The winter season increases the risk for xerosis, that much-dreaded skin condition in which it becomes dry and itchy. While we do know that the dry winter air is to blame, we can take steps to keep hydrated during this season. The cold weather outdoors and the heat from the heaters can take a toll on our skin, but we’ve come up with a list of body butters and moisturizer to beat winter skin damage. The number one way to battle the effects of winter on the skin is to moisturize, which is why this list is a must-have for when you shop for your next beauty haul.

1. L’Occitane Shea Butter Shea Body Melting Butter

Shea butter has long been used by women in the Sub-saharan African region to maintain moisture in skin. The same goodness of shea butter is now in this Melting Butter from L’Occitane, which features a high concentration of this natural ingredient. With as much as 70% shea butter, this whipped butter melts into a delicate oil finish for maximum moisturization. It gives the skin intense nourishment so you can brave the changing weather. Best used on the feet, knees, elbows, hands and nails to protect and soften the skin. Shop at L’Occitane.

2. Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter

Specifically designed for mothers, this belly butter is richly blended with shea butter and vitamin E that conditions tired skin. It features a  99% natural, fragrance free formula that’s perfectly safe for expectant and new moms. It contains zero phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS and is only made of the goodness of naturally hydrating cocoa, shea and jojoba butters. It also does not leave a lingering scent. Moisturizes stretched and tired skin for rejuvenating nourishment. Shop at Ulta.

3. SheaMoisture Cocoa Butter Blend

Designed to address the needs of dry, rough skin, this cocoa butter blend is made of natural cocoa butter, organic raw shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil. Together, these ingredients delicately melt into the skin to create a barrier that protects against the external elements. It’s perfect for all over use, including your hands, feet, elbows, and lips. The best part? Each purchase of this product will help empower disadvantaged women to realize a brighter, healthier future for themselves and their families. Shop at Ulta.

4. Too Cool For School Egg Mellow Body Butter

Eggs are a great source of protein, which is great for building muscles. But did you know that it’s also good for maintaining great skin health? This body butter is powered by the goodness of egg yolk, egg white extract, shea butter, and a special blend of seven oils that helps skin retain its moisture, without the greasy feeling. It helps retain moisture all throughout the day thanks to the deep penetrating action of eggs. It has a light, whipped texture that you’ll love to wear, too. Shop at Birchbox.

5. Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter

Josie Maran is best known for the brand’s argan oil series. All the goodness of argan oil is now packed in this body butter that’s been whipped for a lightweight, silky smooth texture. It softens and replenishes moisture to keep skin revitalized. This ultra-hydrating body butter contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that firm, soften, and nourishes the skin. It also contains shea butter, white tea extract, and avocado oil to address skin dryness. You’ll love that this product is vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, GMO-free, and synthetic-fragrance-free. Shop at Sephora.

6. Truly Organic Whipped Body Butter

To keep the effects of the changing weather at bay, try this refreshing body cream that has a whipped texture to it. Truly Organic offers this body butter that’s made of all-natural ingredients to keep skin moisturized throughout the winter weather. Its Coco Rose Fudge variant is made of coconut, rose, cocoa butter, algae extract, and collagen, while its Unicorn Fruit variant features the goodness of acai and chia seed CO2, as well as matcha, rose, water, and collagen. Shea butter soothes redness and irritation in skin, while acai berries provides vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants for the skin. This product is vegan, organic, gluten-free, cruelty-free, paraben-free, non-GMO and fair trade. Shop at Urban Outfitters.

7. Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter

Decadently air-whipped, this body butter from Kiehl’s features a light scent that’s luxurious to the senses. It contains shea butter from the fruit of the African Karate tree, which is a natural fat that naturally hydrates. It also contains Squalane, a signature Kiehl’s ingredients that is a highly-refined botanical lipid derived from olives. Its Jojoba oil reduces transepidermal water loss so that skin stays smooth. These ingredients come together in this milk and honey body butter that is quickly absorbed, featuring a formula that has no parabens, glycols or silicones. Shop at Kiehl’s.

8. Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme

Indulge in the goodness of vitamins A, E and F with Laura Mercier’s Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme. This rich creme is formulated with shea butter for moisturizing without the heaviness of most moisturizers. It contains powdered sugar, vanilla extract and a hint of cinnamon that combines to provide a luxurious, indulgent fragrance that’s topped with notes of vanilla mousse and vanilla meringue. Best used after a scrub. Shop at Orchard Mile.

9. Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Body Buttercream

A more affordable but equally moisturizing option comes in the form of this Smoothie Star Body Buttercream, which combines the powers of not one, but five natural oils. This body buttercream features pistachio, almond and coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter to give skin maximum nourishment. Use on your legs, arms, shoulder, knees, and feet for a lightly whipped, but nourished feel. Shop at Ulta.

10. The Body Shop Vitamin E Body Butter

Exquisitely nourishing, this Body Shop body butter is especially formulated to protect the skin from environmental aggressors, such as the weather. It features a subtle tea-rose scent that’s delightfully feminine and is formulated with Community Fair Trade shea butter, cocoa butter and soy oil that together hydrates and smoothes the skin. This product does not contain phthalates, sulfates, triclosan, or GMOs. Shop at Ulta.

Aside from lathering on any of these body butters and moisturizer to beat winter skin damage, here are a few more things you can do to lessen the effects of cold weather on your skin.

• Bath in warm, not hot, water. While the cold weather may inspire us to keep soaking in hot shower water, that’s actually bad for the skin as it will strip it off its natural moisture. Keep temperature to a reasonable level and make showers short and sweet.
• Stay away from products with alcohol in it. Makeup wipes and removers, toners, and the like often have alcohol in it. Switch to alcohol-free beauty products and experience its long-term benefits (no more drying!).
• Use a humidifier. Put moisture back into the air indoors by using a humidifier. This may help in slowing down skin dryness, especially if you use a heater very often.

For more on how to deal with the winter weather, make sure to check out the links below.

Top Skincare Tips You Need to Know to Keep Your Skin Healthy this Winter Season

Winter Warming Essentials: Stay Toasty with These Cold Season Must-Haves

 

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