As you stand in the checkout line, stocking stuffer ideas always come to mind. That’s why they place them there, right before you make your final purchasing decisions. Grab a few festive lotions, hand sanitizer, a candle or two and you’re good to go…oh don’t forget the chocolate!
But, what you may not realize is some of your well-meaning Christmas gifts may not be the best choice for your skin. Here’s a list of the best and worst stocking stuffers for your loved ones’ skin.
Lotions (maybe)
Putting on lotion is a great step for any skin care routine. However, a lot of the holiday themed lotions that end up in stockings may not be the best option. Check the lotions you pick up and make sure they:
- Contain mineral oil or petrolatum
- Come in a tube rather than a pump-bottle
- Say it’s “fragrance-free” and “dye-free”
Hand sanitizer/hand wipes (maybe)
If you’re adding hand sanitizer to your go-to gift list, be sure to always pair hand lotion with it. We’ve been living in a world for the last two years where hand washing and sanitizing is on all of our minds a little more than normal. But, germs love dry skin. So, sanitize then moisturize. Pair them together and you’ve got a great stocking stuffer. Read more tips and the science of this here.
Lip balm (yes, if…)
Ever had a tingling sensation after putting on lip balm and thought, “oh good, it’s working!”…well that might not be the case. If your lip balm feels uncomfortable, burns, or even tingles a little, it’s most likely irritating your lips instead of healing them. If the lip balm you’re putting in stockings has any of the following ingredients, it’s probably best to skip that little item.
Avoid these ingredients:
- Camphor
- Eucalyptus
- Flavoring: Cinnamon, citrus, mint, and peppermint flavors can be especially irritating to dry, chapped lips
- Fragrance
- Lanolin
- Menthol
- Octinoxate or oxybenzone
- Phenol (or phenyl)
- Propyl gallate
- Salicylic acid
You can read more about lip care from the American Academy for Dermatology here.
Manicure Gift Certificate (maybe)
Having neatly manicured nails is a necessity for some and a rare treat for others. Either way, this makes a great gift, as long as you understand the risks/benefits. Getting a gel manicure regularly could potentially increase your risk of skin cancer. If you do get a gel manicure, apply sunscreen on your hands before you go. You want to protect yourself from the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish to the nail. Read more about this here. Plus, don’t forget to give your nails time to rehydrate before you add more polish. You can help this along by applying petroleum jelly to your nails a few times a day (which just happens to be our next stocking stuff recommendation!)
Petroleum Jelly (yes!)
Maybe they haven’t figured out how to put this in a cute package for your stockings, but it’s definitely one of the best skin care products out there. Remember, simpler is sometimes better for your skin. So, if you have a minor cut, need to rehydrate your nails, have dry skin/eyelids/lips, petroleum jelly is a great thing to have on hand. Here’s a complete list of how you can use it in your skin care routine.
Sunscreen (yes!)
SPF 30 is your best friend. Wear it and wear it often. We know it’s more fun in the sun, but just wear your sunscreen. This is a great resource for what to look for in sunscreen that best fits your skin type.
Refillable Water Bottle (yes!)
Hydration is an amazing asset to your skin and lips.Therefore it makes a great gift! Personalize it with their name or favorite color. This also makes a great gift for friends. Fill it with a gift card, favorite candy, etc.
Sunglasses/Hats/Gloves (yes!)
Anything that might protect from UV rays is a great gift. Many people make the mistake of thinking they don’t need to protect themselves from the sun during the winter, but that’s not at all true. UV rays can cause skin damage no matter what time of year it is.
As you wind down your Christmas shopping and finalize your stocking stuffers, just take an extra minute to double check you’re buying the best, safest options for your friends and family.