7 Products I Use for My Dry Skin

Moving from a tropical country to a perennially cold one, my skin had a lot of adjusting to do. I came to Canada in summer and my skin was pretty okay until winter came. I suffered from severe, dry skin; the kind of flaky, "sandpaperish" texture with an itch that will keep you up all night. I was devastated. All my usual skincare products I brought from the Philippines are no longer working its magic in keeping my skin healthy. I scouted and tried several products. It was a process of hit and miss with lots of wasted dollars. Anyway, like meeting a new set of friends, I was found the perfect skincare products that give my skin its much-needed moisture.

If you have a dry skin like me, read on as I share the products I use to keep my skin healthy and moisturized.

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

This is perhaps the holy grail for any one with dry and sensitive skin. True to its promise of gentleness, Cetaphil can be used even for babies. What I love about this product is that it doesn't leave your skin feeling tight after washing. It's also good for cleaning sensitive areas around your eyes.

2. Simple Soothing Facial Toner

The presence of alcohol and fragrance in your skincare products could aggravate the dryness of your skin. This toner from Simple is really cool to the face and leaves your skin clean and fresh without the sting. Tip: I keep my toner inside the fridge. I love the chill plus it helps minimize my pores.

3. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Beauty experts call this the"yellow genius". It's one of the most popular products under Clinique. Just like any moisturizer, this works best when used after you apply your toner. Clinique has a 3-step skincare line for dry skin which includes a facial wash and a toner too. I tried the set but apparently, the two other products did not work well with my skin. Clinique Moisturizing lotion is rich but does not feel heavy on the face. I use this twice a day, morning and evening.

4. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

If you're a fan of Asian beauty products specifically those from Japan and Korea, then you should give Laneige Sleeping Mask a try. I was able to try this product after receiving it as a freebie from Sephora. It's an overnight mask you apply on your face before bedtime and rinse as soon as you wake up. I recommend that you use this product on those days when your skin is really dull and haggard (that's basically on a Friday after a night out of partying or to cap off a stressful work week). Believe me, your skin will thank you in the morning.

5. Clinique Moisture Surge Intense

Another product I received as a freebie. This product is called intense for a reason as it perfectly works when your skin is super dry. I use this on those days when I have those fine flakes on my T-zone. It works best when you apply this after your usual CTM regimen. It's fragrance-free and surprisingly light on your face.

6. Lush Oatifix Fresh Face Mask

I love everything about the Lush brand. It's campaign for sustainable, hand crafted and organic products are just amazing. Aside from bath bombs, I always purchase Lush's fresh face masks. Oaitifix is my one of my favourites. I use this twice a week during my self-administered deep cleanse facials. Aside from its moisturizing benefits, the oatmeal gently exfoliates your skin. It smells so good too! Tip: Since Lush facial uses natural ingredients, it is advisable that you keep this inside your fridge and use it within 2 weeks. A tub of Lush facial mask is more than enough for two weeks of facial. I use mine to exfoliate other parts of my body like hands, elbows, knees, toes and underarms.

7. Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion

I have a confession to make. I can't skip the day without taking a warm shower, sometimes a little too much. It's my guilty pleasure and my skin always pays the price. Thankfully, Aveeno always saves the day. True to its promise, Aveeno lotion keeps my skin hydrated for 24 hours. It's fragrance-free so it's guaranteed to be gentle and perfect for those with sensitive skin.