Why is it that the minute cold weather hits, your skin gets dry and chapped? Partly because the colder the air, the less moisture skin can hold. But also, frigid air gums up the normally soft, fatty lipids that keep skin pliable. Think about what happens when you put something oily in the fridge: It turns into a gunky mass. Same idea here, but the results make skin less stretchy and more prone to cracking.
What to do? Just what you're thinking: Get your hands on a serious moisturizer. It doesn't have to be a budget-busting brand. In fact, it doesn't even have to be a moisturizer per se. Try a light sweep of sweet almond oil instead. It's so easily absorbed that there's no risk of looking like a walking oil slick. It's virtually scent-free, so no clashing with fragrances. Plus, it's a multitasker: Not only does it defend against moisture loss, but it has a healthy amount of vitamin E, a primo age-fighting antioxidant that can help keep your skin's RealAge young.
Almond oil is in lots of products, from body lotions to cuticle balms. But the true beauty bargain is the real thing: 8 oz. of sweet almond oil is $5.75 at mountainroseherbs.com. Sweet.
