4 Ways to Fight Dry Winter Skin

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As temps dip, giving skin—from head to toe—a little extra TLC is more important than any other time of year. Here some of our favorite ways to fight the frigid, dry winter air, and get your smooth, soft self back!

1: Exfoliate head to toe

Even if you slather yourself in creams and lotions, the flakes won’t disappear unless you take them off. To get better results, exfoliate in the shower, and then let the steam help re-hydrate your skin, and finish with a rich moisturizer while skin is still damp.

Face: Korres Pomegranate Deep Cleansing Scrub | $21
The exfoliator at work is derived from Greek olive seeds, and gently coax dirt and grime from pores. You also get the benefits of three powerful natural antioxidant extracts—olive, calendula flower, and pomegranate.

Body: Bliss Hot Salt Scrub | $38
Natalie C. who rated the product five out of five stars, says: “It really does make skin feel warm while scrubbing and fills the bathroom with the wonderful scent of eucalyptus. So lovely! It also doesn’t leave a film which is the main reason why I hate other scrubs.”

2: Add hyaluronic acid to your routine

Hyaluronic acid retains up to 1,000 times its weight in water, meaning it really attracts moisture to the skin. In complexion products, the ingredient really hydrates and plumps—noticeably so with regular use. Natural skin care guru Indie Lee includes HA in many of her products for a reason!

Indie Lee Clearing Mask | $60
Designed for acne-prone, congested skin, this treatment works to ward off oncoming blemishes (you know, the kind you feel before you see) and prevent new ones. And after you wash it off, you’ll feel soft, not tight; that’s the HA in action.

Indie Lee Swiss Apple Facial Serum | $130
Try it alone or under your regular moisturizer for an instant glow, a mega dose of moisture, plus the regenerative, anti-aging benefits of stem cells naturally derived from a rare Swiss apple.

3: Avoid dehydrating ingredients

Alcohol-based toners and cleansers may strip your complexion of its natural oils. In winter, try swapping for a gentler formula like:

Bliss Daily Detoxifying Facial Toner | $26
A toner that’s soothing, not drying can be hard to find. Bliss’s detoxifies and actually calms, too, with anti-inflammatory rose water.

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser | $32
Assistant editor Caitie S., who skimps on sleep and sees the effects on her skin, swears by this cleanser. Her take: “Since I started using the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser (twice a day with my Clarisonic) I’ve noticed a huge difference—my skin doesn’t look or feel anywhere near as dull. Plus it smells faintly like strawberry all day!”

4: Hydrate while you sleep

Massage in a conditioning oil anywhere you need it—legs, feet, cuticles, face—before bed, and wake up soft and smooth. Our picks:

rms beauty Beauty Oil | $74
Anyone who tries this product falls in love immediately, like Saroeuth B., who uses it under her SPF moisturizer and makeup. “Normally I would have dry flakes around my nose … makeup seems to go on my face a little bit smoother; no more dry flakes,” she says. A winter winner, and because it contains absolutely no water, a teeny-tiny bit goes a long way.

Indie Lee Moisturizing Oil | $36
Another five-star-reviewed product garners raves for both its hydrating power and heavenly scent options (there are three, all completely natural). Member Sharyn B. puts it best when she says the oil will “make you toss out your over priced body lotions that leave behind residue with minimal effect.”

For more tips, read about the ultimate DIY winter skin pick-me-up here.

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