Winter Skin Care Gems and Duds

These long, dry winters really do a number on my skin.  I'm always on the lookout for products that really hold in the moisture and that last for a good, long time.  I look for natural ingredients that really absorb into your skin, not petroleum-derived mineral oil that does create a barrier to dry skin, but in a gross, greasy, unhealthy kinda way.  Last year's winner in my annual, unauthorized ranking was...Pre-de-Provence 100% pure Shea Butter...an ultra-rich skin balm that I still use, even on my kids. 

This year I discovered something new - Skin Food by Weleda.  It's actually not new at all, but I finally picked it up at my local co-op.  It is fabulous and it's definitely my top skin care pick of the winter!  I love the way it goes on so smooth and rich, yet not greasy at all.  The very light, citrusy scent keeps me bringing my hands up to my nose to get another whiff.  I keep it in my office, next to my computer at all times!  I bought mine on sale, but the regular price for a 2.5 oz tube is in the $12 - $15 range.  Not cheap, but it's very rich so you don't use much at a time.

Another old fave worth mentioning is Alba Very Emollient Body Lotion.  It is a medium weight, all-over body lotion that is great for slathering on after the shower.  Funny thing though...I looked it up on Skin Deep and they gave it a moderate hazard rating of 5 because they said it contained parabens and fragrance.  But Alba's website says it is paraben-free so apparently it has been reformulated.  Just a reminder that as great as the Skin Deep resource is...it is not always current...so it pays to do some double-checking.  And I happen to love the product's very light, floral fragrance and it's my (non-expert) opinion that a wee bit of fragrance here and there is OK.

Speaking of parabens, I've been a fan of Nature's Gate lotions in the past (the classic formulas like Skin Therapy and Herbal Moisturizing), but just discovered that they do contain parabens.  Did a bit more research and learned that the newish Nature's Gate Rainwater Organics lotions and the Organic Baby lotions are paraben-free.  Keep an eye out...I'm hoping they'll reformulate their classic line too.

One product that I'd have to put in the DUD category is 365 brand body lotion from Whole Foods.  It sure was cheap and I'm a sucker for that sometimes...but the product was waxy and not really rich enough for my thirsty skin. 

That's all from the dry skin front.  Anyone else have any winter skin care faves?

Comments

[Gift of Green]

Timely post for me, because recently I read that lotions with alcohol and water as ingredients actually defeat the purpose of using a lotion. The two just evaporate leaving your skin drier. So, thanks for the suggestions - I'll have to check out their list of ingredients.

[ASL]

Try whipped shea butter.....it's heavenly and the best thing for winter-dry skin.
Check out Serendipity Bath Co.'s Body Bling whipped shea. It is pure whipped shea butter...no chemicals, no phthalates to worry about.

[George Kakaris]

Yes in winter the skin needs more care the cream is must for your skin. It is very good if you are using essential oils for protecting your skin. For more info visit at http://www.aromatherapypoint.com/

[Skin Care]

The importance of keeping your skin healthy can't be overemphasized. It's the body's first defense against disease and infection, and it protects your internal organs from injuries. It is, in fact, the largest organ in the body. Skin Care Treatment helps to your body temperature and prevents excess fluid loss, and it also helps your body remove excess water and salt. Most women strive to keep their skin looking youthful. http://skin-care-treatment-natural-tips.blogspot.com

[Robyn Scott]

Winter is a great time of year for most people. The cold weather is great for backyard fire pits, hot cocoa, and of course the holidays. However, most people dread the coming of Winter for one simple reason. Dry skin. Bitter winds and drier air make for dry, itchy and irritated skin. You can't get away from it inside either. The heating in your home dries out the air too, and that makes for dry skin as well. It can be very frustrating to live like this, but luckily, there are some things you can do to help.

Using a great moisturizer is an absolute necessity. Shea Butter is just about the best idea when it comes to Winter skin moisturizing. While regular moisturizers are good, they only last for a little while. This isn't that great in perfect weather, not to mention the harsh Winter weather. A moisturizer stays on and provides a barrier against the elements. With the healing properties of Shea Butter, your skin is receiving great benefits every time you smooth it on.

For more information, please visit Purely Shea at http://www.purelyshea.com