A few weeks ago, I landed in Vancouver after a two-month journey through Southeast Asia.
The trip itself was amazing - my skin, not so much.
Since I was young, I've had dry, sensitive skin and it often gets worse in the winter. But what surprised me was how flaky and irritated it became in heat and humidity as well. Needless to say, when I got back home, I needed some serious help.
Here are a couple of products I've been trying out to get my skin summer-ready.
George's Special Dry Skin Cream, $3-$15.
This Canadian product is said to have been created by pharmacist George Doherty in the kitchen of his Alberta home more than 15 years ago. It uses a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula to help ease the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis including dry, itchy and flaky skin. I like the consistency of the cream - although it is quite thick, it rubs in very easily and provides relief once applied. I think, if used consistently, this cream could go a long way towards preserving moisture in the skin. George's also has a Light Special Moisturizing Lotion, for those who prefer something a little less intense. But for very dry skin, I'd say the original version is the better choice. Both products are available at drug stores on the North Shore.
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator, $43.
I liked this product almost immediately. It's a cream-gel that hydrates the skin and strengthens the moisture barrier, so that your skin doesn't feel dry again 30 minutes after an application. Although a lot of moisturizers make promises like these, Moisture Surge actually seems to deliver. Hours after putting it on, I can still feel a soft dewiness on my skin. The cream is available at Clinique counters on the North Shore.
