Winter in Alberta can feel long, cold and surprisingly tough on skin and wardrobe. Between freezing winds, indoor heating and tight student budgets, it can be hard to feel comfortable and confident.
With the right strategies and a few affordable tricks, you can keep your skin healthy and stay warm without draining your bank account.
Here are my top tips:
Choose gentle skin cleansers.
Cold winter air holds far less moisture than warm air, which means your skin starts losing hydration the moment you step outside. This dryness is made worse by indoor heating, which pulls even more moisture from your skin. Cold weather strips your skin of natural oils.
From personal experience, using harsh or foaming cleansers can intensify the problem. I recommend switching to a gentle, cream-based or hydrating gel (if you have oil-prone skin like me, opt for gel-based; otherwise, you risk breaking out). These help clean your skin without compromising its protective properties.
Budget Tip: Rexall offers 20% off regularly priced Rexall brand products for UASU members enrolled in the student health plan. This is a great place to look for some cheaper cleansing and skin care options. Check out more UASU budget discounts online!
Moisturize strategically.
Hydration is the foundation of winter skin care! When I first moved to Edmonton, I rarely moisturized. But with the cold, dry winter air, I quickly made a change to include it in my daily routine.
You can use a richer night moisturizer that replenishes while you sleep and have a lighter day moisturizer that provides hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. Consider something more breathable that sits comfortably under makeup, prevents midday dryness and helps skin stay smooth as you move between cold outdoor air and heated indoor environments.
Budget Tip: Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is a cost-effective option that works excellently for lips, hands and dry patches. Instead of spending my money on lip balms, I opt for Vaseline and get the same hydrating results.
Don't skip the sunscreen!
Even in winter, don't skip the sunscreen. It's easy to assume that cold temperatures or cloudy skies reduce the need for sun protection, but UV radiation remains strong all year long. Winter activities like walking to class, waiting for the bus or studying by a sunny window can all expose your skin to UV light. Making sunscreen a part of your everyday routine, just like brushing your teeth, keeps your skin healthier in the long run, no matter the season.
Budget Tip: Many moisturizers now come with SPF built in. Buying a 2-in-1 saves money and time.
Hydrate from the inside out.
Winter air is extremely drying, and even the best moisturizers can only do so much if your body itself is dehydrated. Staying hydrated from within supports your skin's natural ability to stay smooth and healthy.
Drinking enough water throughout the day helps counteract this hidden dryness. I find that the simple trick of keeping a reusable water bottle beside me during lectures or study sessions makes me more likely to sip.
Plain water can feel boring, so I like to add lemon slices, frozen berries or even herbal tea bags for flavour without added sugar. Warm drinks like herbal tea also help keep you cozy while supporting hydration.
Master the art of layering.
Staying warm in the winter doesn't require expensive outdoor gear. What matters most is how you layer your clothing.
Layering creates insulation that traps your body heat, helping you stay comfortable as you move between freezing weather outside and overheated classrooms indoors. Layering acts as my best friend in the winter months — I combine affordable pieces instead of relying on one expensive coat.
However, not all fabrics keep you warm the same way. I find that wool is one of the warmest fabric items and insulates incredibly well. I also like thermal blends that trap heat without adding bulk. Many brands offer affordable clothing like this, including UNIQLO.
Beyond layering, warm accessories can make a massive difference. A cozy hat, scarf and thick socks can elevate even a simple outfit into something winter-proof.
Budget tip: check out the SUBsprout Thrift Store. It's a student-focused thrift shop right on North Campus, offering extremely affordable sweaters, jackets and layering basics. It's perfect for picking up warm pieces without overspending. Also, dollar stores often have winter accessories for just a few bucks.
Winter in Edmonton doesn't have to feel overwhelming or expensive. With a few mindful skincare habits and smart clothing choices, you can stay warm, comfortable and confident all season long without stretching the budget.
