CHEAP MOISTURIZER FOR DRY SKIN

Dear Jellybean,

My skin gets EXTREMELY dry in the winter. Can you suggest a inexpensive moisturizer that I can apply before I put on my foundation? Thank you!
-Dry Skin

Dear Dry Skin,

First, check your cosmetics cupboard for items that might be drying out your skin. In the winter months, when the air is dryer, you don't need some of the products that you might count on in the summer. Ditch the toner, for instance, which may be too drying for you as the weather gets colder. Also check that your regular cleanser is formulated for dry or sensitive skin, so you don't strip your face of oils when you wash it. If you use soap, stop it - you need a gentle cleanser, and bar soap is much too drying.

You probably only need to cleanse your face once a day, at night. Because cleansers can strip away natural moisturizers from your skin, washing at night gives your skin time to replenish itself, before you need to face the outside elements. In the morning, just splash cool water over your face before applying your moisturizer.

You should also reduce how often you bathe or shower in the winter. If you must shower daily, be sure to use lukewarm water, at hot water dries out the skin. Try to limit your time to fifteen minutes or less in the bath or shower. And NEVER use tanning beds - these will suck the healthy moisture right out of your skin (besides potentially causing wrinkles and skin cancer).

Do moisturize daily. You may need to moisturize once in the morning, and again at night. Make sure you choose a product specifically for dry skin and apply as directed, right after rinsing your face with water. (Many people don't know that moisturizers work by trapping moisture inside the skin - they can't actually put any more moisture into it). Two fairly inexpensive dry-skin products that regularly get raves from users (and are available at drugstores) include Dove Sensitive Essentials Day Lotion and Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer.