For many people from Asia who are used to warm and humid climates, just like me, arriving in Minnesota feels like stepping into another world. I arrived September 5 the evening and the air was cold and dry.
I somehow believe, winter winds can strip away skin moisture in minutes. Within just a few days, I notice my skin turning rough and my lips becoming severely dry.
It’s not just dryness, but also the sensation of my skin feeling tight, almost as if it’s being pulled. Smiling or talking can feel uncomfortable, as if the skin has lost its flexibility. It’s a very different experience compared to Asia, where the high humidity rarely causes that kind of tightness.
That’s why choosing the right moisturizer is so important for Asian newcomers in a place like Minnesota, where the temperature can drop to 16 degrees Celsius (60,8 F).
In Indonesia or other Asian countries, moisturizers are usually lightweight, quick to absorb and designed to feel refreshing in the heat. In Minnesota, however, such products often fail. I brought some moisturizer from Indonesia and those didn’t work for my skin here.
I think, my skin demands something richer, creams that provide a protective layer and lock-in hydration for hours. Imagine waking up in the morning after a shower with your skin feeling fine, only to find a few hours later, after stepping outside, that it feels tight and even starts to peel.
It was my personal experience, proving how essential moisturizer becomes. I didn’t expect my finger started to feel sore after simply washing the dishes or cleaning my hands.
That’s why, I started to realize moisturizer isn’t just an add-on. It’s a survival tool and it’s not only your face that needs it. Your hands, feet and any other exposed areas need protection, too. Hand cream and body lotion quickly become as necessary as warm coats. Small things like lip balm can save you from the pain of getting cracked lips within just a few hours outdoors.
In my experience, choosing product with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter makes a big difference
I ended up choosing to use petroleum jelly. At first, it felt strange to me because I wasn’t familiar with such a thick texture. It was far heavier than the moisturizers I usually use. But surprisingly, it worked. It created a barrier on my skin and kept it from drying out, even in the harsh Minnesota air.
I learned reapplying during the day is also key, because a single morning layer is rarely enough to withstand Minnesota’s relentless dry cold.
Another thing, I notice when I arrived in Minnesota is my eyes felt irritated and dry. The wind might cause them to water, yet at the same time they sting, as if tiny grains of sand were trapped inside.
What to do then? For dry eyes, I found the easiest fix is to use eye drops that keep them moist. Even simple thing like wearing glasses outside can stop the cold wind from making your eyes worse.
It may sound simple, just dry lips, itchy eyes and cold air, but it reminded me that moving across the world isn’t only about adjusting to big ideas or systems. Everyday discomforts teach us the most about resilience and adaptation.
Believe me, moments in Minnesota are far easier to enjoy when your skin feels comfortable. Carrying the right moisturizer from the very beginning is a small decision that brings huge comfort. Your skin will thank you, and you’ll feel more confident facing every long day.
