It’s not a secret that the Canadian winter is particularly harsh. With snow, rough winds, and frigid temperatures so cold that at least one day a year, it’s colder here than it is on Mars, it’s no wonder that our skin suffers. Of course, skincare is something that needs to be kept up with regularly, regardless of season. But, if you’re looking for some guidance on how to keep your skin healthy this winter, we’ve got you.
General Tips
In addition to using moisturizer, you should consider buying a humidifier, and ensuring that the thermostat is not set too high. You’ll also want to limit your exposure to hot water, as this can also dry out the skin, and switch out your skin-drying bar soap for a more moisturizing body wash.
Products you’ll also want to use are things like sunscreen, as once the snow starts to stick to the ground, the sun’s rays will reflect off the snow, hitting you at more angles than just from above. You also don’t want to skip out on the lip balm and avoid using any products that contain drying ingredients like alcohol or fragrance.
Moisturizers are generally available in three types, gel, lotion and cream. Which moisturizer you should use depends largely on your skin type, as well as any other skin concerns you may have, such as eczema, rosacea or psoriasis. Dryer types may prefer creams as they are oil based and have a thicker consistency, while gels and lotions are lightweight and water-based, making them better for oily skin. Keep in mind that products may still need to be layered with other skincare products, depending on skin concerns. And, all-natural does not equate to hypoallergenic, and some “natural” products may contain ingredients that aggravate allergies.
It’s also best practice to apply moisturizer to the face and body directly after the shower while your skin is still damp. This helps lock in the moisture that was introduced through the shower, and helps the product absorb into the skin better.
Ingredients
According to dermatologists these are ingredients that you should be looking for in your moisturizer:
Humectants
These are substances that help draw water into the skin.
Examples: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, sorbitol and honey.
Occlusives
These trap water in the skin by creating a barrier on top of the skin.
Examples: squalene, petrolatum, shea butter, olive oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil and lanolin.
Ceramides
These are lipids or fatty molecules that help maintain a healthy skin barrier. Three essential ceramides have been proven to benefit the skin.
Examples: ceramides 1,3 and 6-II.
Non-Comedogenic
The best moisturizers are also non-comedogenic, meaning that products won’t clog pores.
Products
Finally, without further ado, here are five of the best moisturizers that you can use this winter.
Price: $24.99
Formula: Lotion
Skin Type: All
Skin-Concern Safe: Yes
Developed by dermatologists, this moisturizer is packed with humectants and ceramides. Certain versions of the product even contain SPF.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Price: $29.99
Formula: Gel
Skin Type: Normal, Combination-Oily, Oily and acne-prone skin
Skin-Concern Safe: Yes
This lightweight and non-greasy moisturizer is a dermatologist recommended product. It contains humectants including hyaluronic acid and is perfect for a boost in moisture.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Soothing Cream
Price: $35.50
Formula: Cream
Skin Type: Ultra Dry, Dry, Normal, Combination-Dry
Skin-Concern Safe: Yes
Formulated for those with skin concerns like rosacea, psoriasis or eczema, this moisturizer includes ingredients like occlusives and humectants to treat dryness, tightness and itchiness.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Price: $243.00
Formula: Cream
Skin Type: Ultra Dry, Dry, Normal, Combination-Dry, Mature
Skin-Concern Safe: Yes
Created by Professor Bader, doctor of regenerative medicine and researcher in stem cell biology, this moisturizer contains TFC8, a formula composed of amino acids, vitamins and synthesized molecules natural to the skin that activates the skin’s natural regenerative process.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Price: $51.50
Formula: Cream
Skin Type: Ultra Dry, Dry, Normal, Combination-Dry
Skin-Concern Safe: Yes
This cream is formulated using ceramides and occlusives to calm inflammation and reduce redness and is approved by the National Eczema Association.
Lauren Schwartz | Staff Writer
