dry skin got you down?

No matter where I live, every winter my skin is dry.  I thought with living in rainy Portland, this problem would not occur.  No such luck.  I have to change my routine up a bit to avoid sir dry skin. 

Here are some things you can do to bring that dewy skin back:

First and foremost, exfoliate.  If your skin is covered in dead skin cells, you can slather all the moisturizer on you want, but only a small percentage will reach your thirsty skin.  Best exfoliants are glycolic acid and lactic acid.  Both of these exfoliants hydrate as they exfoliate- two for one!  Hooray!  If you have more durable skin, aim for the glycolic acid.  If you're skin tends to err on the sensitive side, go for lactic.  My favorite cleanser that contains glycolic acid, Glytone's mild gel wash.  If you really want to shake things up, go for Image's ageless cleanser.  My favorite lactic cleanser still remains PCA's facial wash.  

After you have exfoliated, your skin is ready to absorb some hydrating goodness.  Keep in mind there is a difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin.  Dry skin is lacking oil and, often times, water too.  Dehydrated skin is just lacking water.  Dehydrated skin can be oily, but still be flaky and tight.  In the winter most people are both dry and dehydrated, so to combat dehydration go for a serum containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate (plant derived hyaluronic acid), or B5.  I'm a big fan of Image's total pure hyaluronic acid.  This product can be added to your cream of choice to up the moisture ante or used as a serum underneath another product.  If you're struggling with acne or acne prone, skip doing a serum and cream and go for a hydrating lotion.  My all time favorite is Image's Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum.  This serum is loaded with goodness.  It has has oodles of vitamin c to brighten and protect your complexion.  If you're on a budget and desperate for a good hydrator, I'm a big fan of all of CereVe's moisturizers.  These can usually be purchased at any drugstore.

If you're truly dry (meaning lacking oil) then you need a cream with emollients.  There are oodles of emollients out there.  Some of my favorite are Vitamin E ( topherol), avocado oil, carrot oil, olive oil, and shea butter. Shea butter and olive oil can be used on Acne prone skin with out inducing a breakout.  Two of my favorite emollient laden products are:  Image's hydrating repair cream and Sweet Blessed Bee Magic Cream.  I seriously put the Sweet Blessed cream everywhere.  I use it has eye makeup remover, chapstick, hand cream and face cream.  I love this product!!

To further alleviate your dry skin, get a hydrating facial!!  They can do wonders in 60 minutes!