Top Moisturizers for Dry Skin

So, it's officially October and it's time to break out my "go to" dry skin products.  Here in Richmond the weather is starting to show the signs of fall as the temperature is dropping and massive amounts of leaves are falling off the trees.  I start to slather moisturizers on in the mornings and before I go to bed each night.  I've broken down my favorites into two categories: high end and budget.  Both in each category are excellent and it all depends on how much you want to spend.  Hope you enjoy!

Hand Cream

High End: Poetica Hand & Nail Cream 
$10.00 - $11.00
Scottish Fine Soaps

Scottish Fine Soaps is a company that started in the early 1900's in Scotland and they are actually well known for their amazing smelling soaps.  This particular cream is real rich and it feels super luxurious on your hands.  My mother-in-law Anne introduced me to this brand 2 years ago and we can only find it at small boutiques like Carytown here in Richmond.  It has a nice clean fragrance and isn't overly floral like some of their other scents they carry.  A little goes a long way and your hands stay well hydrated.  I love to splurge on this every winter.

Here is the information from their website:  The Poetica Hand and Nail Cream is a beautiful, romantic cream to pamper nourish and smooth skin. A blend of fruity, floral and spicy notes combine together to provide a luxurious evocative scent. This Hand and Nail Cream is the perfect size for your handbag, bringing a touch of glamour to every day.

Budget: AVON MOISTURE THERAPY Intensive Healing & Repair Hand Cream
$1.50-$3.00(often goes on sale)
AVON

 

This is one of those classic hand creams that you keep in your office drawer and purse.  The best quality about this hand cream is that it's not greasy and makes your hands feel smoother.  I actually keep this product in stock in the winter since my customers will buy this in bulk when it's on sale.  Definitely check with your AVON representative to see when it goes on sale in your area as they are a great value.  It also comes in a mini size for your purse or for gifts.  A woman wrote an online review calling it an "affordable miracle."  


Here is the information from their website:  For extra dry skin. Continual moisturization, even through washing. Dermatologist-tested. Hypoallergenic. (I love how the description is simple, and not overly fancy, just like the product itself :) 

Body Lotion

High End: L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream
$42.00 
L'occitane.com

This lotion costs a serious hunk of change but you will not be disappointed.  It is one of the few lotions out there that has the highest concentration of shea butter (25% to be exact).  I also picked this lotion over the other ones that they have in their line because it's not overly fragrant.  It has a subtle hint of sweetness from the apricot oil which just melts into your skin.  Delicious!

Here is the information from their website:  The Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream offers the ultimate moisturizing comfort with a high concentration (25%) of shea butter.  This international customer favorite absorbs quickly, caressing the body and mood with the light fragrance of jasmine.  Our pampering whipped formula is enriched with linseed, mallow, sweet almond and honey extracts as well as apricot oil and vitamin E.  


Budget: Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer
$5.00-$6.00
Drugstore/Supermarket

Jergens makes great formulas that hydrate really well.  My favorite is the Ultra Healing and I find that it has a "silky" texture and is lightweight even though it's for extra dry skin.  It absorbs pretty fast and is great for those rough spots like knees and elbows.  I tend to lean towards body moisturizers that have a light fragrance or one that is fragrance free.  I also like that it comes in a pump which makes application super easy.  I like to apply it right after a shower so it becomes one with your skin. 

Here is the information from their website: Made with a blend of C, E, and B5, this fast-absorbing body lotion goes deep beneath skin's surface to lock in moisture and heal.  

• Penetrates through 5 layers of skin's surface to start healing at the source

• Helps heal extra dry skin—including heels, elbows and knees

• Triples skin's moisture content with continued use

• Provides 24-hour relief