With winter coming in at full swing, it is important to pay attention to your skin. Especially if this is your first winter ever, you may not know that you need to do much more than put on a coat and boots when you go outside. The cold combined with the high winds that we know and love here in Evanston have the tendency to dry you out. We have somehow become conditioned to protect our hands, heads and necks from the cold, but our faces seem to get the worst of it when they are the most sensitive parts of our bodies. Seasonal dry skin is so common that it actually has a name – the “winter itch.” Dry patches can become incredibly annoying and no one likes the feeling of having chapped or cracked lips and face, so take these steps to ensure you keep your skin happy and healthy!
1. Overnight Face Masks
Hydrating face masks and moisturizers are a great way to let your skin soak up the goodness while you sleep. The easiest and best ones to look out for are non-greasy, so you don’t wake up feeling gross.
2. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is soothing and calms inflammation. You can use it on your face to improve red patches. It smells great and you can even put it on your hair to keep it nourished as well! You can pick some up at Whole Foods – it’s only $8!
3. Use Lip Balm Basically Everywhere
Lip balm isn’t just for lips! Use it anywhere you need extra moisture, like eyelids, elbows, and eyebrows. Aquaphor is a great brand that you can bring with you anywhere – it has no scent and can heal just about anything.
4. Buy a Humidifier
Humidifiers are a great thing to have in your dorm room. Not only do they make sure your skin doesn’t get too dry with the heat on, they can also protect your sinuses and prevent annoying winter nosebleeds. Turn it on when you go to sleep at night and you will wake up feeling refreshed.
5. Use Coconut Oil to Take off Makeup
Coconut oil is an awesome, cheap, and natural way to remove makeup. You can apply some all over your body right after you get out of the shower (this is the best time to moisturize because the heat from the water has opened up your pores. Even smooth some on your face for extra moisurization! The best thing about this is that you don’t need a fancy label – you can pick some up at just about any grocery store, they’re all the same.
6. Switch Out Base Makeup
Try swapping out your matte foundation for a tinted moisturizer. Applying powder foundation in the morning can be harsh and rubbing your skin with a brush over and over will only dry it out more. A tinted moisturizer will help your skin not dry out and give you a dewy winter glow. Look out for the words “BB Cream,” and you’re good to go. Some also have SPF in them, which is great because the winter sun can be especially harmful.
7. Try Showering at Night
If you can, try switching your morning shower to an evening one. Not only will your skin thank you because you can let your post-shower products soak in overnight, but air-drying your hair will prevent heat damage from dyers. Plus, everyone hates it when their hair freezes as they are running to an early morning class.
8. Use Sugar to Exfoliate in the Shower
Take a few tablespoons of sugar and use it to exfoliate your scalp in the shower. This will stimulate hair growth and get rid of any nasty dandruff. Some companies, such as Fresh, sell their own sugar exfoliating mixtures that you could give a try!
9. Vaseline
Vaseline is an awesome barrier between your skin and bad weather. Put it on your feet before you put on socks for bed – it might feel weird, but when you wake up your toes will be soft and repaired.
10. Drink Water
Good skin starts on the inside. Keeping hydrated will help your skin stay moisturized and and keep you energized! Make it a habit to always fill up your water bottle before you leave in the morning and your body will thank you throughout the day.