Healing Dry Winter Skin

Keeping your skin hydrated during the winter months seems almost impossible. Typically, women are the buyers of moisture-rich soaps and body lotions. We will try just about anything on the market that promises we will have soft skin that doesn't crack a chafe as soon as the winter coats come out of the closet. This listing of products I have tried and found very successful may help dwindle down that list of creams and soaps you need to buy this winter, and save you a little money.

Olay Quench body wash is by far the best in the soap department. It's fairly inexpensive, and a little bit goes a long way. It moisturizes better than most name-brand beauty soaps, and the suds seem to last forever with one quarter-sized dollop on a wash cloth. I've noticed it also helps keep razor burn from forming if I use it after shaving. It's definitely worth every cent.

Suave cocoa butter lotion with shea butter is among the top of the list in lotions. Not only does it heal those rough elbows and heels, but the scent isn't overpowering, and it doesn't leave skin feeling greasy once it's soaked into the skin. It works best if used right after a shower or bath, and it seems to work longer than some of the other lotions on the market that have to be reapplied throughout the day.

Baby products are wonderful for adults, too. Baby lotion and baby bath products are gentle and hydrate rough skin. Baby shampoo and conditioners are also great for people who have dry scalp problems. If you have sensitive skin, baby products might be something you need to try, because they are designed not to irritate and they even come in unscented varieties, so they won't clash with your perfume or cause allergic reactions that some people have with fragrances.

Facial moisturizers are great for hands and elbows, and not all of them are expensive. Moisturizers designed for use on the face tend to be made with formulas that are gentler than hand and body lotion. If most body lotions tend to irritate your skin, try using an inexpensive facial moisturizer. Many types of creams have reduced in price with the marketing of more expensive "age defying" formulas. Since your elbows and knuckles won't need age defying qualities, the less expensive brands that only moisturize will serve the purpose.

Olive oil is my favorite for dry scalp relief. Olive oil isn't very expensive, and it could likely save you money if you find yourself trying every shampoo on the market for dry scalp and still aren't able to wear black sweaters. Massaging olive oil onto your scalp once or twice a week, and leaving it for about an hour will refresh a dry scalp and also help repair damaged hair from highlighting. After an olive oil treatment, be careful not to wash your hair with a shampoo that contains a lot of fragrance or alcohol. Try a dandruff shampoo or baby shampoo instead. I wouldn't have known about this either, if several hair stylists I've talked to didn't recommend it.

Steering clear of petroleum products like Vaseline will help you avoid clogged pours and having oil stains on your clothing. Read the labels and try to avoid products that contain alcohol or have a strong fragrance. Drinking more water throughout the day will also help the effects of moisturizers.