Is your skin is dry, itchy, flaky, and cracked in the winter? Since I have been living on the East Coast for the last six years, I have found that my usual combination skin becomes driest during the winter months, and as a result needs a dose of TLC.    It's no kidding when they say winters are harsh. Just as we ladies switch make up colors with the change of season, we should to handle our body the same way, and make minor adjustments when choosing products to accommodate the harsh elements of winter.   So what is dry skin and how can we help ourselves from looking cracked? Below you'll find a winter guide to avoiding the cracks and staying smooth!

Why Dry?

Dryness can be caused (or worsen) by wind, extreme temperatures and air-conditioning, all of which cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. Also using a heater in the winter contributes to excessive dryness.   Skin that is tightly drawn over bones, especially around your hands can be especially prone.   In fact your hands and lips suffer the most during winter because they have a thinner layer of skin compared to most of your body.

If your skin is dry, it will have a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels taut (tight) and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied.

So why dry? Here are some reasons for the dreaded winter dryness:

•  Your skin gets exposed to the harsh elements of weather especially in winter

•  Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition in your family

•  A poor diet and deficiencies of vitamin A and E, and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin•  Environmental factors such as exposure to chemicals, cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps

•  Pre-existing conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea

Techniques to Care for Dry Skin

• Keep bathing time short: 5 to 10 minutes per day is enough to cleanse and hydrate without losing your body's natural oils. And don't use hot water. It can aggravate already dry skin. Use warm water.
• Moisturize within three – four minutes of getting out of the shower, after this time your skin starts to lose its moisture
• Dab your body with a towel, to keep some of the water on your skin.   Do not rub.
• Apply a generous coat of cream to your legs, arms and derrière first, where dryness sets in most quickly

•  Plug in the humidifier when you're at home. This helps bring moisture back into the air, especially when using a heater

•  Ladies: Avoid using a facial toner in the winter – it may contain alcohol and further dry your skin. Stay away from face products with alcohol in it!

Products to Combat Dry Skin

There are various herbal and commercial products available to combat dry skin, but picking out what is best suited for you can be a nightmare with the labyrinth of choices we now have today.   Below is a brief guide of recommended products for the winter months.   Good luck and stay smooth!

Herbal Remedies

Aloe Vera : Aloe Vera contains soothing, healing, and moisturizing properties and has been used for centuries to combat dry skin.   It also helps to remove dead skin cells. You may even grow an Aloe Vera plant in your home so you can use it at your will!

Calendula & Comfrey: both have skin-softening properties and can be used in a home made facial sauna.   Comfrey also reduces redness and soothes irritated skin. 

Products

Here are my favorites that are tried and true!

Face – Hope in a Jar (Philosophy - $35.00); Remede Alchemy Face Lotion ($70.00); Oil of Olay Face Lotion w/ SPF 15 ($10.00)

Lips – Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 ($5.50); Fresh Sugar Lip Balm ($21.00); Origin's Cover your Mouth ($7.50); Karite Lips ($7.00); Philosophy Hope in a Tube: High Density Eye and Lip Cream ($30.00)

Eyes – Remede High Energy Eye Contour ($95.00) or Bliss All Around Eye Cream ($24); Oil of Olay Total Effects Eye Cream ($19.00); Philosophy Hope in a Tube: High Density Eye and Lip Cream ($30.00)

Hands – L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream ($23.00); Glysomed ($3.99)

Feet - L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream ($23.00)

Body – L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream ($35.00); Borghese Tono Body Cream ($45.00); Glysomed ($7.00), Get Fresh Body Butter (amazing scents and my favorite is Fig and Peach Blossom $25)

Soaps – Chandrika Soaps ($1.50), Dove ($2.25), Lush Soaps ($5 +)

If you have questions, comments, suggestions feel free to email GeoClan at style@geoclan.com