Operation: Hydration

Colder weather means drier weather, especially out here in the west. I grew up next to the Great Lakes, and we didn't have dry weather. Ever. So this desert stuff is a whole new ball game for me. However, I have found a few products to beat this arid climate.

First off is Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Love this stuff.

This is a great all-over lotion. It is fragrance free, which is great for my sensitive skin. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave an oily residue. I like to lotion up after I shower. Apply to damp skin to lock in the moisture. I also carry a tube in my purse for when my skin starts to feel a little parched. If you like to apply hand lotion throughout the day, make sure you give your cuticles and nails some love, too. They tend to dry out in the winter months also.


Another product in my arsenal is good ol' Vaseline.

I have a tube of Vaseline Lip Therapy with me at all times because I can't stand to have chapped lips. Vaseline also works really well on rough elbows and knees. I like to slather it on before bed. Use a terry cloth sweat band to cover your elbows if you like. That way, you will protect your sheets and give your elbows a better chance to absorb the Vaseline. This also works really well on cuticles. Cracked cuticles can be painful. Just rub a little Vaseline on your cuticles a few times a week, and you can avoid them cracking. Wear gloves to bed for extra protection. What about rough, cracked feet? Mine get that way sometimes, especially in the heel area. Rub some Vaseline on before bed, and pop on a pair of socks. By morning, you'll be in better shape.


For you contact wearers, dry weather can be hard on the eyes. I know when I first moved away from my beloved Midwest, I had a hard time keeping my contacts wet. Now that I've lived here for a few years, it's less of a problem. Nevertheless, I still carry eye drops with me.

Refresh Optive is where it's at. These eye drops are boss. They are safe for us contact wearers, but even if contacts aren't your thing, these drops will work for you. They keep your eyes moist no matter the weather.


Sometimes in the winter, my hair gets a bad case of dry-frizz. Ew. To combat this, I am a big believer in serums. Connie outlined pretty well what to look for in a serum (see here), but I'll tell you two products that have really worked for me. First, Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Serum, and second, Fantasia IC Olive Moisturizing Shine Serum Hair Polisher.

Both of these are bombspice. Just a little goes a loooong way. Add either one of these products to damp-dry hair, and say goodbye to the frizzies. Instead, your hair will be super-soft and lightly fragrant (both of these serums smell great). The Garnier Fructis serum might be a little easier to get your hands on, since it is sold at most drugstores or retailers like Walmart or Target. The Fantasia Hair Polisher might be available at those stores, too, but I definitely haven't seen it as often. If you can find it, snatch it up! I have been using my bottle for 2 or 3 years now, and I still have about a 1/3 of it left. I use it almost every day in the fall and winter, and a little less in the spring and summer. Just a few drops is all it takes to keep your hair hydrated.


One more quick tip for staying hydrated: drink water.

If you aren't drinking enough water, your skin will dry out unaided by the weather.


Well, that's all folks! Don't let dry skin, nails, or hair get you down this winter!