skincare products/tips? (I need help)

After I read that plastic surgeons send their patients home with Cetaphil cleanser after their procedures (even chemical peels) because it's so gentle, I switched.  I really like it, nice and gentle, and even my rosacea calmed down a bit.

I also use the Aveeno line of moisturizers and creams.  They're a bit more expensive but they're thicker and don't require re-application like Oil of Olay does.  Really creamy and protective.  I love them in the winter when I'm dry and chappy from skiing. 

I also coat my hands with vaseline and wear cotton gloves nightly to help with dry chapped hands.  And Neutrogena has hydrating masks that they recommend wearing for 30 minutes but I wear them overnight and they work wonders!  Takes 5 years off instantly! 

Hope this helps!

I'm not much of a girly-girl, but I also get horribly dry skin in the winter (and it was still FREEZING here this morning!).  Sometimes, I take a break from my face washes and just use normal bar soap on my face.  I don't use any face wash with salycilic acid as the active ingredient (it really dries out my face and I turn red).  I like to wear concealer/foundation, but sometimes the powders suck the moisture out of my skin.  I found a liquid foundation I really like (not oily at all).  I mix a dab of that with a dab of regular moisturizer I use on my face and apply it that way. 

My skin was feeling so dry and tight it was uncomfortable to smile. Now I am using this insanely expensive stuff and my face isn't dry anymore---my skin is really soft and feels good.  The change in my skin has been so HUGE I can't find the words to describe it.

Good news: you're in England and its made by a British company :) You might be able to find someplace local to get samples and try it.

The company is Elemis. http://www.timetospa.co.uk/default.asp

I have been using the rosepetal cleanser: http://www.timetospa.co.uk/product.asp?category%5Fname=209&product%5Fid=00162&ParentOid=117 It is a milky type cleanser and I love it. It is very gentle (I have sensitive skin) and does a good job.

I used to avoid toners because I thought they would dry out/hurt my sensitive skin, but the apricot doesn't. There is another toner recommended for dry skin, but I use this one instead: http://www.timetospa.co.uk/product.asp?category%5Fname=209&product%5Fid=00224&ParentOid=117 

IMO the moisturizer is the key. I use the Elemis Pro-collagen Marine Cream http://www.timetospa.co.uk/product.asp?category%5Fname=201&product%5Fid=00267&ParentOid=116

As I have said this stuff is way out of my normal price range---but it seems to be lasting a very long time. I use the cleanser twice a day and I have had my bottle for 5 weeks and I've used maybe 20% of it. The cream is in a jar so it is harder to tell what percentage I have used but I know I have a TON left. There is a little spatula to scoop it out with and the spatula bowl is shallow and maybe the size of my pinky fingernail. My best guess is that the jar will last me at least 3-4 months.

Hope that helps. 

 Thanks, everyone, this is a big help!  I'll try that trick with moisturiser and my foundation, that might be one of the problems.

I actually live near an Elemis spa, so I should be able to get those products easily.  Maybe I'll treat myself to a facial there and see what products they have that are specially suited to my skin. 

My skin says thanks in advance. :)
 

I use Desert Essence pure jojoba oil.  Nothing else works for me in the dry winter air.

http://www.drugstore.com/qxp83680_333181_sespider/desert_essence/organic_jojoba_oil.htm

We use Eucerin on Eli, who has eczema...it works wonderfully.

I use Aubrey Organics Ultimate Moist Unsceneted. I switched from St. Ives after I found out that it had some not-so-great ingredients.

My Favorite cheap stuff to recommend to patients ;)

1. Cetaphil

2. Auquaphor

3. Eucerin Cream

 Expensive stuff:

1. Kiehls:  I'm a big fan of all their moisturizers especially the PCA cream and ultimate moisturizer in the pots

2. For real problem skin I like the Centella skin recovery salve

Virgin Coconut Oil for dry skin... 

I rub it right on my hands. And eating it helps the dryness from the inside.  

Thread about it. 

My hands get really dry from working with bleach and water all day - I use Johnsons Baby lotion (with aloe and vit. e) on my hands. I don't know how it would be on your face, but works nicely for the rest of my body!

Since you are familiar with the Clinique counter, I'm going to point you towards a product called "Moisture Surge Extra."  Try not to faint at the price -- you don't need to use much and it is worth it.  I use the MSE as a follow-up to my regular moisturizer (Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion).

During the summer my usage cuts back quite a lot, but if I don't use the product liberally in the winter my face breaks out MAJORLY from the dryness.  MSE has been my lifesaver and I swear by it.  It's so light but it packs a punch and really puts the moisture back into your skin.

Thanks for the tips, everyone!  I think I will go shopping for a new moisturiser tomorrow, maybe that Clinique stuff or the Elemis one.  I'll try the honey tip, too!

I appreciate all the help, and am glad to know I'm not alone.