This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Toronto chapter.

Us Canadian girls REALLY know what a true winter is. We haul out those Canada Goose jackets, we drag out those Hunter boots, we whip out those gloves and ear muffs most likely from The Bay. All while being dainty of course! However, before you prance out into your winter wonderland, take a good look in the mirror. No, not at your trendy winter-chic outfit. Take a good look at what that cold dry air is doing to your once sun-kissed skin!

The lack of humidity and the blistering winds are the problem! Moisture is continuously being sucked out of your skin and must be replenished to avoid excessive dryness, patchiness, irritation, itchiness, and/or breakouts. I’ve compiled a list of products for every skin type to guide you on the path to beautiful skin this winter!

Dry Skin

Caudalie- Vinosource Intense Moisture Rescue Cream

This soothing cream is specially designed to make sure that your skin defeats harsh, dry weather conditions. It is formulated without destructive parabens and sulfates, to seal the hydrolipidic layer, which keeps the moisture from being sucked out!

Philosophy- Purity Made Simple Mineral Oil-Free Facial Cleansing Oil

This luxurious oil is used and raved about by many since it so easily dissolves all traces of dirt, make up, and impurities on or deep within the skin. It effortlessly gets rid of even waterproof mascara and long-wearing foundation without drying out the skin. Don’t worry, even if this is an oil, it won’t make your skin look greasy or it shouldn’t cause acne! I would just make sure to use this before bed, since a good cleanse is always necessary before Ryan Gosling shows up in your dreams.

Normal Skin

Clarins- Hydraquench Cream SPF 15

This super lightweight cream is superb for daily use because of the hyaluronic acid. This acid incredibly holds up to 1000 times its own weight in water, which also ensures your skin won’t feel greasy throughout the day since it’s only water! It also has an SPF component which is extremely necessary at all times of the year, contrary to popular belief. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is necessary if you are ever out in the sun, especially if you have pale skin. Quick Tip: Never wear any kind of SPF when you know you’ll have your picture taken with flash photography. You’ll end up having a ghost face, since the whole point of an SPF is to reflect light!

Origins- A Perfect World Anti-Oxidant Cleanser with White Tea

Everyone should be aware of the science superheroes that are anti-oxidants. They get rid of these things called free radicals, which basically age the body. Before I get too biology geeky on you, let’s talk about the cleanser! Not only does this smell wonderful, the smooth and creamy texture of this cleanser leaves your skin baby soft. What you can’t see is the antioxidants fighting crime, making sure your skin ages slower!

St. Ives- Apricot Scrub

This exfoliator is cult-favourite among us skincare nerds. Not only does it really do what it says it does, which is scrubbing your skin free of dead skin cells, the price is incredible. You can find this in the drugstore, along with other versions of the same product. This is a super exfoliator for those of you with sensitive skin, but there are blemish fighting and renewing versions as well! It leaves your face as radiant as a Christmas light. Okay, maybe not that radiant. But pretty radiant.

Oily Skin

Clinique-Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Ah, the dilemma of having oily skin in the winter. You over moisturize and your face feels greasy. You don’t and your skin starts to flake. Something’s gotta give! This Clinique moisturizer is very special since it is a gel; it’s oil free! With a very slippery texture, it sinks in very quickly and leaves your skin feeling moisturized. No grease face here!

Origins- Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser

If you have oily skin, using a oil cleanser like the Purity one above is probably not a good idea. Balance is best! This foaming cleanser is beautifully formulated with acne reducing palmetto, and mint. You will notice your pores shrinking, due to the salicylic acid. And come on. Mint? Who doesn’t love kissing a candy cane this time of year?

Murad- AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

This exfoliator is something I recommend all the time to those of us with tougher skin. It has a gritty texture from Jojoba beads, making it a physical exfoliant, but it also contains healthy acids! The salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids chemically dissolve dead skin cells away, leaving your skin glowing, smooth, and even! Dullness is always a problem during the colder months, so try this and you’ll be good to go!

So when you get super close to your sweetheart under the mistletoe, be prepared! Even the prettiest coat, or even the most skillful makeup application cannot hide bad skin. Please take care of your largest organ, and make sure to keep warm, and wear a scarf, and mitts, and boots… Mama Nipa is out of control! I hope you found this helpful and I wish you wonderful skin!

Picture sources:

http://www.sephora.com/product…

http://www.evecare.com/images/…

http://www.escentual.com/image…

http://www.evecare.com/images/…

http://asset4.wellmedia.ca/i/3…

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSZM…

http://www.allure.com/images/b…

http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/se…