I think we’ve all been there in some form or another come winter time. The cold weather brings us parched, flaky, cracked, and often times itchy skin (#NotAttracive). Each winter the heat comes on and the moisture goes out. Our skin is begging us for more moisture. 

Each winter I run through some of my tried & true products and introduce some new players in hopes to tame the dry skin beast. I think I might have finally found my cocktail of favorites.

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask: This is a new fave of mine and has definitely improved the dryness and split-ends of my hair. About a year or so I go I stopped washing my hair every day and moved to using a dry shampoo. This was all in effort to prevent over dryness. No more blow drying & straightening every day. I only use a curling iron for loose waves and avoid curling the ends of my hair. That has helped a lot with my hair looking and feeling a lot healthier. However, it still needs help especially come winter. I can’t remember where I heard about this product but wherever I did, thank goodness. I use this once a week but have stepped it up to twice during the winter. I apply it only to my ends and leave it on for two to three minutes. It really makes my hair so soft and my ends don’t look so dry. The only downside I’ve noticed is that because it makes my hair super soft, my waves don’t hold as well. So I usually use a texturizing spray to give it a little bit of grit.

May Lindstrom The Honey Mud: This has been a winter staple for me going on two years now. This cleanser is great but also takes a little getting used to. This cleanser looks like chocolate pudding. The consistency is creamy and silky; it smells amazing and feels so decadent on my face. It took me some time to figure out how to effectively use this product for my skin. But once I figured it out, it was heaven. It doesn't do much for me in the way of removing makeup. I use it primarily as morning cleanser or when my face is make-up free. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dry. On days when I feel I need some extra moisture, I’ll use this as a moisturizing mask. I’ll slather a thin layer over my face and leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. 

Chanel Hydra Beauty Creme: This has been a freakin' game changer for my face. Seriously, I'm not exaggerating. It's the only new item in my winter lineup. I had read so many good things about this moisturizer but was hesitant to drop the $90 on this jar. However, I finally gave in and it is has significantly changed the moisturizer level on my face. I'm pretty sensitive to products that are scented so I was concerned about that this might be too strong.  Some of the higher end beauty brands like to add floral scents to their products. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this scent isn't over powering.  It's light and quickly disappears after the moisturizer soaks in. The consistency is a light cream but also dense if that makes. You don't need a lot. I like to use a pea size amount and let that soak in. If I still feel dry in spots I'll add a little bit more. I found that if you add too much it won't all soak in & can leave a layer of moisturizer film on your face so go little by little. Overall, my skin looks better. Before this, even with all my other products, my skin would still be flaky and a flaky face is no place for foundation. My foundation goes on smooth and there are no signs of flaky skin. #Hallelujah If you don’t want to drop the $90 head to your local Nordstrom or Chanel beauty counter and ask for a sample to try it out. If you do get it, I would love to hear your thoughts on it. 

Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Butter: I’ve been using this body lotion for years and love it especially in the winter. It’s thick and so creamy. The skin on my body soaks it right up. I find it too thick to use during the summer months especially on my legs.

Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream: One of the signs I know my skin is drying out is by the way my cuticles look. This cuticle cream is part of my normal manicure routine (I’ll post on that in the future). Our nails tend to take a bigger beating in the winter because they are exposed the most to cold & dry air. We also tend to use hotter water in the colder months when washing hands, doing dishes, etc. I use this morning and night to keep the hang nails and dry cuticles at bay.

Flexitol Heel Balm: I know this isn't the sexiest of products but it works wonders on dry, cracked heels. Our heels are prone to more cracking in the winter due to the dryness and also in the beginning of sandal season. Being in flat shoes adds more pressure to skin around the heels and if they are dry to begin with they start to crack. This stuff works in a matter of days – no joke. I apply this all over my foot and concentrate on my heels and where I have calluses then put on a socks. Trust me come sandal season, your feet will be thanking you.

If loading up on moisturizers don't do the trick alone try combating your dry skin with these tips:

1. Up your water intake - I know more freakin' water but healthy & hydrated skin is created from the inside.

2. Exfoliate – An exfoliator is part of my normal routine and should be part of yours too. My current go-to's are May Lindstrom The Clean Dirt and Kate Somerville Exfolikate. Using an exfoliator helps to rid the layer of dead skin which will allow your moisturizers to soak in and do their job.

3. Use a humidifier – All winter, every winter. This is a must in my house. It adds much needed moisture to the air which helps prevent extra dryness and keeps that winter static cling & associated electrical shocks down to a minimum.

4. Saran Wrap - This might be your new best friend. Our legs (specifically our shin areas) tend to get a bit more scaly looking even after exfoliating & moisturizing. You can up your hydration level by slathering on your favorite lotion, wrapping your legs in saran wrap, and slipping on some knee high socks for a couple of hours. Just don't wear the saran wrap too tight - you don't want to cut off circulation.

5. Avoid hot showers – Unfortunately, as much as I love me a hot shower they suck the moisture right out of your skin. If you do take a hot showers try not to expose your hair to that kind of heat and don’t immediately towel off. Apply your body moisturizer while your skin is still wet to lock in extra moisture.

Do you have any tips or favorite moisturizers you use? Let me know in the comments below.