The very best lotions for dry skin

Dry skin might just be the bane of my existence in the winter. Between colder temps, windy days, and excessive hand washing, sometimes it feels like my whole body is drying out! I've tried dozens of lotions and creams over the years and finally found my dry skin repertoire, from head to toe!

Most intense dry skin lotion treatment

If you have major problems with cracking knuckles or dry heels like I do, there is NOTHING like Tubby Todd All Over Ointment. It is legit magic sauce. It's a dream come true for severely dry skin, babies with eczema (or cradle cap!), and cracked or bleeding skin. It's all natural and ultra concentrated so a little goes a long way.

This stuff helps OVERNIGHT!!!

Try putting it on your feet and sliding these gel socks over the top for premium absorption and maximum hydration! I also love that the socks only cover your heels so no feeling claustrophobic while sleeping!

Moisturizing Self Tanner lotion

I just discovered this new self tanner and OBSESSED is an understatement! It goes on clear, does not transfer to clothes or sheets, it's organic AND is insanely moisturizing! I love that this self tanning lotion has ingredients like organic coconut oil, organic shea butter and organic green tea extract which actually take care of your skin while giving you the perfect sunless tan! Two birds, one stone, my friends. This self tanner has 5,400+ RAVE reviews on Amazon and seriously it only took me one try to see why!

A lot of times self tanning foams will dry out my skin, but this lotion is so nourishing! When I'm trying to combat dry skin in the winter, this lotion really moisturizes instead of dehydrating my skin. It also smells like a day at the beach so I'm not complaining about that!

Best lotion to prolong your tan

If you're an avid self tanner (raises hand), you know how important it is to continually keep your skin moisturized in between self tanning applications! This tried and true Hempz triple moisture lotion feels AMAZING and won't mess with your spray tan or strip off self tanning lotion like so many other products! It actually makes your tan last longer!!! Put it on right out of the shower for optimum moisture benefits.

Speaking of showers, did you know that long, hot showers or baths totally strip your skin of moisture? I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but taking shorter WARM showers or baths is so much better for your skin's moisture content!

The best oil-based cleansers

If you're having issues with your facial skin staying moisturized, you HAVE to try an oil based cleanser!! Sometimes in the winter I feel like my face is shriveling like a dried prune because it's CRYING for moisture!! Once I discovered oil based cleansers, my face was hydrated again!

You know I LOVE the Elemis Cleansing Balm. The jar lasts me about four months and using it transforms my bathroom into a spa! The smell is incredible, and the balm goes on like butter! I also love that it doesn't leave a greasy residue, but comes off totally clean.

I've also been using the Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil, which is only $30 for a huge bottle!! This is a super high quality product that will last a long time because oils go a long way.

It's also important to remember that oil based cleansers don't work the same way as traditional foaming cleansers. You literally put the oils straight onto your face without any water and wipe off with a washcloth. It melts the makeup and grime right off!

Hydrate your face with thicker Creams

Night/day cream is the best way to infuse your skin with all the hydration AND potent ingredients that will protect it! My two favorites are the Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream and the Elemis Peptide Adapted Day Cream. I love how THICK these creams are!

Anytime I'm in Utah or a place with zero moisture in the air, I'm religious about putting these creams on day and night to prevent dry skin. I can tell a HUGE different in my skin, plus I don't have to totally rehab my skin when I get back to California!

The most hydrating mask

Whenever I'm on an airplane or traveling and I need an intensive treatment or mask, the GlamGlow Thirsty Mud mask is just the best. I put it on before bed and in the morning everything is coming up aces because HELLO GLOW!

Gross but true story: when I was in Arizona a few weeks ago, I was getting over a sinus infection and my nose was dripping like a faucet. I was blowing my nose constantly and subsequently my face and nose were completely chapped. I put this on my face one night, and when I woke up it was like my skin had restored itself! Huge fan. HUGE.

Last, but not least: the very BEST chapstick

The very best chapstick I ever found (I discovered it when I was on accutane years ago!) is the Natural Ice chapstick!! The cherry flavor is my fave, and I seriously swear by it. Nothing works better. Pinky promise.

Also, it's HARD to find in grocery stores anymore so you can get it here.

Tubby Todd All-Over Ointment
Gel Socks
Hempz Triple Moisture Lotion
Moisturizing Self Tanner
Elemis Oil-Based Cleansing Balm
Biossance Squalene + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
The BEST Chapstick
Glam Glow Hydrating Mask
Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
Elemis Peptide Adapted Day Cream
Floral Kimono sold out, similar
Photos by Arielle Levy

Slather it on!

The skin is the biggest organ in our body, so taking care of it is not a simple feat! But with consistency and a little TLC, your skin will be thanking you and you will be saying goodbye to dry skin!