Five Favorite Remedies for Winter Skin

Dear winter, what did my skin ever do to you? Harsh cold, hand washing, and hard work are hard on my skin, from my fingers to my face. I feel dry, chapped, and itchy. Over the last few winters I've collected some great products that help me -and my skin- survive the winter. Here's my top five skin care products for winter.

Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream. Although this great moisturizer is targeted towards babies with eczema, it's also a great lotion for dry, sensitive skin like mine. I use it on myself and my children. It's fragrance free, very gentle, and absorbs quickly and easily. Colloidal oatmeal in this product is soothing for sensitive, sore skin. Bonus, it doesn't give you the 'cold chill' you feel after applying lotion in the winter.

Aveeno body wash. Harsh soaps can make dry skin even more dry in the winter. So use a gentle, fragrance free body wash, like Aveeno, instead. Look for one with colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritated skin. Keep your showers short and on the cooler side to prevent sucking extra moisture out of your skin.

Mary Kay Extra Emollient Night Cream. I've used this product since I was a little girl. It's a very heavy, greasy feeling moisturizer. It's perfect for those days when you're going to be out in the cold and you know your skin is going to be extra day and sore. Put it on under your mittens, or, at bedtime, apply it to damp skin after your shower. Slather it on your feet and put on a pair of cotton socks to help soften and smooth those winter-boot callouses. This cream's distinctive fragrance and pink color just add to its charm.

Aquaphor. Aquaphor is another heavy, greasy moisturizer. But if your cheeks are very chapped, it works great to heal and restore them, sometimes overnight. You can share this lotion with the hubby and kids for their chapped cheeks, hands, and dry feet. Apply as a preventative measure before hitting the slopes or shoveling the driveway, especially in harsh winds.

Burt's Bees Lip balm. I love the Burt's Bees natural lip balms. You don't have to worry about harsh chemicals on your lips, and they protect you from harsh winter winds. My favorite part is the hint of peppermint oil to lift your spirits and make your lips happy.

Another way to combat dry, winter skin is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid long, hot showers, and bundle up in the cold. Apply moisturizers throughout the day to help keep your skin happy and healthy.

Keep your hands young.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Radiant Firming Foundation.
ABC reports on the effects of makeup.