My skin is so dry that my MMU looks chalky and dry.

[mandilly]

I've tried both EDM and Lumiere in terms of MMU, but they both seem to appear to dry and chalky on my skin, and I've tried various application techniques including: wet application, water spritzing after MU application, primers, etc. Therefore, I've concluded that the dryness must be my skin and not the MMU. My last application I noticed dry skin flakes on my face.

Therefore, I think I need to better my facial routine and exfoliate and moisturize better/heavier. I used to think my skin was oily/combination oily, however I'm starting to think that it's switched to dry during the winter season.

I currently use the Clinique 3-Step System, and it's my HG, truly. However, I'm using the Oily system as per usual, and I'm thinking I need to alter my facial routine for the winter, but I don't want to by a second, alternate Clinique system. I can either switch all together to the combination/normal skin 3-Step system, but I don't know if that's a good choice either.

Does anyone have any suggestions for an exfoliation and moisturizing alternative for the winter months? I've been using Clinique for so long that I don't know what alternative brands will help my dry skin.

My skin at the moment:

-Dry and flaky around the mouth, T-zone, and cheeks

-I haven't had any sensitivity with products in the past

-Not really acne-prone, however I do breakout around 'that time of the month.'

Looking for:

-Some form of exfoliation, whether it be a toner/other system

-Good facial moisturizer

 

[magosienne]

well, it's good to have a heavier moisturizer during winter, my skin tends to become dehydrated and dry in different areas, so i have to use other stuff.

you can try a creamy exfoliator, nivea has some that cheap and gentle enough (i like the "soft gom'" in a blue tube) or the Visibly Clear exfoliator from Neutrogena. i've tried in the past almonds (in a powder form) with some yogurt, it was really soft, but i didn't like much the feel of yogurt on my face lol

for toner, you can use thermal water, or floral water. i use hamamelis because it's good for sensitive skins, but you can also use rose or lavender.

for facial moisturizer, a cheap idea would be to use an oil (like coconut) that will moisturize your skin without leaving it greasy. you just apply a few drops where your skin is dry, wait a bit then apply your moisturizer on your whole face. you can also try shea butter on the dry areas, it works great.

 

[wvteacher]

I have tried several micro. derm. creams and scrubs, from cheap to not so cheap and the best thing that works for me is a small amount of baking soda mixed in with my cleanser. Just don't rub too hard.

 

[Maysie]

The best exfoliator I've found is Oil of Olay thermal skin polisher...its gentle, smells great, and the heating effect is really nice; you can use it every day so dry skin doesn't have a chance to build up. If I'm in extra need of exfoliating, I also use one of those little buffing pads (I get mine from Target, a pack of $12 is like $3 or $4). And once a week I use Freeman's enzyme pineapple mask (at walmart for like $3). Every time I use it, the next morning my skin is glowing. It's hard to recommend a moisturizer that works for everyone, but I really like Neutrogena's. I use the oil free one for sensitive skin...it's a pretty light moisturizer which I need because I tend to get oil around the t zone...and I've found that I need less of the product since I exfoliate effectively now. Hope you find something that works for you!

 

[Kathy]

I like St. Ives Apricot Scrub for exfoliating. You might also try using a lower number on the clarifying lotion, that can be drying.