Living in Canada is amazing. I love it. But one thing I don't necessarily love all the time is winter. When the snow first falls, it's pretty enough. But once it gets slushy and the months drag on, not so fun anymore. One other thing I don't love is what winter does to my skin. For me, winter = dry, dehydrated skin.The snow hasn't fallen yet here in Toronto mind you. But the cooler air outside combined with the heat inside the house and office is wreaking havoc on my skin, especially on my face. As Christopher from NARS said last week, my skin is starting to feel like 'sandpaper.' Not good news for sure.
I'm on a moisturizing, exfoliating kick and trying to drink LOTS of water. I've had many recommendations on facial moisturizers and hydrating lotions (like NARS Aqua Gel Hydrator) but I haven't found the magic product that works. I'm not sure I'm willing to pay $100 for a skin product like the NARS product but if I'm desperate I might cave in. Any other suggestions ladies???
20 comments:
I love LUSH Sympathy for Dry Skin, Vaseline Sheer Infusion (I'd prefer a shea butter scent but these work well & good price),and the Body Shop body butters. Hope that helps!
Not sure if you read my reply on the Sana gel post, but basically if you order the Nars gel from Sephora.com the price should be almost the same as US retail. I remember paying roughly the same price in CAD dollars when I ordered it last year.
The counters in Canada charge over $100 so I'm not sure why the disparity...hopefully Sephora hasn't upped the price in the meantime. They're out of stock atm so I can't confirm if its still the same price.
on damp skin, use jojoba oil! its amazing =)
extra virgin olive oil is also great for the skin! you should check out the reviews for it on makeupalley :]
http://makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=69808/Extra_Virgin_Olive_Oil/Unlisted_Brand/Moisturizers
Hey :) I have the same problem, but I'm in New Jersey.
The body shop makes some awesome body butters, and bath and body works just put out new triple moisture versions of their lotions. I also picked up some Burts Bee's hand salve which smells excellent and works great too. Going a little pricier, I also purchased Estee Lauder Daywear Plus Creme for dry skin. It smells like cucumbers.
Hey Michelle, my first piece of advice would be not to over-do it with th exfoliating because it can actually dry out your skin in winter. I would just stick to doing it twice a week. Secondly, I would try and find a serum or face treatment that has essential oils in it (Elemis do great little capsules for this) and thirdly, try and find a really rich moisturiser without too many chemicals in it like Dr Organics Manuka Honey Cream - that's brilliant for dry skin and is 100% natural. Hoep this helps!
My best advice, is to add olive squalane to your facial moisturizer (or you can just use it as a light serum). I think olive squalane is a lot better for dry skin than jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is closest in chemical composition to human sebum... so it is moisturizing, but better for keeping pores clear since it can dissolve sebum. There are much more moisturizing oils than it. Olive squalane is derived from olives but chemical identical to shark liver oil - it's clear, odorless and very thin, almost watery in texture. Three drops should cover your entire face & it's called "nature's face lift" for it's ability to moisturize and visibly plump the skin. It's actually the active ingredient in many high end moisturizers and eye creams after the water, emulsifying wax and fillers. Jojoba oil is not moisturizing enough by itself for me, so I use both at a 1:1 ratio for my regular moisturizer (there are 3 very detailed posts on my blog - see the skincare tag for more info). You can get olive squalane on many chem supply websites. I get mine from lotioncrafter.com at like ... $20 (including shipping) for a 4oz jar? It lasts SO and I about a year, and the great thing about it is that it's stable enough to last about a year too. HTH!
I love my Camille Beckman hand cream, which I wrote aout here http://computergirl2007.blogspot.com/2009/11/review-camille-beckman-hand-therapy.html#comments but I also always carry Vaseline with me. It can act as a barrier to stop moisture leaving the skin.
Also lock moisture in after a bath or show, by using a little bit of baby oil.
Hope that helps. othing worse than cold chapped skin :( Emms :)
My best trick for body: use shower OIL instead of shower gel. It keeps my skin smooth while cleansing it, the good ones will even saves me time as I don't need to put moisturizers on afterwards.
For face: use cleansing oil before cleansing your face with your usual cleanser.
I recommend Rosehip Carrier oil. Put 2-3 drops onto the palm of your hand to warm up and then massage into the face and neck. Do this morning and night prior to applying your moisturiser of choice. It really works! I've been using it for years! It's a potent anti ager too which is a bonus! :) x
I used to have HORRIBLE dry skin - like red patchy spots on my cheeks. my dermatologist recommended cetephil cleanser and complex 15 moisturizer. my skin is happy and hydrated now so. and the best part is that they are cheap :)
Sweet!
I suffer the same problem here in Canada (the Maritimes) and I was going to suggest a couple things. But most have been suggested already and I actually got more helpful tips as well. So, great post! :)
Products:I would have suggested a good thick heavy night cream. I was using PUR Night Cream. Now I'm using Botanics Intensive moisturizing night cream. I would like to try Benefit's Dear John or/and Soap & Glory moisturizing day cream, as they're both thicker, more moisturizing for the winter months.
And Botanics Moisturizing Face Mask - it really works.
Tips: As previously suggested above, do not exfoliate too often in the winter, that will leave your skin even drier. Maybe once a week and focus on moisturizing like crazy. Watch out if you're using acne prone face washes or those for oily skin, those will dry out skin as well.
Ditto on the cetaphil for your body!
For my face, what I've found best to work is any line of moisturizer from Lancome (they're all absolutely fabulous for dry skin)
Good luck!!
aPetiteDiva.blogspot.com
Get a sample of YSL Hydra feel from a YSL counter, I 'm extremely satisfied with this product! ;)
xxx
Have you tried Cetaphil cream? For hands and feet, try Bag Balm - best invention ever!
So helpful! thanks everyone!!
I just (couple hours ago) tried on a Laura Mercier Creme de Pistachio Souffle body creme, I received a sample with my Saks haul recently. I have NEVER had anything actually moisturize without being tacky or sticky or greasy!!! The only issue that may arise is that the scent is strong, which I personally love, but I know lots of people like the whole fragrance free thing :) I have been a body/hand lotion fanatic since I've been 11 or 12 years old...so I've had my share in creams/lotions, lol
aPetiteDiva.blogspot.com
I'm late, but when my skin is really dry I find using an oil underneath my moisturiser is the most effective way to lock in some extra moisture. You've had some good suggestions already; I also like the Decleor Aromessences, and Espa are meant to do some good ones. The Dr Alkaitis oil is my absolute favourite though - I mix a drop of this with my eye cream, night cream, and use it on any dry patches. It is quite expensive, but you get 120ml.
I am having TONS of luck with Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream! I am loving it!
Thanks for all the tips ladies. I'm going through all your suggestions and hopefully will find a remedy.
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