1.  Use a High Quality Moisturizer After you exfoliate  Skin needs extra protection during the winter months. Low quality creams and lotions, especially ones with alcohol can actually add to the problem.  Look for a moisturizer  with clinically proven ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid (hydrating ingredient) and Retinol (repairing ingredient) such as Retinol Face Moisturizer(less than $20 on Amazon). Remember to shield freshly moisturized skin with an SPF even in the winter.  Keep your skin and body hydrated A great moisturizer goes a long way to fight dry skin, but for an extra measure, try hydrating from the inside out! Rev up your level of hydration by drinking plenty of water and water rich foods. Some of the best foods to help hydrate your skin this winter include lemon water, avocado, mellon, pineapple, spinach and celery.

2.   Run a humidifier in your bedroom or primary living area Central heating systems blast hot dry air throughout our home and office all day and night (if we are lucky enough to have some heat on those cold day and nights).  The dry air is hard on our skin, not to mention those dry whipping winter winds!  Moist air will do wonders for your skin.  In the winter, skin is hard pressed to retain as much moisture as it can with warm natural air. Using a humidifier will bring moisture back into the air and into your skin to help your skin stay hydrated and supple.  You can get an inexpensive humidifier at Amazon or Walmart. This one , available on Amazon for less than $30, will do the trick  Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier if you don’t have a humidifier, a crock pot will also do provide that moisture your skin craves!  If you can put one on your nightstand, your skin will reap the benefits all night long.

3.   Save the face peels for the spring If your face is really dry, peels will only add to the trouble.  Avoid using peels, masks and any alcohol based toners, cleansers or lotions.  These types of products can strip vital oil and moisture from your skin.  Clay based masks in particular draw moisture out of the skin. Instead, double up with moisturizing & repairing cream.  The benefits of hydrating your skin both from the inside with the water you drink and the foods you eat as well as daily hydration with moisturizer will benefit you not only today but well into the future.  In the short term, hydration makes your skin look healthy.  They moisturize and smooth rough skin for a more plump and radiant face and body. In the long term, hydration allows your skin cells to function better by creating a condition in which they rapidly turn over new and regenerate. This improves elasticity and prevents damage as well as plumps out wrinkles.  Moisturizing is best as a daily ritual just like brushing your teeth.  While there are many options, you can’t really go wrong as long as you choose a moisturizer that has proven high quality ingredients. For extra winter nourishment we recommend LuxDeFranc Retinol Cream with 2.5% retinol & Hyaluronic Acid. For those that like a lighter feeling lotion that comes in an airless pump, we recommend Ové Beauty Anti Aging Face Cream with Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid.