Every year, about this time, I need to start adding skin care products to my usual regimen that cater to dry skin.  Midwestern winters certainly don’t help, leaving my skin and hair in need of extra attention.  I thought I’d compile a list of a few of my current favorite products that help to keep my dry skin and hair at bay.

Overall:  I try to keep myself hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.  As a mom, I find this very hard to keep up on, but my trusty Lifefactory water bottle helps me stay focused on hydrating myself.   It is super portable and available with several different caps and size options, making it easy to keep with you throughout the day.  If you don’t believe me when I say that water makes a huge difference in your skin’s appearance, check out this picture.

Hands:  My hands have been particularly dry this winter and I recently found myself combing the aisles at Target looking for something that was reasonably priced and met my criteria for natural ingredients.  I ended up with Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream and LOVE the stuff!  I typically find that oils do the best job of hydrating your skin, but don’t soak in well unless your skin is damp.  So, for that reason, I typically prefer a cream formula for my hands.  This hand cream does the job of intense hydration thanks to ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter and baobab oil, yet still absorbs quickly into your skin.  The scent is very mild (a huge plus for me!) and fresh.  I am so glad I found this hand cream and carry it in my purse wherever I go.

Lips: Burt’s Bees wins again here with their Tinted Lip Balm.  It’s not waxy at all and I find that it soothes and smoothes my lips while adding the most beautiful natural tint and sheenff;||ddl’gl.  You really can’t go wrong with your color selection, but my current go to is the Pink Blossom shade.  It is a wearable everyday pink that gives you the “my lips, but better” look.

Face:  I recently discovered Pai Skincare and love the list of natural and quality ingredients that they use in their products.  I picked up the Rosehip Collection: Intensive Nourishing Facial Set on sale and have really enjoyed it.  It utilizes the regenerative and hydrating power of Rosehip to improve the skin’s glow and texture.  Pai’s website describes the kit as,

     “Harnessing the power of nature’s most powerful multi-tasker, this at-home Facial treatment transforms lacklustre skin in 3 simple steps.  Renowned for its regenerative and revitalizing properties, Rosehip’s high concentration of essential Omegas restores even the most sensitive of skin to its natural radiance.  Rich in replenishing nutrients, our Rosehip BioRegenerate Face Mask deeply hydrates and conditions the skin to leave it beautifully soft and supple.  Our cult classic Rosehip BioRegenerate oil locks in moisture and promotes a clear, bright and even skin tone.”

  I use the mask once or twice a week and then alternate the oil with another oil blend I made earlier this fall.  I highly recommend!

Body: You really cannot beat the power of oils in keeping your skin hydrated and soft. My favorite is a blend I make myself and you can find the recipe here.  When I don’t have this available or I’m too lazy to make it, straight coconut oil does the trick too.

Hair:  I mentioned in a recent post how much I love Argan Oil, and I continue to be amazed at what it does for my hair.  Just a couple of drops makes it noticeably softer and more manageable.  You can also use the tiniest amount rubbed in between your hands to tame those flyaways that the dry winter air brings out.

And there you have it!  What works for your dry skin?