Hey there W&M Collegiettes, it’s officially been one month since we’ve been back on campus and it’s probably been one of the coldest. The low temperatures have been accompanied by lots of dry air and that’s never a good combination when it comes to our skin. You may have been wondering, over the past few weeks, why your lips are consistently chapped, your hands feel dry, and your entire skin feels tighter than your newest pair of skinny jeans. This is because dry air causes the moisture on your skin to evaporate, leaving your skin exposed to the elements without any barriers of protection. But have no fear- we have a few tips and products tokeep your skin springtime fresh.
Ever notice how dry your hands become after using the hand sanitizer at the Caf or Sadler? It’s due to the large alcohol percentage in the sanitizer. Before you pack up your stuff to leave the dorm, consider adding hand cream to your bag.
1. Hand Cream
Splurge: L’Occitane: Shea Butter Hand Cream ($28)
Although rather pricey for a hand cream, L’Occitane’s product contains 20% shea butter, something you don’t often find in drug store brands. If your hands need some serious loving care, this is definitely worth the splurge. And it smells good too!
Steal: St Ives: Intensive Healing Hand Cream ($3.50)
Although a step down from the luxuries of shea butter, St Ives offers a substantial hand cream that would perform well with those who suffer from light dryness.
The driest parts of your skin are often your concentrated in the facial region. Your face is exposed to the elements all day long and rarely receives a break. You can often irritate dry skin even more through the regular usage of facial products. Many anti-acne face washes and moisturizers contain benzoyl peroxide, which is designed to purposely dry your skin out to alleviate acne. However, during winter this can often be detrimental to sensitive skin areas such as the lips and eyes. If you want to continue using your current cleansing and moisturizing products, it is important to avoid these areas during application. However, for those who are looking to change their winter cleansing routine, check out these products.
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2. Lip Balm
Splurge: Medieval: Lipstick Queen ($20)
Medieval offers a fun alternative to generic lip balm. Although called a lipstick, the product is vitamin E based, which provides pure moisture, and it goes on as smooth as if it were a lip balm. Lipstick Queen is a sheer red color that anyone one can wear even if you thought you could never pull off red lips.
Steal: ChapStick: Medicated Skin Protectant ($1.45)
You cannot go wrong with the basic ChapStick. Although not the infamous cherry scent, ChapStick now offers a more powerful and moisturizing lip balm designed to relieve lips from windburn.
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3. Face Wash
Splurge:The Body Shop: Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash ($11)
The Tea Tree Skin Wash is specifically designed to remove all dirt and oils from your face with out drying your skin out. The tea tree oil is designed to help keep away blemishes while the tamanu oil leaves skin feeling refreshed and moisturized.
Steal:Aveeno: Ultra-calming Foaming Cleanser ($8.29)
Designed specifically for sensitive skin, Aveeno offers an interesting alternative to general facial cleaners. Its foam consistency is gentler on your skin than a generic gel or cream.
4. Face Moisturizer
Splurge: Philosophy: Hope in a Jar, extra-rich moisturizer for normal to dry skin ($39)
This is the most expensive item across the lists but also the most beneficial and cost effective. Hope in a Jar is so packed with moisture it only takes a very minimal amount to cover your face. Your skin will feel as refreshed as if youhad used twice the amount of the bargain brand.
Steal: Neutrogena: Intensified Day Moisture SPF 15 ($11.99)
Neutrogena is a smart buy for those with fair skin; just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean the sun is gone. The low dose of SPF 15 keeps you protected as well as hydrated.
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During the winter, your legs and arms might be covered up but they can often take a beating to the cold air as well. Many women struggle with itchy dry skin during cold months and often times eczema can flare up when skin is poorly nourished. It’s important to not only treat problem areas, but your entire body as well. Keep in mind though; if you feel your eczema has gotten out of hand, there are prescription creams your dermatologist can prescribe for you.
5. Itch Cream
Splurge: Cetaphil: Restoraderm ($14)
The brand Cetaphil is specifically targeted to buyers who are prone to dry itchy skin or eczema. The cream should be used after showering and will usually relieve problem spots in one to two weeks.
Steal: Cortizone 10: Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Creme ($7.29)
Unlike Cetaphil, this is a specific spot application cream. It works great if you just have a small problem spot on your back or legs for quick relief.
6. Body Wash
Splurge: Philosophy: Pure Grace Shower Cream ($22)
Pure Grace is a two for one deal as it serves as both a moisturizing bubble bath and body wash. Unlike a shower gel, Pure Grace is a cream which means it provides the skin with a penetrating hydration.
Steal:Ulta: Rejuvenating Bath & Shower Gel ($9)
Ulta offers a body wash that both exfoliates the skin while it rehydrates it. Regular exfoliation usually leaves your skin smooth but dry, while Rejuvenating Shower Gel gives you the best of both worlds.
Each of the splurge products are available on the vendor’s website for the prices listed. Most can also be found at beauty supply stores such as Ulta and Sephora or department stores as well. The steal items can be found in most generic drug stores. Happy Winter!