Dry Winter Skin: Review of Three Popular Body Washes

As we approach the winter months, nothing is more depressing than chronically dry winter skin. While slathering on body lotion or cream post shower is crucial, what you use to cleanse your skin is just as important. Here are my reviews of three popular products.

The Product: Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash

The Goods: Aveeno has gained a reputation as an all-natural, soothing and oatmeal based line that is perfect for problem skin that is also extremely sensitive. In my experience, Aveeno is the Switzerland of beauty products - completely, absolutely neutral. It won't exacerbate troubled skin, but it would cure it, either. The Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash isn't half bad, but it definitely didn't leave me as moisturized and satiny smooth as the Olay Body Wash.

The Grade: If a C is average, then this product is a B-. Sure, it's above average because it doesn't irritate the skin. But considering how many drugstore products do irritate the skin, I'd hold off on any celebrations, Aveeno.

The Product: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

The Goods: Mmmm. Dove body products tend to be light and fluffy like chocolate mousse. While satiny going on, this body wash can actually feel almost filmy coming off. In the world of chronically dry skin, is there such a thing as too moisturizing? Unfortunately, thanks to the Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash, I am inclined to believe that there indeed is. I am sad to report that this body wash actually left me with some unsightly body acne. While my skin felt oh so smooth afterwards, I'd still rather be a little dry than covered in bacne. Blech!

The Grade: C-, unfortunately. And I had such high hopes for this product because it smells delicious!

The Product: Oil of Olay Body Wash: Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter

The Goods: Word on the street is that this ultra smooth body wash is a cure all for common dry skin problems like psoriasis or Keratosis pilaris. Unlike many other drying body washes, this Olay gem is soap-free, and contains Olay's patented moisturizers to keep you smooth for twenty four hours. Priced at just under $9, it's not the cheapest drug store option, but the bottle is large, and a little on a loofah goes a very long way.

The Grade: I give this moisturizing body was an A. It's not a magic cure-all, thus not meriting an A+, but it's pretty darn close to perfection.