Editor Obsessions: Dry Skin Solutions

There’s always a morning, every fall, when I wake up feeling like a 5′ 2″ raisin. My eyes burn, like someone’s blotted them with cotton balls, my skin is itchy and ashy.  In that moment I know it’s time to bust out the heavy moisturizing artillery. Here’s a head-to-toe guide of my favorites.

Face
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil, $48: I’m an anti-aging junkie, so that means applying major retinoids every night. My skin is used to them (Tazorac, no biggie), but the dry air, retinoid one-two punch is just enough to knock my skin into red and flaky zone. So every night after I let my anti-ager sink in, I pat on two to three drops of Josie Maran Argan Oil. This organic formula is packed with Vitamin E and essential fatty acids that soothe and heal my skin.

Lips
When I skip a morning of Pacifica Color Quence Lip Tint, $7, I can see and feel the difference. My lipstick doesn’t glide on as smoothly—my pout feels a little parched. The avocado and coconut oils in this balm are hydrating without being shiny.

Body
Body care is all about layering in the winter months. When I hop out of the shower and my skin is still damp, I drench myself in Fresh Sugar Ultra-Nourishing Body Oil, $45. The blend of five oils also includes sugar, a natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Once the oil soaks in, I slather on Juara Candlenut Body Creme, $35. The formula is thick but not greasy and absorbs quickly. And the fragrance is a heavenly blend that lasts all day.

Hands
My hands are the driest part of my body, so I apply John Masters Organics Cacao & Cupuacu Hand & Body Butter, $32, generously and often. Every time I rub it on, I feel like I’m doing something good for myself. The butter blend is completely organic and melts into my skin.

Feet
Since they’re a little less used and abused, I find my feet fare well during the colder months. But I still coat them in Gyltone Ultra Heel and Elbow Cream, $50. Glycolic acid (an AHA), the cream’s heavy hitting ingredient,  is a chemical exfoliant that helps make your roughest spots soft and supple.