With January comes bitter temperatures and dry, dry skin that just won’t go away. Fortunately for you, I have had my fair share of -30 degree days in Wisconsin, and I’ve developed a killer skincare routine to combat these harsh January temperatures.
1. Use a hydrating face mask
Face masks are an extremely effective way to deliver moisture back into the skin, for brighter and healthier complexion. A cult favorite amongst the beauty crazed is the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. It sounds cliche, but slather this on before bed and you will wake up with visibly healthier, moisturized skin. If you’re experiencing dry patches that make makeup application tricky, apply this mask morning and night. It sits nicely under makeup, and applies completely clear. Women with oily skin can still use this product, but I would recommend applying the mask before bed and rinsing it off with lukewarm water after about 30 minutes. It is a pretty rich mask, and the all night hydration might be a little too much for oily skin.
2. Use a humidifier
Though you may not realize it, the heating system in most residential buildings and cars leaves very little moisture in the air or in your skin. A humidifer simply puts some of the lost moisture back in the air, providing your skin a more friendly climate. Humidifiers are great for everyone with any skin type, but they are particularly helpful for ladies with oily skin, as you aren’t applying a heavy cream or oil, but hydrating your skin naturally. My personal favorite humidifier is the doTERRA Petal Diffuser. It’s about the size of a tissue box, so you’re not wasting any precious dorm room space. As an added bonus, this humidifier is designed to release essentail oil, and I have found it to be a great substitue for candles in the dorm!
3. Use an oil
BUT (and this is a big but), only if your skin is severly dehyrdated or if you are experiencing stubborn dry patches. If you have acne prone or finicky skin, oil probably isn’t the best way to fight off winter skin. My favorite oil for when my skin is parched is the Josie Maran Argan Oil, or the Josie Maran Argan Oil Light. Ladies with excessively dry skin should opt for the original oil, while girls with normal to oily skin should stick with the light. Both formulas are nourshing and extremely effective.
4. Sleep on a silk pillow case
Okay, so this may sound pretty high maintenance, but it works. Where as cotton pillow cases can suck moisture out of your skin, silk’s tighly woven fibers and smooth surface keep moisture in your skin, and makes the products you applied before bed work even better.
5. Use products infused with hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural occuring substance found in the eyes, joints, and other tissues, and is used to cushion and protect these parts of your body. When hyaluronic acid is infused in a moisturizer, serum, or toner, the acid pulls moisture from the air to your skin, and plumps each individual skin cell. There are tons of pricey products that are infused with hyaluronic acid on the market these days, but by far the most affordable and effective is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.