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10 Winter Dry Skin Busters From Your Pantry

Hi Elaine,

When exposed to bitter cold freezing temperatures and searing dry winds, the skin on different parts of your body will start to lose its moisture and show signs of winter strain. Face, hands and legs become uncomfortably dry and visibly scaly; lips get chapped and crusty.

Your skin needs some extra care and attention in cold weather so a change in your skin care routine as well as products is an absolute must. That means concentrating on improving your skin's moisture level by nourishing with deep-hydrating moisturizers, regular skin exfoliation plus invigorating weekly facials to revive dry dull skin for a touchably soft and youthfully supple complexion.

You can find a slew of skin care products specifically formulated to keep overly dry, flaky winter skin at bay. My tip is look for ingredients that attract and lock water into your skin so that it feels fresh and well moisturized all day long. Glycerin, ceramide, lecithin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and cocoa butter are great for hydrating severely dry winter skin.

I really don't believe in overhyped beauty products and tend to stick to budget-friendly buys from drugstore brands. I personally favor CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which is fragrance free, non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores) and non-irritating to my acne prone sensitive skin. Its super moisturizing and quick-absorbing formula leaves thirsty skin incredibly moist without being too greasy or thick.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant is also another huge favorite of mine. It can be used on both the face as well as the body, and works exceptionally well on a host of skin problems such as eczema, cracked dry skin, chapped lips, and diaper rashes. It's also good for softening and smoothing unsightly rough dry patches on elbows, knees and heels. You can even use Aquaphor Healing Ointment to seal split ends, and add a little bright sheen to eyelids.

If you want something all natural that will keep cold weather dry skin very happy and have softer, more hydrated skin for pennies on the dollar, then take a look in your kitchen pantry.

What Can You Use to Naturally Moisturize Winter Dry Skin?

Goat milk and coconut milk are amazing natural skin moisturizers that help ease extra dry, itchy winter skin. Fenugreek seeds (dana methi) together with a bit of plain yogurt make a great facial scrub to slough off dull skin cells and boost circulation to give you an instant glow to dull winter skin.

Good old-fashioned oatmeal replenishes lost moisture and provides skin-soothing properties that relieve dryness as well as itching. Raw manuka honey prevents skin from cracking and wrinkling in the winter season. Apple cider vinegar (Braggs is best) softens rough skin while fresh aloe vera leaves your skin feeling lovingly smooth, fresh and alive.

Here are some homemade winter dry skin recipes that have worked for me, however there are many more you can try. Just look through our collection of DIY beauty recipes, you're sure to find something that suits your skincare needs no matter the season.

Gentle No-Chemical Facial Peel

Take a few (about 2-3) high quality digestive enzymes (I use Digest Gold) and mix with just enough water to form a paste. Spread on your face, making sure to avoid the areas around your eyes and mouth. Leave on for no longer than 10 minutes. You feel a slight tingling sensation, but not uncomfortable. Then rinse off with water while scrubbing gently in circular motions. Your face complexion will feel cleansed, appear brighter and more awake than ever!

Ultra Softening Banana and Milk Face Mask

Banana is among the most nourishing fruits as it packs a bunch of antioxidants, notably Vitamins A, B (folic acid), and E that promote good skin health. Banana flesh is a natural emollient on its own, and when combined with milk, it offers extra hydration to keep dry flaky skin moist and smooth in winter.

Mash 1 ripe banana with the back of a fork, and add 1 tablespoon whole milk (also add a bit of heavy cream and honey, if you want to use it to get rid of dry skin patches on legs). Mix until well combined. Smooth over your face and neck. Wait for 20 minutes and then wash off thoroughly.

Super Moisturizing Egg Yolk and Olive Oil Body Mask

Egg yolk and olive oil, both rich in Vitamin E, are great hydrating agents that will leave your body feeling instantly soft and looking incredibly dewy. Lemon juice acts as a natural bleach to brighten dull, lifeless looking skin.

Blend together 2 egg yolks, 4-6 drops olive oil and juice of ½ lemon (or lime juice). Apply mixture all over your body with a unused paintbrush, paying extra attention to dry skin around your elbows, knees and heels. Wash off using a gentle body soap.

By Tiffany Moore

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