Winter = Dry Skin

That's right, let's talk about it! Winter tends to unleash a wave of dry skin on many of us, and several factors come into play when our skin starts to produce less sebum. One of the main reasons is that cold air holds less moisture, leading to lower humidity levels. Consequently, the air tends to draw moisture away from the skin, causing dryness. Another significant factor is our beloved indoor heating systems. Central heating systems used indoors during winter can further reduce humidity, contributing to dry skin. The warm, dry air can strip the skin of its natural moisture. This third reason is something I love to indulge in: hot showers! While they may seem tempting in cold weather, hot showers can strip the skin of its natural oils as well, leaving it dry and dehydrated. I gotta say, I'll just deal with the dry skin because I love me a hot shower EVERY DAY!

It doesn't end there though, we also have wind exposure to take into consideration, along with the fact that we have less sun exposure in the winter, which helps the skin produce vitamin D, essential for skin health. Many of us transition from normal to oily in the summer, to straight-up dry as a bone in the winter, and unfortunately, I am one of those people. I gotta tell you, it really is a nuisance to deal with. I, myself, get flaky patches of skin anywhere on my body. I am one of those people who washes their hands about ten times a day, and therefore, my hands suffer dry skin the worst - I always have to have hand cream with me handy. So, I'm here to address that dry skin and share my favorite go-tos for handling this itchy issue. I've compiled a list of different categories on how to tackle the skin and the products that are my personal favorites.

Exfoliators

Let's get right into it with exfoliation. Exfoliating the face and body involves removing dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover, and enhancing skin renewal. During winter, when skin tends to be drier, exfoliation becomes particularly useful for maintaining hydrated and moisturized skin. Exfoliating comes with great benefits such as:

Removal of Dry Skin: How it helps: Exfoliation eliminates dry, flaky skin, allowing moisturizers to penetrate more effectively.
Enhanced Product Absorption: How it helps: Exfoliating creates a smoother skin surface, helping moisturizers and hydrating products to be absorbed more readily.
Stimulation of Blood Circulation: How it helps: Increased blood flow through exfoliation can contribute to a healthier complexion, aiding in overall skin hydration.
Prevention of Dullness: How it helps: By removing dead skin cells, exfoliation prevents a dull and lackluster appearance, promoting a radiant complexion.

Remember to limit how many times you exfoliate a week as you don't want to overwork your skin. I would suggest exfoliating one time a week. If your dryness is a bit more extreme, limit it to perhaps, once every week and half.

Body Exfoliators

Experience Drunk Elephant's Sugared Koffie Almond Milk Body Scrub , a harmonious blend of moisturizing plant oils, roasted coffee beans, and brown sugar crystals designed to soften and balance skin below the neck. Formulated with skin-nourishing almond milk, antioxidant-rich coffee seed, passionfruit, and marula oils, this scrub gently exfoliates, buffs away dry spots, and nurtures the skin without disrupting its natural barrier. Enjoy the delightful scent derived from almond milk, coffee bean extract, and coffee seed oil, minus any added fragrances or essential oils. Committed to your skin's well-being, this scrub is free from the Suspicious 6, ensuring a reset to your skin's healthiest state, suitable for all skin types.

Introducing the Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Polish by Herbivore – a rich blend of virgin coconut oil and Moroccan rose for gentle exfoliation and deep moisturization. This luxurious body scrub leaves your skin feeling instantly softer, smoother, and well-nourished. Particularly loved by those with dry, tough areas, it provides the essential moisture your skin craves for a rejuvenated feel during the winter.

Introducing Kiel's "Ultimate Man" Body Scrub Soap effective scrub soap crafted with natural oat bran, oat kernel, and pumice. This powerhouse thoroughly cleanses the skin, promoting the exfoliation of dead cells and smoothing rough areas like elbows and heels. Enjoy a refreshing scent that invigorates the senses, making each cleansing ritual a perfect, revitalizing experience.

Face Exfoliators

Introducing Glow Recipe's Hydrating & Re-texturizing Serum – a clarifying and exfoliating formula with salicylic acid to gently smooth skin texture, clear breakouts, and refine pores. Ideal for sensitive skin, it also calms redness and visibly soothes and decongests your skin. Packed with strawberry enzymes, hyaluronic acid, azelaic acid liposome, succinic acid, allantoin, Bisabolol, and a 10% Clarity Acid Complex, featuring 2% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Mandelic Acid (AHA). A powerhouse for a refreshed and revitalized complexion.

Introducing Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – a daily leave-on exfoliator with 2% salicylic acid. This powerhouse clears away dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and visibly smooths wrinkles overnight. Key ingredients include salicylic acid for pore penetration, green tea for antioxidant soothing, and Methylpropanediol for hydration and enhanced glow. It's free of various harmful elements, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and comes in recyclable packaging. With a 2% salicylic acid concentration and a pH range of 3.2 to 3.8, this global bestseller reveals smoother, clearer, and radiant skin after just one use. Great for normal to oily skin.

At Home Solution

Humidifiers are winter skin saviors, adding moisture to the air to combat dryness. By emitting water vapor, they prevent rapid moisture loss, relieving dryness, itchiness, and dehydration. Regular cleaning, distilled water use, adjusting humidity levels, and strategic placement enhance their effectiveness. With a humidifier, create a skin-friendly environment, find relief from winter dryness, and promote overall skin health. That said, introducing the Pure Enrichment® MistAire™ Silver Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier – a powerful, easy-fill solution for up to 25 hours on low or 12 hours on high, providing quick relief from winter dry air issues. With adjustable settings and a 360° mist nozzle, it aids in balancing and regulating home humidity, offering relief from coughing, congestion, sore throat, sinus problems, allergies, and dry skin. Covering up to 250 sq. ft., it's perfect for bedrooms, offices, nurseries, and living rooms. Designed for overnight use, it operates quietly and features an optional night light for a gentle glow. With a 5-year warranty and BPA-Free construction, this humidifier is your trusty companion for a restful night's sleep and combatting winter dry skin.

Cleansers

Adjusting your skincare for winter is just as crucial as changing your foundation. Let's begin with cleansers – opt for one that won't strip your natural oils. Winter cleansers often contain ingredients supporting the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss in harsh conditions. Unlike summer cleansers focusing on oil control, winter ones have higher moisture content to combat the cold's drying effects. It's all about aligning your skincare with the season's needs for a radiant complexion. Here are some reasons why you should think about switching your cleanser for those colder months:

Preserving Natural Oils: Opt for a cleanser that won't strip your face of its natural oils.
Supporting the Skin Barrier: Winter cleansers include ingredients that bolster the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and offering protection in harsh conditions.
Higher Moisture Content: Winter cleansers combat the drying effects of cold weather with a higher moisture content, ensuring your skin stays hydrated.
Hydration Boost: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin in winter cleansers to provide an extra boost of hydration.
Focus on Oil Control in Summer: Conversely, summer cleansers concentrate on controlling excess oil in warmer weather.
Incorporating Salicylic Acid: Ingredients like salicylic acid are often found in summer cleansers, aiding in oil control.
Texture Differences: Winter cleansers may have a creamier or lotion-like texture, offering additional emollients for cold weather, while summer cleansers tend to be lighter or gel-based.

By adjusting your cleanser with the seasons, you can ensure your skin receives the care it needs to stay healthy and vibrant during the winter. So here are some options you might want to consider.

Body Cleansers

Elevate your body-cleansing routine to a tranquil spa experience with the Buttah Egyptian CocoShea Body Wash designed for melanin-rich skin. This unique formula features African cocoa butter, shea butter, and nourishing multivitamin extracts to deeply cleanse and soften the skin. It lathers and cascades for a silky, velvety finish, locking in moisture and leaving your skin cleansed, refreshed, and restored. The luxe scent of Pharaoh's Love, with notes of white lily, rose, heliotrope, white musk, and vanilla, enhances the experience. Key ingredients include the SP Duraquench complex for 72-hour hydration, Purslane extract for brightening, and Marshmallow root extract for soothing benefits. Transform your daily ritual into a pampering journey for your skin.

Experience gentle cleansing and lasting moisture with Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash. This sulfate-free formula, enriched with a soothing Triple Oat blend, is crafted for sensitive skin. Gently and effectively cleansing, it leaves itchy, dry skin soothed and moisturized. Dermatologist-recommended for over 70 years, this body wash is allergy-tested and free of fragrances, sulfates, parabens, dyes, and soaps.

Face Cleansers

Experience the gentle care of a clinically proven moisturizing cleanser designed for dry and sensitive skin, Shiseido's Extra Rich Cleansing Milk. This soap-free cleanser, ideal for dry/very dry/sensitive skin, is infused with Japanese Yuzu Seed Extract for moisturizing benefits. The exclusive InternalPowerResist technology strengthens the skin, defending against environmental pollutants. Tested by 110 women, it protects skin's moisture before and after cleansing when used daily for two weeks. With signature Japanese ingredients like Kirishima Mineral Spring Water, Rice Germ Oil, and Hamamelis Extract, it deeply moisturizes, balances, and preps the skin for further treatment. Dermatologist tested for dry, very dry, and sensitive skin.

Moisturizers

In the winter months, selecting the right moisturizer plays a crucial role in combating dry, itchy, and flaky skin. Look for formulations with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or ceramides, as these provide deep hydration and help in restoring the skin's protective barrier. These moisturizers act as a shield against harsh environmental conditions, preventing excessive moisture loss and alleviating the discomfort of dry and itchy skin. Regular application of a well-suited winter moisturizer contributes to maintaining a healthy skin balance, leaving your skin nourished, smooth, and resilient throughout the colder months.

Body

This one here is a two-for. With First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration, experience instant relief for dry, distressed skin and eczema with this award-winning moisturizer. In just 7 days, it strengthens the skin barrier, leaving you with calm and comfortable skin. The fast-absorbing formula, enriched with Colloidal Oatmeal, a skin protectant, and barrier builder, treats eczema and accelerates skin renewal. Enjoy 24 hours of soothing hydration, making your skin feel comfortable after just one use. Safe for sensitive skin and suitable for both face and body, it's dermatologist-tested, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, vegan, and free from a range of potential irritants. Give your skin the care it deserves without compromise.

Indulge your skin with Morrocanoil Body Butter Moisturizer, a fast-absorbing moisturizer that deeply nourishes and softens dry skin without any greasy residue. Packed with a blend of argan oil, shea, cocoa, and mango butters, it provides abundant nourishment and long-lasting hydration. Hyaluronic acid attracts and locks in moisture, improving texture for supple skin. Encased in a recyclable glass jar and scented with our signature blend of spicy amber and sweet floral notes, it's a luxurious treat for your skin. Key ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, hyaluronic acid, olive oil, and avocado oil work together to hydrate, strengthen, and restore your skin's natural beauty.

Face

Experience deep hydration and nourishment with Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Refillable Face Cream, featuring four clinical actives. The patented triple lipid complex restores depleted lipids, promoting smoother, radiant, and elastic skin. Nutripeptides support skin barrier health, seaweed sodium hyaluronate deeply hydrates, and lily root locks in moisture. Dermatologist-tested and recommended, our noncomedogenic formula is free from fragrance, silicone, parabens, sulfates, essential oils, and more. Discover the power of this Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream for a skincare experience that's cruelty-free, vegan, and pH balanced.

Discover the multi-functional magic recommended by pharmacists and embraced by professional makeup artists, Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré - Daily Face and Body Cream. This versatile product cares for delicate skin, delivering essential nutrients, retaining moisture, and shielding against external stressors. With its winning formula enriched with shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera, and soy proteins, it serves as a moisturizing cream, mask, makeup base, cleansing milk, after-shave, and after-sun care. Experience the benefits of supple and firm skin, a plumped-up, smooth, soft, and toned complexion, and perfectly prepared skin for makeup. Embrace well-moisturized, nourished skin that regains comfort and balance with this essential beauty ally.

Hands

Meet my personal trusty companion, a year-round essential; L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream. The beloved Shea Butter Hand Cream is a top performer, turning dry hands into soft and supple wonders. With a nourishing formula boasting 20% Shea Butter, it's a game-changer. A whopping 97% experienced immediate skin soothing after just one application.¹ Suitable for all skin types, this cream not only nourishes and softens but also provides instant relief from dryness. Packed with Shea Butter, Beta Glucan, and Rapeseed Phytosterols, it's a powerhouse trio for happy hands. And guess what? No parabens, phthalates, or silicones in this formula. Skincare simplified, results amplified.

Lips

Rosebud Perfume Co. Minted Rose Lip Balm, the minty marvel of our beloved multipurpose lip balm, a true cult-favorite for soothing dry lips and skin. This essential balm not only calms irritation but also provides relief for minor burns. Its versatility shines as you can effortlessly apply it to chapped lips, elbows, or knees, leaving your skin nourished and free from dryness. Enriched with a delightful blend of essential oils, including rose and peppermint, it's a treat for your skin. For your convenience, the link provided is for a two-pack, ensuring you have one on your nightstand and one in your purse – a skincare essential.

Revitalize your lips with Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm, an intensive lip treatment, a clinically proven solution that repairs and moisturizes extra dry lips for a full 24 hours*. Formulated with smoothing sea fennel extract and hydrating hyaluronic acid spheres, this dermatologist-tested treatment replenishes and recovers dry, peeling lips. The ultra-nourishing formula acts as a soothing balm, eliminating dry flakes and restoring a plump, healthy look.

In Conclusion

As we navigate through winter and combat dry skin, these suggested products can be your skin's best allies. But, let's not forget the simple power of water – staying hydrated from within is crucial. So, along with trying out these fantastic products, make sure to keep yourself well-hydrated throughout the day. I'm always here for your questions and eager to hear your thoughts on the products you've tried. Drop a comment, share your feedback, and remember, my masterclass is ready for you to enroll and enhance your makeup skills for 2024. Let's face winter together and let your skin glow with health! #amazonad

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