Product Junkie: How To Hydrate Dry Skin

by Nadine Jolie | 4:13 pm, April 12th, 2010

We’re a bit biased when it comes to skincare. Our oily, acne-prone complexion ensures that we seek out products that zap zits and banish excess oil—which, of course, means super hydrating moisturizers are often our worst enemy. Having endured years of yelling from dry-skinned friends over our “for oily skin only” product recommendations, however, has made us more aware of the ladies on the other end of the spectrum. To that end, we’ve done double the research to find out which products will help soothe and pamper parched complexions. We may only use ‘em on planes or when skiing, but survey says: these babies will never steer you wrong!

Crème de la Mer, $130:

Isn’t it quaint to look back and remember a time when La Mer’s $130 pricetag seemed absolutely outrageous? Now that $800 baby foreskin creams abound, La Mer is practically bargain-bin, especially considering it’s still the leader-of-the-pack. I remain skeptical about its miraculous anti-aging claims (although I do know women who swear up and down that it helps burns and scars fade better than anything on the market) but when it comes to pure moisture and hydration, this is your Holy Grail cream. It’s simply that quenching.

Cetaphil, $5.99, drugstores:

Not for nothing do derms salivate over this excellent, emollient cleanser. Apply directly to dry skin, massage in, then either rinse away or use a washcloth to smooth it off. Dirt, oil and makeup will be gone, and your skin will be left silky and soft. (Disclaimer: It leaves behind a micro-thin layer on skin, which is excellent for parched complexions, but not so great for those who like to be squeaky-clean. Otherwise, trust: you’ll love.)

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, $17:

This classic balm has a myriad of uses, including hand cream, lip balm, cuticle cream, foot softener, and, of course, straight up moisturizer—if the area is dry and needs TLC, this’ll do the trick! I’ve used it on my cheeks while flying and on my nose when suffering from a cold. In a pinch, it can even double as a hair balm (tame flyaways by rubbing into hands then smoothing palms over the top of the hair, or simply apply a little dab to ends.) Elizabeth Arden herself legendarily used it on her horses’ legs—we’re telling you: it works everywhere.

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Nadine Jolie is a beauty, travel and society writer and the author of Beauty Confidential and Confessions of a Beauty Addict. A former beauty editor at Lucky, Ladies’ Home Journal and FHM, she blogs at JolieNadine.com, TheFairest.com, AOL Shopping and TheGloss.com, and has written for VanityFair.com, Cosmo, Jane and the New York Daily News. She has appeared on the Today Show, Tyra, Showbiz Tonight and CNN American Morning, has been featured as a beauty expert in two infomercials, teaches classes on blogging through Mediabistro, and provides new media/blogging consulting services for beauty brands including Dove, Oral-B, Liqwd and JolieMD. In her free time, Nadine enjoys traveling, polo, stiff drinks and learning how to say ‘Where is the nearest Sephora?’ in new languages.