The Best Body Lotions for Dry Winter Skin, According to Women in Alaska
Asking a beauty professional—whether it’s a celebrity hairstylist, makeup artist, or Instagram influencer (hi, 2018)—for advice is always a safe bet. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find there are plenty of other women out there who are legitimate authorities in their own right. In our column Unlikely Experts, they give real reviews and recommendations. Whether it’s surfers on the best conditioners, bikers on the best cleansers, or ballerinas on the best foot creams, it’s fair to say these women know best.
Over 80 inches of snow fell in Alaska last year. Our friends up in the Last Frontier know cold, but that doesn’t mean they spend the winter locked inside with a humidifier and space heater. Born and bred Alaskans prefer to take advantage of the great outdoors all year long, with its breathtaking landscapes and scenic hikes. But along with hats and gloves, locals have learned how to use beauty products to protect their skin from the frigid winter air.
Alaskan winters aren’t just extreme when it comes to cold—they’re also dry, with little moisture in the air to help nourish skin. Nearly every Alaskan we spoke to mentioned just how chapped and flaky their skin can get during the long winter months, which makes a good moisturizer essential. As much as we trust our dermatologists and home remedies, these women are the true winter skin experts, with full-fledged routines that tackle eczema, dry skin, and more.
With plenty of winter still ahead, we turned to 12 Alaskan locals to share their go-to body lotions for avoiding dry winter skin. Check out their recommendations, from drugstore favorites to beloved local brands, ahead.