There are few things more satisfying than a smooth, freshly exfoliated face—whether you’re partial to peels and acids, or still using the same walnut scrub you first snagged in sixth grade (though we should warn you: it may be time to swap it in for a newer model). But as temperatures dip, it’s smart to consider a powdered cleanser, which offers a gentler, more controlled approach to exfoliation that’s less likely to disrupt your sensitive skin barrier.
Maintaining a healthy skin barrier should be top of mind all year long, of course—it’s your first layer of defense against damage from pollution, UV rays, and environmental months—but this outermost layer is especially prone to problems in colder months. It’s no secret, after all, that winter weather isn’t easy on the epidermis: When icy outdoor temperatures collide with dry air, high thermostat settings, standard seasonal stress, and indoor environmental irritants, it’s