When Dry Skin's Got You Down...

     Oh, skincare. The ever-present issue in my life. I've been oily, acne-ridden, sensitive, and everything in between. My skin has recently changed pretty drastically due to being on a dermatologist-prescribed Tretinoin cream(along with the use of natural cleansers/treatments), which aims to improve the look of roughness and uneven tone. I have a lot of deep scarring and hyper-pigmentation left over from my days of having cystic acne. And, while I've been loving my results in terms of no longer having active breakouts or redness, using this product in the Winter has DEMOLISHED my poor face. I have had patches of dry, textured skin on my cheeks and down my neck, as well as flaky areas that basically reject anything I put over top of it. I noticed it was getting out of hand when my make-up was "chipping" off before I had even finished applying it because it was soaking up product. So, I decided to intervene with a handful of products and practices to get my skin hydrated again. I know Winter can be rough on anyone's skin, even without having the added burden of being on a topical treatment, so I hope the items listed below will come in handy for anyone looking to put a little moisture back into their lives this season.

A good way to turn over dry skin, and get fresh cells to produce is to exfoliate. But, sometimes dry skin also means sensitive skin, so harsh exfoliates can end up causing more damage than positive results. To have the best of both worlds, I have been using the Batty's Bath Mild Jojoba Oil Scrub everyday, as a part of my evening routine. This scrub is gentle, fragrance-free, and cleanses the skin without leaving it stripped of moisture. After cleansing and exfoliating my skin, I've been reaching for the Mario Badescu Facial Spray. This stuff is like a spa in a bottle. The mild rose scent is so calming, and I really notice it toning down any redness or inflammation. I also love using this as a setting spray for make-up, or just to throw in my bag and use as a little refresher throughout the day. If my skin has reached a severe level of dryness, I like to incorporate a facial oil, like this one from Bio Oil. I either put a thin layer on patches of dryness, or just add a couple drops into my moisturizer. Bio Oil is a good multi-tasker because is fights dehydration while evening any discoloration.

A good moisturizer should be apart of everyone's daily routine, but especially so if you're struggling with dryness. If you're looking for a simple, but effective moisturizer for daily use I would go with the Facial Primer Moisturizer from Batty's Bath. It is fragrance-free, and absorbs quickly without feeling heavy. I buy mine apart of the Detox Kit that is available on the brand's site. However, since Batty's is based in Canada, shipping can get pricey, and I always run out of my moisturizer before any other product in my kit. Which is why I like to have a trusty back-up on stand-by. This is where my Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisturizer comes into play. This stuff is amazing. It's a thicker consistency, and but manages to feel light on the skin. I find that it's best as a night cream, but it also wears nicely during the day under make-up. It's targeted for anti-aging, so it packs major hydration to make the skin appear more supple and firm. I find myself reaching for it basically everyday. I also started incorporating the facial mask from the same range two or three times a week to really beef up my dry skin defense. 

Since applying make-up became pretty tasking over dehydrated, flaky skin, I sought out a few products that would help. Enter the Too Faced Hangover Primer. This primer is lightweight and creamy, as opposed to the rubbery, silicone-based primers you may be used to. I find that it locks in moisture and makes your foundation stay put all day long, while providing a fresh/subtle glow to the skin. I've also been reaching for the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream for the added SPF and skin-protecting/perfecting benefits. This wears like a full-coverage foundation, but feels like a tinted moisturizer with the added plus of color correction and hydrating serum all in one. It's basically a gift from the beauty gods themselves. I've also been loving this lip balm that I received in my Ipsy bag this past month from Lasting Smiles. It's organic and packed with healing peppermint oils that make your chapped lips look like new again. Part of the profits go toward cleft surgeries for children, as well, which will make you feel even better about using it.

Your skin can often be a direct reflection of what is happening inside of your body. So, if you're experiencing dryness, try really upping your water intake. I always notice a difference in my skin, as well as my overall well-being, when I'm getting adequate amounts of water. Herbal and green teas also have amazing skin-detoxing and healing benefits. I've been drinking this herbal infusion from Yogi in the evenings, mostly to unwind and relax from the day, but also as part of my skincare regimen.

     I certainly hope you find these products and tips to be helpful during these dry, blustering Winter months. What products are your must-haves this season?

Until next time,

-Heather