Say goodbye to dry with these tips for winter skin relief! Here are my winter skin essentials and why I love them. We are not being compensated in any way for making these recommendations. I’m simply sharing my favorite products in honor of National Winter Skin Relief Day! Who knew that was a thing?! Well, now you do. You’re welcome. LOL!
I’ve always struggled with dry skin during the winter. But guys? It’s getting worse the older I get. This year I turn the big five-oh (*gulp*), and the dry skin started even earlier than usual. Coincidence? Maybe.
Basically, as soon as we start using heat, I need to pull out my stash of favorite lotions and potions. I’m a complete wimp when it comes to being cold so the heat went on in the middle of October this year!
Okay, so the heat was only on for a week before we were back into steamy North Carolina temps. But still. October. Once I start feeling the tiniest bit of tightness, it’s gonna be a battle until spring rolls back around.
Let’s take a closer look at all the things I’ve found that help keep my skin soft and supple all winter long.
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Winter Skin Relief On the Go
Do any of you deal with dry skin too? Mine always starts in two places: my hands and my lips.
I think it’s because as soon as the kids head back to school I’m washing my hands WAY more often. Teens are just as germy as the younger kids. They may even be worse. It’s probably because of their phones… But I digress!
Anywho, lots of handwashing plus dry, forced heat and I’m heading down the road to being the Crypt Keeper… At least, that’s how things used to go down until my sister introduced me to O’Keeffe’s Working Hands!
This stuff is a serious miracle worker.
This year I discovered the lotion version of O’Keeffe’s, and I’m in even more love with it! It goes on lighter and absorbs even more quickly than the tub version. I’ll keep a tube in my purse all winter.
One of my favorite things about the Working Hands products is they don’t have any scent. Not that I don’t like using lotion that smells good! I’m a Bath & Bodyworks addict. But if I’m wearing another scent, I don’t want to muck it up with smelly hand cream. Plus, my husband likes using this stuff too. 🙂
The other item I keep in my purse is a tube of Mary Kay’s Satin Lips lip balm. I love how the shea butter helps my skin hold moisture and the jojoba butter moistens and protects my lips. If I run out of it, then my second favorite is Aquaphor’s Lip Repair and Protect.
My Nightstand Stash
I like to keep my favorite stuff in my nightstand drawer (like my Kindle paperwhite! ?). I find that giving myself a good dose of moisturizer at night helps to heal any damage that may have started during the day.
My other parts that get really dry during the winter are my calves and my elbows. I discovered the Gold Bond Ultimate Radiance Renewal cream last year and fell in love. It is so rich and thick! It absorbs quickly without feeling overly greasy. I apply a thin layer almost every night before bed (or just after my shower).
That’s another tube of my Mary Kay Satin Lips lip balm. That goes on every night right after I kiss my hubby goodnight! Apparently, he doesn’t like it when I try to share it with him if I put it on beforehand…
I like the tub version of the O’Keeffe’s working hands at night. It’s much thicker. And if my hands have gotten chapped or if my fingertips have started to crack it clears things up overnight! I don’t need to use it every night, but it’s right there for those times when I’ve been washing my hands more often or doing a lot of cleaning.
My other secret weapon against dry skin problems is Aquaphor Healing Ointment. I discovered this stuff when my son was a baby (buh-bye diaper rash). We also used it liberally to prevent or eliminate the “red ring of shame” when he was young and licked his lips a lot. ? This is my secret weapon for my nose when I’m sick! Spread a layer of this on and you won’t get a sore, chapped nose! You’re welcome. ?
Extra Relief for Winter Skin
I’ve got a few other things I like to keep on hand to pamper my skin a bit during the winter.
I discovered Mary Kay’s Satin Hands set about 20 years ago. I only use it once a week (on Sundays when I do a hydrating facial mask). I don’t know if it’s necessary, but it sure does feel good! And sometimes we need a little pampering, right?
The other thing I do as a treat on Sunday’s is the Mary Kay sugar scrub for my lips. You can make up your own lip scrub by combining 1 teaspoon of coconut oil with 2 teaspoons of sugar and a drop of vanilla extract.
More Winter Skin Helpers
Drinking water is so important during the winter months! Staying hydrated can make a huge difference in winter skin relief. Consider adding an extra cup or two of water to your daily routine. Check out AnnMarie’s suggestions for some other ways to get more water in your daily routine.
It’s so tempting to drink hot beverages like coffee this time of year. But did you know coffee will actually dehydrate you?! Be sure to add some extra water to your day if coffee’s your kryptonite!
I’ve recently discovered that I really like hot water with lemon. I really thought it would be gross, and was pleasantly surprised! Plus, it’s so good for you AND helps keep you toasty on the inside.
Herbal teas are another way to stay warm while avoiding the dehydrating effects of caffeine.
Apply moisturizers when your skin is still damp. They’ll actually help to lock that moisture in!
Exfoliation is really important this time of year. And if you’re one of those people who likes to take a break from shaving, make sure you use a gentle scrub on your legs! Removing the dead skin cells helps your body absorb moisturizers better.
Do you have any favorite products, tips or tricks for dry winter skin relief? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your tips in the comment section!
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