December, January, and February are the designated winter months in the United States, with the average winter temperature hitting a fairly chilly 33.6 °F. Not only is it a challenge for someone to stay warm during the testy winter season, but it’s also necessary for them to pay extra attention to clothing and personal hygiene, as the cold months can bring troubles like excessively dry skin, ice burn, rashes, and chafing.
You may have already prepared warmer clothing and additional layers for autumn, but these may not be enough to keep you comfortable and healthy. You’ll need to wear clothes with extra coverage and thermal properties paired with thick protective outerwear like wool overcoats, parkas, and sweaters. In addition, you should have an assortment of personal care products that can tide you over in case you experience common winter-related ailments and discomforts.
What personal care items should you have ready for the colder months? Here’s a list that you can use to assemble all the winter gear you need.
Thermal Underwear
When wintertime hits, the first thing you should prepare is your thermal underwear. Your thermals keep you both warm and dry under your regular clothes, as they absorb any perspiration your body generates in its attempt to regulate your temperature. You’ll have a much more comfortable winter experience if you invest in several sets of soft, hardy thermals to wear under your shirts, coats, and pants.
Socks
Next among your winter essentials are your socks. You’ll want quality pairs of USA made socks with adequate moisture-wicking and thermal regulation properties for the cold weather. Your socks will also serve as cushions for your feet when you’re wearing heavy and thick-soled shoes like winter boots. Keep your feet warm and free of cuts, bruises, and chafes with fresh pairs of winter socks.
Headwear
You should also have proper headwear to protect your hair and ears from the onslaught of the elements. Doing so will keep the sweat from accumulating around your head and give you an extra layer of protection from hypothermia, frostbite, or an ear infection. You can opt for a plain beanie or a bomber hat to wear outside, especially when it’s snowing. You could also consider getting a custom hat made if you can’t find anything you like in store (and you can Click Here to get started with this). Alternatively, if you aren’t much of a hat person, you can also choose to don a pair of plain earmuffs.
Gloves
Gloves are another must-have item in your winter wardrobe, as they keep your hands warm and functional for essential tasks like driving or opening doors. The right pair of gloves for you depends on what you’ll be using them for, how cold it gets in your area, and what material you prefer. Don’t skip out on wearing gloves just because they seem obstructive—instead, look for a pair that guarantees both warmth and dexterity. You have several brand options for gloves that are better adapted to tasks like using a touch screen or operating a smartphone.
Moisturizing Products
Moisturizing products are also considered indispensable items for any American winter. The frigid air can cause damage to your skin, which can be an uncomfortable and altogether unpleasant experience. To protect the sensitive skin on your lips and prevent chapping, apply a moisturizing lip balm on a regular basis. It’s also important to keep some facial moisturizer and hand lotion with you at all times. Given that your face and hands are also prone to experiencing dryness and irritation from the cold, both products will come in handy throughout the winter months.
Sunscreen
Many people dispense with sunscreen during the winter because the sun doesn’t beat down as strongly on them. But even during the wintertime, you’re still vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Though winter means weaker UVB rays, which are the type to cause sunburn, long-wave UVA rays can still penetrate your skin and increase your risk for conditions like skin cancer. Avoid that risk by applying a layer of sunscreen on your skin during the daytime, when you know that you’ll be exposed to the sun. Keep your sunscreen on hand especially if you plan to do any high-altitude activities like skiing or snowboarding.
Winter-appropriate Deodorant or Antiperspirant
Lastly, it helps to prepare deodorant or antiperspirant for any trip you make outside in the wintertime. Both products will allow you to feel fresh and relaxed in your winter clothes instead of feeling damp and self-conscious about any body odor you may be harboring. Go for a brand that’s on the dryer side and that’s easy enough on your skin.
Of all the seasons, winter may be the most demanding in terms of how much clothing and how many accessories you have to bring out. But it’s always worth it to feel comfier and at ease during the colder months. There are also a lot of opportunities for you to upgrade your personal style and comportment during the winter. So, make these chances count, and look and feel like you’re at your personal best when winter comes.