My shins are itching. There’s a lot. Everything itches and feels dry, scaly, and tight when it’s chilly outside and dry inside. Right?? These products have provided real relief in my quest for serious, hydrating softness, and the majority of them will remain in my arsenal for future excursions to dry-skin-red-alert locales like ski slopes and desert camps.
CeraVe Healing Ointment
CeraVe’s devoted fan following comes as no surprise. The items were created by physicians, they’re affordable, and the plain packaging (unfortunately) gives them a cool factor. My roughened heels, on the other hand, are not cool. (I’m not going to go into detail.) They and the rest of my poor, terrible feet have gotten a second life thanks to this intense combination of petrolatum, ceramides, mineral waxes, and hyaluronic acid. ($23.99)
54 Thrones Beldi: Moroccan Body Mask
Beldi is a Moroccan tradition that has lasted the test of time for good reason. I prefer to soak for a few minutes in the tub, then get out and dry myself before slathering this decadently rich product, comprised of saponified olive oil and eucalyptus leaf oil, on the most irritating regions (shins, arms, the backs of my hands). I shower it off after allowing it to do its magic for 10-15 minutes. Everything feels smoother and less scratchy. ($42)
Strivectin Hyaluronic Omega Moisture Lip Mask
Despite its name, this product can be used as a regular lip balm, even though it is a therapy. Before bed, slathering the unctuous goo (and I mean that in the best possible way) on your lips will result in softer lips that may seem a little more billowy than usual in the morning. ($28)
Hanahan
A finger-dug scoop of this delightful solid butter softens and moisturizes dry, flaky skin. I rub any excess into brittle nails, scaly elbows, and knees, having earned its spot in the esteemed “How did I exist without this?” category. ($28)
Kahina Giving Beauty Lip and Face Balm
This mix of fatty-acid-rich carrot seed oil, argan oil, and sea buckthorn oil is a powerful humectant against the elements on snowy or bitingly windy days. Of course, a tough SPF should be applied thereafter. ($44)
Naturopathica Marshmallow & Probiotic Sensitivity Soothing Cream Cleanser
In addition to being a bonfire favorite, marshmallow has long been used to treat sensitive skin. (Here’s a beauty editor’s advice.) Even the process of using this rich, luscious cleanser can elicit an audible “ahhhh…” It’s so gentle that you could think you got it mixed up with its brother moisturizer. ($64)
Colleen Rothschild Extreme Recovery Cream
I had to test this cream after hearing so many positive things about it, and I’m pleased to say it lives up to the hype. Some people use it at night, but I like it throughout the day since it moisturizes my skin and gives a great canvas for makeup. ($75)
Ace of Air Night Serum
Serums are the moisturizers’ equivalent of the welcome committee. They prepare your skin to accept the moisturizer optimally by arriving first, then assisting it in settling in gently. This one goes on top of night cream (including Ace of Air’s own) or a Vitamin C lotion, or I’ll use it on its own. The next morning, my skin is always velvety smooth. ($84)
Romer Treat Hydrating + Soothing Treatment
My favorite advantage of this delightfully rich cream is waking up with softer, firmer, and plumper cheeks, which you can also apply during the day if your face needs some additional care. ($50.50)
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
One of my favorite words is the salve. It appears to be as relaxing as it should be. Regrettably, it is frequently overused. However, such is not the case with this thick composition, which is precisely what it should be: a soothing blanket of humectant saturation for dry hands. ($24)
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub
I apply around 5-8 lines of this mildly cold lotion from hairline to nape, distributing evenly from ear to ear, as it were, with a rubbery tip that ensures direct access to your scalp. Massage it in, then wait 10 minutes before shampooing as normal. There will be a lot less scratching of heads as a consequence. ($36)
Hask Tea Tree Oil and Rosemary 5-in-1 Leave-In Spray
In my view, anything containing tea tree oil feels calming and smells even better. A few liberal sprays of this leave in conditioner not only soothe irritated scalps but also gives hair a pleasant smoothness. ($6.47)
Leonor Greyl Gentle Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
An itchy scalp might sometimes just be an itchy scalp. However, it might be an indication of something else, such as dandruff. Thankfully, this nice solution takes care of both the itching and the flaking. ($46)
Red Flower Ohana Gingergrass Bamboo Scrub
This dry scrub has the most unusual texture I’ve encountered in a long time, and it reminds me of the moistest sponge cake I’ve ever had. It’s not a dry scrub per se (a concept I find difficult to accept), but it’s also not goopy, and its small fine grains perform a wonderful job of sloughing while still leaving skin incredibly soft and providing considerable itch relief. ($68)
Olverum Bath Oil
A small capful of this lemongrass-scented bath oil feels like a paraffin hand treatment to me. Don’t get me wrong: It’s not waxy, and there’s no need for a plastic glove, yet bathing with it feels like you’re being cocooned in weightless mist. If I’m being especially careful, I’ll attempt to air dry my body once I’m out of the tub so the oil can work for as long as possible. ($52)
