Last week we discussed how to protect your garden in the winter. This week it’s

How to Protect Your Skin in Winter

The air is dry and your skin is dry.
Depending on the kind of skin you have, this can be a real problem.

I have VERY dry skin. Thank you, Mother! I mean, it is very very very dry. And not just my face, but all over my body. It is definitely true that the older you get the more dry skin can become a major problem.

I have really made a study of this. I am not one to try a new product until I have researched it, read reviews and even asked my dermatologist what she thinks. Over the years I will say I have received some of the best advice from two different (both female…) dermatologists and also from my small, independent pharmacy.

Let’s take a look at my dry skincare arsenal:

Yes, I really DO use all of these at various times and for various skin conditions.
Clockwise from top left:

  1. Palmers
    This is new to me this season and came recommended by my wonderful dermatologist. Apparently it has been around for years and is often used for stretch or surgery lines. It is made with cocoa butter, so yes, it has that chocolate scent. But the scent fades very quickly once it is applied. Thick and creamy and I love it both for face and body.
  2. Neutrogena Hand Cream
    We have had this around the house for years and years. I often put a dab on my hands before going out to the gym in the morning. Great for those cracked fingertips!
  3. Restorsea Pro
    This was actually a giveaway at the dermatologis open house. Very expensive to buy but sure, I’ll use the free tube. It is only for hands. I’ve been using for over two months, 2-3 times a day and I have to say the top of my hands are totally smooth and maybe a few less brown spots? Hard to tell.
  4. CeraVe Itch Relief
    This also was new to me this season, and again from dermatologist. My lower legs developed red spots that itched and this has been wonderful. Now I use it every day on my legs.
  5. CeraVe
    I’m sure many of you know this cream. Hypoallergenic, unscented and good for face and body and really for any and everyone.
  6. Vermont Bee Balm
    I had done a blog post on this fabulous product   just over a year ago. I am still a huge fan. It is the best product there is for nails and cuticles. Period.
  7. Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic Serum
    While this is not for dry skin I just had to put it in here. It is costly. Very costly. But it is THE MOST recommended serum from all dermatologists and aesthetitians. And with good reason. Five drops smoothed all over the face in the morning and you will see a huge difference. I will say, that the younger you are the more you will see a difference! My (older, aging) skin has not seen the difference that my daughter’s younger, tighter skin has. But take a look at the site and see what you think.

You may be thinking..really? she uses ALL those products? The answer is yes. Come warmer weather and certainly with the high humidity here in North Carolina I won’t be using most of them after about April. I still moisturize every day all year but not so intensively. And, of course, we haven’t even touched on sun screen. Please, apply each and every day. Yes, will you do that?

And now my friends, as you get this email in your inbox, I am headed South to warmer weather! A week long break from this intense cold seemed like a good idea. Check out my Instagram for up-to-date images of our trip, and I will be reporting back here very soon.