Mother Nature hasn’t been kind this winter, and she’s not done yet. The Polar Vortex sub-zero temps, low humidity and harsh winds have probably taken a toll on your skin, making it dry, itchy and dull. To give your skin some much-needed TLC, we’ve whittled down the season’s best remedies for banishing dryness, from your lips down to your toes. These healing skincare picks—which include both budget-friendly buys as well as a few indulgent splurges—will keep skin glowing all year long.
Best Lipbalm – Smith’s Minted Rose Lip Balm, $7, sephora.com
This cult-favorite lip balm will soothe and protect dry, chapped lips. Made from “a blend of ‘Trade Secret” essential oils and pure peppermint oil, it has a subtle rose scent and a hint of fresh mint that will leave your pout looking glossy and feeling refreshed. This healing, petroleum-based balm will shield your sensitive skin from the harshest of elements. You can even dab it on rough areas like elbows and knees for a quick moisture fix. We love the vintage look of the tins, but if you’re worried about germs (and with good reason!) it also comes in tube form on the company’s web site (rosebudperfume.com)
Best Body Moisturizer – Native State Winter Cream, $28, ohmynativestate.com
We can’t say enough good things about this line of vegan artisanal natural body care products from wife and wife team, Native State, out of California. Their Winter Cream is a standout product, packing much-needed moisture for thirsty winter skin. The pine-reminiscent scent transports you to a forest, and with ingredients like calendula and lavender infused olive oil, aloe vera, unrefined coconut oil, and vitamin E oil, this ultra emollient lotion will leave your limbs (and heart) happy.
Best Facial Moisturizer – Derma E Hydrating Day Créme with Hyaluronic Acid, $30, dermae.com
If you’ve done your hydration research, you’ll know that hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies as well as an amazing skincare ingredient that helps to plump and hydrate dry skin. It works by binding itself to moisture, so finding a great moisturizer with the added bang of hyaluronic acid in the winter is a no brainer! We love the light, floral scent of Derma E’s day creme. It sinks into the skin quickly, and lays under makeup flawlessly. Feel free to use in the morning and at night.
Best Cleanser – Method Pure Naked Moisturizing Body Wash, Surfside, $5, methodhome.com, also available at drugstores nationwide
We love Method’s company ethos and their environmentally-safe product line. This body wash is “packed with rich moisturizers without containing any dirty stuff, like parabens, phthalates or EDTA.” Put a squirt of this pearlescent awesomeness on your loofah, and you’re on your way to sudsy heaven. Plus, this body wash has the added benefit of smelling like the ocean, and what better way to get through winter doldrums than using your nightly shower routine to imagine yourself at the beach?
Best Bath Oil – Wild Cow Invigorating Bath & Body Oil, $31, cowshedonline.com, also available at Barneys locations nationwide
If you’re soothing yourself with a relaxing bath, this oil is an amazing addition to your routine when poured under warm running water. The combination of lemongrass, ginger, and rosemary essential oils smells divine and works to brighten tired skin, invigorate the senses, and refresh your mind. Our favorite way to use this luxurious oil is to massage a few drops into wet skin after a hot shower to seal in moisture, leaving your skin feeling nourished and pampered.
Best Soap – One With Nature Dead Sea Mineral Soap, Shea Butter – 7 oz bar, $5, onewithnature.com
This little bar packs a moisturizing punch with the combination of shea butter, glycerin, vitamin E and the power of Dead Sea salt. For thousands of years, the salts and muds originating from the Mediterranean’s Dead Sea have been hailed for their healing properties because they are naturally rich in skin-soothing minerals such as sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium and bromine. We love to use this soap on a shower loofah for extra suds—it leaves skin feeling baby-soft without the usual dry feeling left by other soaps.
Best Exfoliator – Body Brush, $22, aromatherapyassociates.com
Touted for their dual skin-health benefits, exfoliators have enjoyed a recent resurgence in the cosmetic world. This stuff brush made with natural bristles is designed to stimulate the body’s circulation and lymphatic systems and slough off dead skin cells for the ultimate post-shower glow. Prior to bathing, gently run the brush all the way up the body, always towards your heart with the natural flow of your lymph nodes. Experts suggest using this technique first thing in the morning for optimal skin hydration, but you can also try it before a pre-bedtime bath.
Best Home/Natural Remedy – Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, $12, available at Whole Foods and health food stores nationwide
It certainly feels like coconut oil has been having its moment in the spotlight lately, and for good reason: This healthy budget buy is a multi-purpose product you can use everywhere from your kitchen to your bathroom. We love to slather it on winter-worn skin, and it also doubles as a great hair mask. The light, tropical fragrance transports you to warmer climates, and the oil itself will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by keeping your skin’s connective tissues strong and supple.