Skincare to Beat the Winter Blues

As the thermometer starts to drop, most people begin to notice a difference in their skin, especially the dryness and a paler complexion. These changes mean it’s time to reevaluate your beauty and skin care routines in order to maintain a healthy complexion all year round. Freshman Lisa Meyer agrees that she sees changes in her skin over the winter months, declaring, “My face definitely gets dry and dull, that’s when I know I need to start moisturizing and drinking more water.”

Lisa is right, the most important step to maintaining healthy skin throughout the winter is to moisturize. The dry air causes your skin to become dull, flakey, and even irritated. The best way to avoid the harsh effects of the elements is to moisturize your skin, both while cleansing and afterwards. No one likes a cold shower, but in the winter it is especially important to stay away from extra hot showers because they will dry out your skin. In addition to adjusting your water temperature, switch to a hydrating cleanser, usually cream-based instead of gel-based as these will help lock in moisture.

CeraVe (Photo Credit: Lindsay Grinstead)

Dr. Anna Glaser, a cosmetic dermatologist, suggests replacing “drying soaps with a moisturizing liquid cleanser and gently rub it in with a washcloth or loofah”. CeraVe makes a hefty hydrating cleanser that will last you all winter, yet only cost you $10. Also, make sure to stick to simple non-comedogenic cleansers like CeraVe as some cleansers claim to incorporate lotion into the formula but will actually leave a greasy film on your skin.

After a shower, the next step is to moisturize skin before it dries out. If you can’t wait to dry off before you moisturize, applying Johnson’s baby oil to still-damp skin is a highly effective practice recommended by dermatologists. Jojoba oil, made from the liquid wax produced by the jojoba plant seeds, can also be used as a moisturizer when applied to damp skin.

If you not a fan of oils, look for lotions that contain shea butter or collagen, as these help to seal in the product, and will keep your skin moisturized for longer. Jergens’ “Shea Butter Skin Enriching Moisturizer” smells great and is another drug store steal for only $7.50 at CVS.

Aveeno products (Photo Credit: Lindsay Grinstead)

In terms of moisturizing your face during the winter, try a calming or “renewing” cream that will help to regenerate your skin after being exposed to the elements. Clinique’s “Total Turnaround Visible Skin Renewer”, for $35 at most department stores, is the perfect cure for winter-ravaged skin. Sophomore Julie Jacobs also recommends Aveeno’s “Ultra Calming Moisturizer,” $15, and claims it “saves [her] skin after harsh cold and windy days.”

When it comes to keeping lips from cracking, make sure to stock up on chapsticks and lip balms to reapply throughout the day. Burt’s Bee’s and Carmex make great hydrating chapsticks, and Nivea’s “Kiss of Shine” glosses both hydrate your lips and make them shine. For a medicated treatment, try Blistex’s “Medicated Lip Ointment” at night and you will wake up with soft and chapped-free lips!

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget that the sun does not hibernate in the winter months, so including an SPF into your beauty regimen is still essential. If your daily moisturizer doesn’t contain a SPF, make sure your foundation does. Most foundations today offer an SPF around 15, but if you want extra coverage try Shiseido’s “Sun Protection Compact Foundation,” $25, which contains an SPF of 34.

In addition to changing the products you use and purchasing new ones, keeping hydrated through the winter will keep your skin glowing no matter what moisturizer you use. Drinking plenty of water, and even using a humidifier while you sleep are other simple ways to avoid dry skin over the winter.