Beat Dry Skin: My Personal Cocktail under $20

It never seems to fail that with the change of seasons comes an extreme drought for my skin. It's like the awesome cool breeze sucks the moisture right out, and when the winter comes in full force, the problem only gets worse. This season, I was bound to put a stop to this madness. I don't know about you, but I want moist, plump and clear skin that has that dewy glow! Good news: after some trial and errors, I have come to a concoction conclusion that has brought my skin back to life.

The non-magical, yet seemingly magical method:

At night, mask your face with Skin Organic's Peppermint Milk cleanser. Let it soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes. The kicker: the longer you let it soak into your skin, the better. I like to leave it on for an hour or two. Wash it off gently with warm water and a wash cloth.  Next, spray the Skin Organic's Cucumber Mist Hydrating Mist on your face after you wash off the cleanser. Let it soak into your skin, and then top that with moisturizer. (I use the Goji Azelaic serum). Spray the hydrating mist on your face anytime it feels dry!You should see a major difference in your skin in a few days!Skin Organics Peppermint Milk, $11. Buy it here. Skin Organics Cucumber Mist, $8. Buy it here. These products are all available at your local Whole Foods. Photo 

My Latest Addiction for Glowing Skin: DIY Lactic Hydrating Peel

You know the feeling of needing that morning pick-me-up or afternoon caffeine boost, which is satisfied by a Starbucks venti whatever-your-special-order-may-be drink? Well, I have a similar substance that does just this for your skin. In fact, it is a a new staple on my bathroom counter. No matter how wonderful your exfoliator is, there comes a time when pollution, stress, and sun damage override your daily face routine. In steps the pick-me-up: meet the Skin Organics Lactic Hydrating Peel. At $36 for a substantial amount, this skin-glowing wonder is like gold to me, and the best news: the price tag doesn't reflect it.This gentle, yet powerful at-home peel allows you to remove excess dead skin cells and brighten your complexion (for real!).  It also helps to lighten sun damage and prevent hormonal breakouts (yes, please). The way it works for me: wash your face to ensure a clean slate, and put 3 drops on each cheek, your forehead, and chin, spreading it evenly on your skin. Let it soak for a maximum of 45 minutes. The first few times may burn slightly, but that means it is working! Think of it as a spa treatment: sometime a little bit of pain is gain, no? Wash off with a warm towel. You will feel so refreshed, and your skin literally glows!Go here to see where you can purchase this magical potion! Your local Whole Foods or Central Market will have it in stock.

Skin Organics: Chemical Free and Result Driven Skincare

This day is historical in my life. Why? After years of questions,  I have finally found a solid answer. Hoorah! The resolution: Skin Organics. I have searched long and hard (my mom can attest to this) for a skin care line that I trust, and did I mention that actually works? And by works, I don’t mean executing the promised sales pitch for a month and then stopping suspiciously at the warranty end date. I mean sustainably producing noticeable results.Fact. Did you know that the focus of most major commercial products are made up of 90% marketing and 10% product development? Conclusion: yikes.After weeks of reading through shocking articles addressing the issue of toxic chemicals in the majority of skin care lines, I decided that my use of them needed to come to a screeching hault. I couldn’t bare another day moisturizing with cancer-causing components after lathering hazardous chemicals onto my skin.Wondering about your own products? The Skin Deep Database will become your new best friend.So during one of my daily stops to Whole Foods (pardon my addiction), I was introduced to this Austin-based company, and the rest was history. Stay tuned for my personal experience blurbs with these antioxidant rich products, and check back for not-to-miss nuggets of knowledge after my visits with the charming and inspiring founder, Ann Webb.For the curious ones: check out the array of products at skinorganicsaw.com or in person at Whole Foods. For a pro-consultation facial, make a visit to Whole Foods, which will result in a dream come true for lovers of serenity. If you take this advice, I guarantee you will be enchanted, and your skin will blissfully thank you.