet skin, rinse with lukewarm water, and pat skin dry with a soft towel.
Step 2—Moisturize/Treat: The Performance Eye Gel—gently spread a small amount around eyes using ring fingers, hitting the orbital bone, brow bone and crow's feet area.
Step 3—Hydrate/Treat: Hydrate Facial Serum AND Siero Antiossidante Antioxidant Serum—mix a pea-sized amount of Hydrate Facial Serum with 5 drops Siero Antiossidante Antioxidant Serum and pat into damp skin.
Step 4—Sun Protection: La Roche Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF 50+—apply liberally to face, ears and neck.
As Needed:
Step 3.5—Moisturize: The Performance Cream
Daily PM:
Step1—Double Cleanse
- First Cleanse—The Matinee Cream Cleanser—massage a cherry-sized amount into wet skin before rinsing with lukewarm water.
- Second Cleanse—The Matinee Gel Cleanser—same usage as AM routine.
Step 2—Moisturize: The Performance Eye Gel—see AM routine for usage details.
Step 3—Hydrate: Hydrate Facial Serum—apply pea-sized amount to face and neck.
Step 4—Moisturize: The Performance Cream—apply a pea-sized amount to face and neck.
As needed:
Step 1.5—Exfoliate: JSS Mandelic Exfoliating Mask (soon to be released) or Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask— twice per week, usually on Thursday and Sunday evenings immediately after cleansing—apply to damp skin, leave on for 15 minutes, and remove with warm wet washcloth, followed by a rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 3.5—Treat: New JSS retinol serum that is currently in the works for the future (sorry to tease 🤗)—twice per week, usually on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, sandwiched between my first serum and moisturizer.
If you would like to read more content like this, delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our email newsletter by clicking here.
- New email subscribers receive will receive 15% off their next order on www.jordansamuelskin.com!
