Dry skin can mean discomfort, itchiness, and faster aging.  If you have normal or oily skin, you may only need to switch to a creamier cleanser and a heavier moisturizer in the winter. If you have dry or combination skin, maintaining moisture is crucial year-round. Either way, here are all of the products you need in your arsenal for glowy, hydrated skin.

For Exfoliation

Exfoliating dry skin will help your skincare products to sink in and your makeup to sit well. If you self-tan, exfoliation is important for an even application.

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Pads

If I had to choose only one skincare product to use for the rest of of my life, the Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Pads would be it. These glycolic acid pads are gentle enough to use daily, even on sensitive skin. If you’re feeling lazy, you can use them to remove your foundation before bed with the added benefits of glycolic acid. They reduce breakouts and dark marks, as well as prevent aging. These pads are my perfect skin in a jar. Wipe your face down, wait three minutes, and rise with water.

Korean washcloths

For manual exfoliation, it doesn’t get better than this Korean washcloth. Wear the washcloth like a mitt in the shower, and scrub in a circular motion. Don’t apply pressure, let the washcloth do the work. They may not look like much, but they’re abrasive. You can literally see the dry skin rolling off; it’s both disgusting and deeply satisfying.

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For face

VMV Hypoallergenics Moisture Rich Creammmy Cleansing Milk for Dry Skin

VMV Hypoallergenics makes great products for sensitive skin prone to allergies and rosacea. The Moisture Rich Creammmy Cleansing Milk is rich and creamy for dry skin without causing reactions or breakouts.

Glytone Hydrating Cream

Glytone Hydrating Cream is the only moisturizer I trust to never cause a breakout. It comes in a small jar for the cost, but I will never be without it. Wear a thin layer under your makeup in the morning or slather it on at night.

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For lips

Aquaphor Lip Repair

Aquaphor Lip Repair is primarily composed of petroleum jelly, neatly packaged to be used on your lips. Apply some when you get out of the shower to seal in moisture.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Neo Nude Ecstasy Balm

For a more polished look, the Giorgio Armany Beauty NeoNude Ecstasy Balm goes on like a sheer lipstick and leaves a ‘just bitten’ trace of color. The lip balm comes in three colors: light pink, deep pink, and plum. I use plum because I prefer the blue undertones of a berry color.

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For body

Dove Dermaseries Dry Skin Relief Body Wash

Listen closely: throw away your detergent-containing body wash. It’s stripping your skin of its natural oils and worsening your dryness. Dove Dermaseries Dry Skin Relief Body Wash is creamy, hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and formulated to soothe conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and very dry skin.  It suds up nicely, and doesn’t leave your skin feeling itchy and dry.

Dove Dermaseries Dry Skin Relief Body Lotion

I have zero tolerance for greasy or sticky feeling lotions. The Dove Dermaseries Dry Skin Relief Body Lotion is creamy, light, non-sticky, absorbs quickly, and has a non-greasy feel. Always try to apply body lotion immediately after showering.

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For hands

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

This product breaks my clean-feel-only rule, but I have dry hands that crack in winter, and the skin on my first two knuckles gets thickened and irritated from boxing. That kind of dryness requires bringing in the big guns.

I apply Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve strait from the tube onto my knuckles, and rub the backs of my hands together so that my fingers and palms stay clean and dry.

L’Occitane Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil

For chronically dry cuticles, apply L’Occitane Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil with the brush applicator, and remove the excess with a Q-tip.  Don’t wash it off; allow it to sink all the way in. I apply L’Occitane cuticle oil whenever I clip my nails, approximately once a week.

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Tips for fighting dryness

Ditch the hot water– Stop using scalding hot water for bathing, hand-washing, and dish-washing. I know a steamy shower feels great, but it dehydrates your skin. Try to tone down the heat and shower with water that’s warm, not hot.

Form good habits– Try to get in the habit of reaching for moisturizer whenever you step out of the shower, wash your face, or wet your hands to prevent dryness. Applying lotion immediately after exposure to water is the best way to lock in moisture.  Ideally, you will prevent dry skin instead of treating it.

For recommendations on the treatment of dry, cracked heels read about How to get baby soft feet in time for summer.

*Featured image by Jessica Clements