If you have ever been to Australia, you are familiar with the Outback, Great Barrier Reef, and the Sydney Opera House.  Well now one more thing may come to mind....FRANC ESSENTIAL, a brand which goal is transform the skin in the simplest, freshest way possible.  Not only are these products free of additives, toxins, and synthetic chemicals, but include organic ingredients whenever possible.

FRANC ESSENTIAL Balancing Mist
Rosewater and aloe vera sooth irritation and restore the skin's natural moisture barrier.  Use over moisturizer or to set your makeup for a flawless look that lasts all day.  TIP: Keep the small bottle in your handbag or at your desk to refresh your makeup or rejuvenate dry skin throughout the day!

$18-$30 - Franc Essential www.franc.com.au

FRANC ESSENTIAL Body Melt
I absolutely adore this body cream because it feels like you are just wrapping your body in luxury.  With shea and cocoa butter, allantoin, and sweet almond oil to nourish and moisturize every inch of your skin.  I just love the silky smooth texture!

$25-$40 - Franc Essential www.franc.com.au

Japan is another one of those countries known for cutting-edge style, which has made it into mainstream America with brands like Love Angel Music Baby, Yoji Yamamoto, and Issey Miyake, but what you probably don't know is that YU-BE is the #1 selling medicated skincare brand available in the US.  Not only are these products endorsed from mountain climbers to Rachael Ray, but it is one of the fastest way to heal dry-cracked skin on the market.  The classic formula is also ALL NATURAL for all of you green people out there!

Extremely dry skin affects so many people...most often in the dry winter months, but for many people, any weather extreme can cause drying of the skin. Most commonly effected areas are the legs and hands, but I often find that i get dry spots on my arms and face during extreme weather conditions. Dry skin is easily treated, so take care of it or it may lead to DERMATITIS, an inflamation of the skin associated with overly dry skin.

1. Avoid causes of dry skin such as SOAP, very HOT SHOWERS, long showers, and excessive washing of the hands.

2. Use mild cleansers that don;t use soap. Yes, soap gets a nice lather and leaves us clean and fresh, but it is DRYING OUT YOUR SKIN!!! Also try to stay away from antibiotic and fragranced cleansers.

FACE: CETAPHIL Gentle Skin Cleanser is one of the most recommended cleanser by dermatologists and is great for dry, sensitive skin.


$6 - Drugstores Nationwide.

BODY: OLAY Total Effects Body Wash contains 7 moisturizers AND it counteracts signs of aging!


$7 - Drugstores Nationwide

3. MOISTURIZE!!!!!!! Use a moisturizer EVERY TIME you get out of the shower. This is the easiest way to counteract dryness! Your skin is most absorbant after a shower, so this is the time to do it!!!

BODY: BURT'S BEES Radiance Body Lotion contains Royal Jelly (134 NUTRIENTS!!!), coconut, sunflower, orange, sage, rosemary, aloe, and soybean to moisturize and calm irritated skin. I noticed a difference in the overall appearance of my skin in just TWO DAYS! It also contains mica to give the skin a radiant glow!


$8 - Drugstores Nationwide

FACE: KATE SOMERVILLE's Goat Milk Cream is designed with vitamins and amino acids to calm and repair severely damaged skin gently. Possibly one of the best moistuizers on the market for dry skin, and WELL WORTH the high price tag.


$55 - Henri Bendel 5th Avenue www.henribendel.com

HANDS: BATH AND BODY WORKS Look Ma New Hands lotion is my personal favorite hand cream, though there are many many good ones out there. I like it because of the fresh grapefruit scent and the fact that it seals in moisture with parafin wax. When I was in college, I worked at Starbucks and this was the only lotion that worked to keep my hands from cracking due to overwashing!


$7-$22 Bath & Body Works Stores www.bathandbodyworks.com

TIP: Don't use a liquid foundation if your face is very dry, it will look cracked and blotchy. Instead, use a heavy duty moisturizer and a powder foundation to achieve a smoother finish until your skin heals.

TIP: If topical treatments aren't working, try taking an Omega-3 supplement. These fatty acids will aid in cellular regeneration and help heal dry skin.