This post has been sponsored by SheaMoisture. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Diary of a Debutante possible!

I’m from Florida so as much as I love a good snowfall, my oily skin really struggles with cold weather. It gets itchy, red, and irritated once the temperature drops. The worst part, though, is the emotional impact of having unsightly skin. My confidence admittedly takes a hit since bad skin isn’t exactly ideal for holiday festivities. It’s hard to find time (and extra money) to get professional skincare treatments around the holidays, so I wanted to share some at-home spa remedies that’ve been working for me in today’s post. I’ve had lots of luck with SheaMoisture’s African Black Soap line in particular, and I think y’all will love it, too. Keep reading for my at-home spa day essentials!

After hours of dermatology and skincare research, I learned that 60-70% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our skin. That being said, I’ve become very wary of harmful chemicals and toxins. This is one of the main reasons why I’ve become such a fan of African Black Soap. It’s a gentle cleanser alternative made from natural ingredients. If you’ve never tried it before, Walmart carries practically every line of SheaMoisture African Black Soap products, so pick some up the next time you’re shopping! My current favorite winter skin care products are SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash, SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Lotion, SheaMoisture African Black Soap In-Shower Body Conditioner, SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask, and SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Mattifying Moisture Spray. 

At-Home Spa Day Routine for Dry Winter Skin

When you feel like you need to hit the major refresh button on your skin but you don’t exactly have major spa funds, here are some at-home spa day ideas to treat yourself (and your dry skin) on a budget. 

Step One: Set The Mood

Turn off your phone. Diffuse your favorite lavender oil blend. Play your favorite spa playlist. Realistically, setting the mood means different things for different people. For me, it’s making sure my tub and my favorite cozy reading nook are clean and stress-free.

It’s also making sure there’s no shortage of flower petals and puppy cuddles. 

Step Two: Condition and Cleanse Your Skin

If your skin acts up in cold weather, having a specific body skincare routine for winter is crucial. Find products that are designed to calm and clear troubled skin. My go-to products are SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash and Body Lotion. Both are free of harsh chemicals and toxins, and they’re formulated with oats, aloe, and Vitamin E to help sooth dry skin. 

One of my secret weapons for dry winter skin is SheaMoisture African Black Soap In-Shower Body Conditioner. You use it in the shower on clean, wet skin, and it locks in hydration, keeping skin silky and soft all day long. This product is a legitimate game changer for anyone’s winter body skincare routine, y’all!

Step Three: Steam and Cleanse Your Face 

After cleansing your skin with a normal gentle cleanser, give yourself an at-home steam facial. All you need is a pot of boiling water, essential oils, and a towel. Simply pour the boiling water into a large bowl and add in a few drops of refreshing essential oils. Be sure to let the water cool enough so the steam doesn’t scald your skin. Then, use a clean towel to create a tent over the steaming water for about 10 minutes. This helps increase circulation in your face and opens your pores in preparation for a deep cleansing mud mask.

My favorite mask for winter is the SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask. It’s made with tamarind extract and tea tree oil to help control excess oil, soothe dryness, and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Again, I have super sensitive skin in the winter, so I have to be particular about the masks I choose. This mud mask has never made me break out, and it keeps my skin soft, matte, and clear in between uses. More importantly, it gives my dull skin a little extra radiance without any irritation, which is a major bonus during the holidays. 

Step Four: Follow with Moisture

In order to prevent drying after any facial mask, immediately follow with moisture. If you have naturally oily skin, SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Mattifying Moisture Spray feels weightless and does a great job at keeping my face and neck smooth and shine-free. 

Step Five: Soak Your Feet

The best part of any spa pedicure is the foot soak (well, maybe also the leg massage), so don’t skip it at home. Relax and detox by soaking your feet in a basin of warm water and essential oils or lemon juices. You can also add epsom salt to treat fungal infections, eradicate body toxins, and ease any foot or body pain.

While you wait, grab a magazine, a glass of champagne (or detox water!), and some cucumber slices. Let your feet soak for around 20 minutes and follow with lotion to avoid excess dryness!

Step Six: Do Your Nails

Nothing says self-care like a DIY manicure! You don’t need to be a pro, either. Whether you’re simply applying polish or tackling the whole manicure shebang– from polish to filing to cuticle care, it’s the effort that counts. Just take some time to detach from your environment and focus solely on yourself for 10-20 minutes. You’ll be amazed how therapeutic it is. 

And there you have it! Just because you aren’t a professional aesthetician doesn’t mean you can’t get pretty darn good results yourself at home. You can find all the products featured in this post at Walmart, so click here to find the store nearest you. Happy relaxing!