Boosting your skin care routine to banish dry Winter skin is a must. Kelli Kenny, Mom and Co-Founder of  basq NYC whose high quality pregnancy skin care products have earned a devoted following, gave us some of her best tips for maintaining a healthy, hydrated glow during the coldest months of the year.

From Kelli

My top priority in winter during and after pregnancy is to beat the itchies! As a mom always on the go, my skin tends to get a lot dryer in the Winter, especially living in NYC. The same can be true during pregnancy, especially with hormonal skin changes happening. As the temps start dipping, my heating system goes full throttle, sapping all the moisture from my skin. Here are some secrets for combating dry and itchy winter skin.

Exfoliate: I use our Sugar Body Polish to exfoliate in the shower at least once a week. A gentle scrub in a warm shower is the best quick fix for dry itchy skin. Remember, it is best to keep your shower temps lower as hot water actually saps skin moisture by stripping your natural moisture barriers. I’m in love with our new Skin Perfecting Sugar Scrub in Lavender Pear. Originally used in our Calming Oil, this aroma has been a customer and team favorite for a long time. It’s great to finally enjoy it in the shower. We only use sugar in our scrubs, no salts or seeds that can irritate and dry skin; so, your skin will be left really soft!

Rough Edges: For extra dry elbows and heels, a dry scrub down works wonders. Before turning on the shower, use a little sugar scrub and rub in a circular motion. Let it set for a couple of minutes. The natural glycolic acids help release dry, tough skin. Wash off and reveal a soft and smooth finish!

Rich Moisture: After a shower, my dry skin must-have is our Mega Moisture Butter since it’s rich and creamy without being heavy. Plus, it absorbs incredibly well. I love that I can get dressed right away. If I’m feeling extra dry, I put it on right before bed for an overnight treatment effect.

Tint & Glow: During the winter months I switch to a slightly tinted moisturizer in the mornings.  Just the small touch of color makes me appear healthier and energized. It also helps even skin tone so I can avoid wearing a heavy foundation during the day. I gravitate toward the L’Oreal BB Tinted Moisturizer – it is really light, absorbs quickly and gives a great finish. Even better… it has a 15 SPF built in so I get sun protection without thinking about it.

The Eyes Have It: An eye cream is important year round – the under eye area is ultra-delicate and prone to puffiness and lines. Extra hydration in the winter is a must! I use our Cucumber Tea Gel daily; it’s great for long-term toning and tightening, plus I love how it takes care of morning puffiness and fatigue lines.

Steam to Dewy:  As I child I would watch my mom open the dishwasher during the dry cycle and steam her face! It sounds extreme, but steaming really works to open pores and deeply saturate the skin with moisture. In the evenings, I place a washcloth in hot water with a few drops of our Lavender Calming Oil, squeeze out excess water and place on my face to open pores. I follow with a very light moisturizer like Olay Moisturizing Lotion for Sensitive Skin. Then, once a week, I use a light coating of the Lavender Calming Oil; it’s my perfect nighttime treatment. My skin looks great in the morning and I always sleep better with a little lavender. Remember, lavender is amazing for clearing blemishes, tightening pores and for overall better sleep and relaxation.