Advice for Banishing Dry Winter Skin
Tip #1:
Moisturize just after your shower. Creams and ointments are thicker and more hydrating than lotions. Look for emollients like olive oil, jojoba oil, dimethicone, or shea butter. Alba Very Emollient Unscented Original Lotion is my favorite for daily use.
Tip #2:
Wear Lip Balm. Lips have no oil glands and are especially prone to drying. Good ol' Aquaphor can create a seal and prevent moisture from evaporating. Other good thoughts are: Vanicream with SPF 30, Kiel's Butterstick Lip Treatment and Dr Bronner's Organic Naked Lip Balm.
Tip #3:
Wash with a gentle, fragrance free soap (avoid harsh/antibacterial soaps). Only suds fold areas in the shower. Arms and legs just dry out with soap. I use Pre de Provence Honey Almond or Coconut bar soap. But most unscented moisturizing bar soaps will do. Just don't suds up too much!
Tip #4:
Humidify the air. Sounds simple, but dry air will dry out your skin. Check to see if your heating system has a humidifier (and that it is working). Better yet, put a humidifier in your bedroom. Your can soak up the humidity all night. Your skin will thank you!
Tip #5:
Apply hand cream after hand washing. This one is a tough one to always do - but it really makes a difference. Put a good thick hand cream next to the soap by the sink. The more you use it, the happier your hands will be.
Secret Tip:
I DIY a coconut oil sugar scrub that is great for helping prevent dry skin. I mix (all organic) coconut oil, avocado oil (or olive oil), sugar and essential oils together and apply at the end of my shower - rinse and pat dry with a towel. It's aromatherapy and hydration goodness all at once