My Winter Bodycare Staples

A wise person once said, “variety is the spice of life”. This idiom is true concerning the Earth’s seasons. In summer, I can wear a bikini and make memories outdoors. In fall, I can wear the cutest sweaters and admire the multicolored leaves. Every season allows for a different form of self-expression. What’s great about winter? Winter is the time I can embrace thick blankets and hot cocoa. However, winter also poses unique challenges. During these chilly months, my skin struggles to retain moisture. This is because cold air compromises the human skin barrier. When the air is dry, more water evaporates out of the skin. This is why many people struggle with dry skin during the winter. However, there are some products we can use to replenish the moisture in our skin. Here are the staples of my winter skincare routine cold: 

1. CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion: When I moved to Michigan, my skin was completely unprepared for the winter. For the first time, I was unsatisfied with my body lotion. No matter how much I applied, my skin still felt dry and irritated. After some online research, I decided to try CeraVe body lotion. At first, I balked at the price. How could I spend $16 on a bottle of lotion? At the time, it was the most expensive moisturizer I had ever bought. However, I’m so glad I took the chance on it. It provided the relief (and moisture!) my skin desperately needed. 

2. OKAY Naturals Raw Shea Butter: This is SUCH an underrated product. It’s inexpensive and a little goes a long way. It’s important to note that shea Butter is not a moisturizer. It is a sealant. Think of it like baby oil. You wouldn’t use baby oil on your skin by itself, right? That would make your skin feel dry. Instead, you mix it with lotion, then apply it to your skin. Shea Butter should be used similarly. Estheticians recommend you use a moisturizer first, then apply the shea butter after. I’m typically in too much of a rush to apply them separately. I simply mix my CeraVe lotion with a little bit of raw Shea Butter then apply it. It keeps my skin moisturized all day. 

3. Dove Sensitive Skin Body Soap: I talk about this soap to anybody who will listen. This cleanser keeps the skin moisturized because it contains micromoisture droplets. These droplets contain Dove’s unique blend of moisturizers and nourishers. Dove ate down with this soap. It always makes my skin feel soft and hydrated. 

4. Elta MD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen: I know what you’re thinking. Should I be wearing sunscreen in winter? Yes! Although it’s not hot, the sun can still damage your skin. This Elta MD sunscreen is my go-to. It’s tinted, scent free and calming. I definitely recommend! 

The winter can be tough on your skin. However, you can crush it by building a moisturizing routine that works for you. Stay warm! 

If you are dealing with severely dry skin, please seek a dermatologist.