There’s something starkly beautiful about winter. Whether it’s the shimmering snow on a sunny day or the look of white-tipped trees on a long, winding road—when looking outside from the comfort of your warm home or car, winter is breathtaking. When you’re out in the elements, however, you may have a different attitude towards the season, and your skin probably agrees. Cold weather can dry out and irritate any skin type, so as winter approaches, here are our favorite products to help combat the skin-damaging winter air.
A Humidifier
When it comes to hydrating your skin, there are few methods as successful as using a humidifier in your home (and at work). Humidifiers add moisture to the air to hydrate your skin and prevent it from drying out. They solve the whole dry winter air issue at the source, eliminating the need to treat its symptoms.
For use at home, there are humidifiers that can be combined with incense and mood lighting, or simple floor humidifiers that pump mist into the air. For use at work, there are small humidifiers that plug directly into your computer and can be set on your desk, ensuring that your skin is hydrated, regardless of the office moisture condition.
Our Pick: Huumi Humidifier, $69.99 (click here)
Lotion
Lotion is a no-brainer when it comes to hydrating your skin, but sometimes your everyday scented body creme won’t do the trick. Instead, try a lotion specifically designed to hydrate extremely dry skin. For best results, you should apply lotion to your skin immediately upon getting out of the shower, and then utilize as needed throughout the day and before bed.
You should also keep hand lotion on your desk, as winter air tends to dry out your hands rather quickly. Your frequently washed, frequently sanitized hands could use all the help they can get this winter.
Our Pick: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, $16.08 (click here)
Hydrating Face Masks
When taking care of your skin in the winter, don’t forget about hydrating your face. Especially for women who wear makeup everyday and remove it at night, washing your face repeatedly can dry it out in the winter months.
Invest in a hydrating face mask designed to bring much-needed moisture back to your face. Not only will your skin feel brand new, but you’ll also find that the right mask makes you feel totally rejuvenated.
Our Pick: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, $48 (click here)
Hydrating Body Wash
Showering in the winter (especially if you enjoy scalding hot water) is a recipe for dry skin. No one’s asking you to take a cold shower in January, but you should invest in hydrating body washes, shampoos, and conditioners, even if just for the winter months.
While this isn’t the only step you should take to protect your skin, it will help to lessen the damage done by extremely hot showers on a daily basis. Just make sure to layer on the lotion once you dry off!
Our Pick: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash, $8.94 (click here)
UV Protection Makeup
Last, but not least, just because it’s winter doesn’t mean the sun has disappeared. You should still be applying sunscreen to your face in the winter. However, as you’d be hard-pressed to find most sunscreens in the winter months, you can always opt for UV protection in makeup products.
Many modern foundations have SPF 15 protection built in, which means that applying makeup puts a barrier between your skin and the sun. Whether you choose to rely on makeup or simply purchase some additional facial sunscreen, adding SPF to your daily routine will help combat dry skin.
Our Pick: Laura Mercier Tinted Skin Perfector SPF 30, $47 (click here)
Hydration is key when it comes to protecting your skin in the winter air, and these tips should help you to get there. Enjoy the beauty that winter has to offer, and rest assured it won’t wreak havoc on your skin.