Winter Fresh
With the first hint of winter's chill, it's only a matter of time before what happens next—red, dry, chapped skin that has us pining for a spa day. Don't despair, busy moms. This guide will be the answer to all your winter beauty woes, and the best part is that it won't require putting in a full day at the spa in order to reclaim your smooth skin and chap-free lips (unless you want to, of course).
Exfoliate First
It's likely not news to you that the secret in avoiding dry skin is to moisturize. But equally important is exfoliation. As drier skin builds up, it prevents the skin from absorbing that much-needed moisture, explains Karen Asquith, the lead aesthetician and National Director of Education for G.M.Collin Skin Care. So before reaching for the moisturizer, exfoliate two to three times per week, says Asquith. For a facial exfoliator, try Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser—formulated for all skin types.
To buy: Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser, $33
Lip Service
We can talk exfoliation all we want. But will you actually remember, or—let's be real—have the time? When it comes to the lips, here's an easy way to exfoliate on-the-go: Jane Iredale's Sugar & Butter, which has an organic brown sugar scrub on one side to slough away any chapped skin while the other side offers a lovely peachy-pink hue to put some summery warmth back into those lips.
To buy: Jane Iredale Sugar & Butter, $25
Hands On
If chapped or cracked skin—especially on the hands—is ailing you, an overnight treatment using gloves is another sure-fire remedy. "Applying an intense hydrating and nourishing cream on the hands and then covering with cotton gloves overnight once or twice a week can have a profound effect on eliminating chapped hands," says Asquith. For a moisturizing lotion with a fresh, wintery scent, try Éminence Vanilla Mint Hand Cream. (Bonus: It's organic to boot!)
To buy: Eminence Vanilla Mint Hand Cream, $14
Sun Smart
Even though you're baring less skin in the winter months, keeping up with your SPF application should remain a priority, especially if you'd rather not go into spring with a few extra wrinkles. The best bet for a busy mom is to pick a BB cream with SPF. Try Amarte Natural Finish, which provides SPF 36 UVA/UVB protection, contains argan oil for extra hydration and has atinted hue to give your skin a natural glow.
To buy: Amarte Skincare BB Cream, $57
Overnight Success
As every busy mom knows, it's vital to make each minute count—even the non-waking ones. Put your 40 winks to work with a nighttime treating mask, which will further nourish and treat the skin, says Asquith. One option? The Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial by REN, which boasts a three-phase facial treatment to nourish, soften and revitalize the skin while you snooze.
To buy: Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial by Ren, $60
On the Nose
While a red nose from the winter chill can be endearing, a red nose because you've wiped it with one two many tissues is not. Fear not, Rudolphs. The quickest solution is Dermelect Redness Rehab, which is designed to relieve rosacea but works equally well on red noses. The formula is packed with soothing aloe to reduce inflammation, shea butter to moisturize and vitamin E to reinvigorate the skin.
To buy: Dermstore, $42
Hair Help
And finally, let's not forget the havoc winter can play on your hair (frizz, dry scalp, limp ends, need we go on?). The good news for busy moms is that you can lay off washing your hair every day (too much washing strips the hair of natural oils). If your strands are in need of a pick-me-up between washings, apply a dry shampoo, such as Pantene Pro V Dry Shampoo.
To buy: Target, $4
Nail It
If your hands are struggling with the dryness, chances are your nails aren't faring much better. If that's the case, opt for a lotion that focuses on hydrating the skin as well as your nail bed, such as Sebamed Hand and Nail Balm. Developed by dermatologists, the formula promises to strengthen nails and return your skin back to a hydrated, healthy state.
To buy: Sebamed Hand and Nail Balm, $13
All in One
Asquith's personal favorite tip during the winter months is to use a serum that doubles as replenishing facial oil. Her go-to: G.M. CollinNutriderm Replenishing Complex, which is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9. Even though the serum is an oil, it's non-greasy and dry to the touch, which leaves the skin velvety soft and smooth. "Pair it with your favorite SPF and you've got the perfect combo for the busy mom," says Asquith.
To buy: G.M Collin Nutriderm Replenishing Complex, $54
