This is a super ~*~mAjEstIC~*~ picture of a girl who is NOT protecting herself from the Wisconsin winter.
It’s time to face the hard facts, ladies: summer is over. Along with the change of the season also comes a change to your normal skincare routine. Hello, this is an excuse to go shopping! Check out some of my tips for transitioning from summer to winter skincare, as well as come of my favorite products that won’t break the bank!
1. Moisturizer – Face
The number one thing is keep in mind during the winter months (especially in Wisconsin) is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. The dry winter air combined with the heat on in your home leads to super dry skin without noticing it. Apply a good moisturizer to your face in the morning before you leave the house, and even throughout the day if you’re walking to and from class and are exposed to the wind. Depending on your skin type, consider switching to one that is oil-based rather than water-based as that will create a protective layer on the skin and last longer during the day. It also helps to wear a big fluffy scarf that you can pull up over your cheeks, which I know you all already do.
My favorites:
Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer, SPF 15 – Walgreens, $12
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil – Trader Joe’s, $6 (I literally use this for everything. If you don’t have it, you need it.)
2. SPF
Just because you aren’t going to the beach doesn’t mean you can skip on the SPF! Winter sun combined with glare from the snow can still damage your skin. It is even a good idea to apply SPF to your hands if they’re exposed. There is never a time that SPF isn’t necessary, so just get into the habit of using it.
My favorites:
Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer, SPF 15 – Walgreens, $12 (kill two birds with one stone!)
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum, SPF 30 – Walgreens, $14
3. Acne treatment
Consider cutting down on your use of face wash and cream that has Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide as the main ingredients. Although these products help reduce breakouts (God bless them) their main prerogative is to dry out the skin, which is what we’re trying to avoid. If you use currently use them every day/every other day, try to cut down to once a week. Otherwise, use the same products but make sure you’re doing just a spot treatment rather than putting it on a large area.
My favorites:
Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment Cream – Walgreens, $7
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment – Walgreens, $8
4. Lips
Nothing is worse than chapped lips during the winter. Obviously, just as mother always said, try not to lick your lips when you’re out in the wind. That is the fast-track to them drying out and cracking. The most important thing is to continually apply ChapStick throughout the day. We’re talking keeping it in your pants pocket, coat pocket, and purse so there’s always one with you. Personally, I am obsessed with ChapStick and never go anywhere without it. Probably multiple, actually. And the SPF rule goes for lips as well! Sun and windburn are 100x more painful on your lips, so it pays to be prepared.
My favorites:
ChapStick Moisturizer, SPF 15 – Walgreens, $2
Vaseline Lip Therapy Skin Protectant, Advanced Formula – Walgreens, $2
5. Moisturizer – Body
Although we are all thoroughly enjoying No Shave November (…oh is that just me?), you can’t skimp on moisturizing your body! Unfortunately wearing pants (leggings) doesn’t protect your skin from the winter wind. Try to get into the habit of putting lotion on right when you get out of the shower in the morning, as well as right before bed. Lotions with shea butter are great to the winter months (except on your face) and keep moisture locked in for a little longer than normal. Operation avoid dry, flakey springtime skin, starts now.
My favorites:
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion – Walgreens, $8
Suave Skin Solutions Smoothing with Cocoa Butter & Shea – Walgreens, $3
Bundle up, collegiettes. The forecast says the next change of sunshine is Spring Break. Excuse me while I hide under my covers until then.