Winter Skin Saviors

The winter here in Georgia has been relatively mild but ever changing. One week it'll be chilly and windy and the next, warm and sunny. I shouldn't really complain because who doesn't like 70 degree weather in January? But the constant change in temperature has made my skin quite neurotic. Red, dry patches are constant visitors. Its taken a little bit of experimenting but I have found three fantastic products that have helped my skin recover.

First is Vaseline's Deep Moisture Creamy Formula, which uses 30% Petrolatum as its main ingredient. I've used this thick cream for months now mostly on my hands but it is also a lifesaver on dry, irritated facial skin. In the beginning, I was terrified this would clog me but so far it has been a godsend. I use a thin layer only at night and I have not experienced any negative reactions. By morning, my red, dehydrated face feels and looks much better. It usually takes about 3-4 consecutive nights of using this to see significant changes for me.

Ingredients: (taken from MUA)

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: WHITE PETROLATUM USP (30%) (SKIN PROTECTANT) INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: WATER, ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, C12-15 ALKYL LACTATE, MYRETH-3 MYRISTATE, GLYCERIN, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, CETEARETH 20, CARBOMER, TROLAMINE, ETHYLENE BRASSYLATE, METHYLPARABEN, DMDM HYDANTOIN, DISODIUM EDTA, IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE

La Roche Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5, I've been using day and night since I bought it last December. It uses 5% Pathenol (Vitamin B5), which helps soothe dry, irritated skin. La Roche Posay says: 

This soothing multi-repairing balm favors the recovery for sensitive skin after irritative dermatitis and epidermic alterations thanks to its formula associating Panthenol 5% with Madecassoside with a highly-cosmetic texture. Suitable for the entire family: babies, children and adults. Can be applied to body, face and lips. Optimal tolerance, suitable for sensitive skin. Paraben-free. Fragrance-free. Lanolin-free. White-mark free. 

Because of the texture (thick-ish, white cream), I find that I have to work it into my skin a little bit or it will leave obvious white marks. So that last bit about how Cicaplast white-mark free is not true, at least for me. The rest I've found to be completely accurate. I've tried many of these types of potions that claim to help in healing and none have worked as well as La Roche Posays. No burning, stinging, or itching even on open wounds. I recently tried it on a wound on my neck (an over excited puppy scratched and bit me) and it has definitely helped heal it faster. Holy Grail material. 

Ingredients: (taken from LRP)

AQUA / WATER, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, DIMETHICONE, GLYCERIN, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER / SHEA BUTTER, PANTHENOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, PROPANEDIOL, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, TRISTEARIN, ZINC GLUCONATE, MADECASSOSIDE, MANGANESE GLUCONATE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, DISODIUM EDTA, COPPER GLUCONATE, ACETYLATED GLYCOL STEARATE, POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORHEXIDINE DIGLUCONATE, CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE Ole Heriksen Blue/Black berry Mask is a clear gel, wash-off mask that not only smooths but hydrates the skin without aggravating it. You know that point when the skin is no longer red and mostly healed but there are still dry bits? This is the mask that I use during that stage. 2-3x a week for 20 minutes is recommended but personally, 1x a week is usualy enough. Those with sensitive skin will love this. Especially for people who have a hard time exfoliating without irritating their skin. If you are used to harsher exfoliants though, I think you might find this will not do much for you.
Ingredients: (taken from Sephora.com)
-Hyaluronic acid: Binds moisture to the skin. -Lavender extract: An anti-inflammatory that repairs and renews. -Blue/blackberry extract: Oxygenating, cell renewing, smoothes and refines texture. -Panthenol: hydrating, nourishing. Water, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Polysorbate 20, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vaccinium Angusifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Allantoin, Panthenol, Papain, Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Potassium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Thanks for stopping by! :)