Things I like about the winter (yeah, it’s still kinda winter-ish in NYC): winter boots, snow when I don’t have to be outside in it, statement winter coats, and dressing in layers. Things I hate about winter: having to actually be out in the snow, being out in the cold too long, short daylight time, long nights, and super dry and itchy skin. Like my skin gets so dry and itchy in the winter that I have actually scared companions when trying to death scratch my legs through my jeans o_O

So naturally I’m always on the search for moisturizers to add to my arsenal that don’t out me as an itchy woman as I travel around NYC. I found one at a Duane Reade a few years ago (Protéque) but they stopped selling it at stores so I always have to order it online–which I usually do in bulk. But you know we beauty girls like to have back-ups in case God-forbid one of our favorites gets discontinued or we forget a spare in our purse and need to run to the drugstore to grab something else. And for me that something else came in the form of skincare brand Eucerin who for many, many years have addressed the needs of we itchy girls all over. The brand sent over some products for me to try and also sent over some healthy skincare tips for me to share with you. Cool, right? Right.

So first, let’s get into what worked for me…

Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion SPF 15 Sunscreen is a lightweight moisturizer that helps protect against daily UV exposure that can lead to sunburn. I appreciated how the formula virtually disappears into the skin without that “ashy” effect some sunscreens can have. Like with all sunscreens you want to make sure you reapply this every two hours for prolonged times in the sun. I also make sure I use my favorite body spray or perfume as well since sometimes sunscreen can have a pretty strong and distinct scent. Plus since it’s lightweight, I can use this even as temps start to rise.

Eucerin Skin Calming Daily Moisturizing Creme contains natural oatmeal and rich moisturizers to sooth and prevent dry, itchy skin. It’s medium weight—not lightweight and not very heavy. I like that it comes in a HUGE 14 oz bottle option (there’s also an 8 oz) because let’s face it, at 5’9″ there’s a lot of me to cover in lotion…lol. I particularly like this at night and on my thighs (they tend to rub together so I always apply moisturizer there to prevent friction). I’d also use this on most winter days when I’m not running out in the sun.

Eucerin Original Healing Soothing Repair Creme contains rich emollients that seal in moisture to heal and protect very dry and sensitive skin. This is the big bad mama jama when it comes to consistency—it’s SUPER rich (no, not Nene Leakes rich, rich rich). This is for the days when you have to go out and the wind chill makes outside feel like negative 20. And not to be all TMI, but the one area that itches the most when winter comes for me is my chest area so something like this was perfect for instant relief.

Now enough about me, let’s get into skincare tips for YOU directly from Eucerin…

Healthy looking skin is beautiful, no matter what your age. The three words that best describe healthy skin are hydrated, clear and glowing. Hydrated, well moisturized skin is the result of the hydrolipid film maintaining the right amount of moisture balance in the skin. Clear skin is free of clogged pores and dry patches. Glowing skin has a healthy blood supply carrying lots of oxygen and other nutrients to skin. Learn what you can do at any age to help make sure your skin looks its best.

· In your 20s… You are most likely to establish the habits that will stay with you throughout your life, so incorporating preventative steps is key. Stay away from tanning beds and if you’re a smoker, quit now. Most wrinkles are caused by sun exposure and smoking. By avoiding both, in your later years your skin will appear much younger and healthier than a smoker or sun-worshipper. Apply a daily moisturizer with a broad spectrum SPF 15+ all over your face, neck and chest daily to help keep your skin protected from incidental sun exposure.

· In your 30s… Skin becomes thinner and finer, there’s some loss of collagen, and cell turnover has begun to slow down, making your complexion look a little dull. The key is to get moving, so if you needed another reason to hit the gym, here it is: your skin. Physical activity maintains the health of tiny blood vessels in the skin so they can supply adequate blood and oxygen. This helps provide skin with a healthy glow and also aids in the production of collagen. Exercise also helps balance out hormones like testosterone that contribute to acne. In fact, the stress-reducing benefit of exercise is beneficial to maintaining and improving skin health. Start incorporating an anti-wrinkle crème into your skin routine! (Try Eucerin’s Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Crème)

· In your 40s…Your skin begins losing elasticity, and retains less moisture so it is important to add a moisturizer into your skin routine. Moisturizers bind water to the skin so it doesn’t evaporate as quickly.Think of them as the lid topping a pot of simmering water. The result: a softer and more elastic stratum corneum with optimal protective properties. Remember to drink plenty of water and keep your diet high in antioxidants! If skin becomes dry and itchy, utilize calming cremes and lotions to soothe skin and fight the dryness.

· In your 50s and beyond… Many of us focus only on the skin on our face and neck but your hands deserve just as much attention, if not more. Your hands encounter the harsh elements every day, from the extremely hot water of the kitchen sink to the freezing and drying winter winds. All of this exposure can wear on your skin’s protection and repair systems. Damaged, cracked and dry hands are more likely to develop dermatitis, or eczema. Look for a hand moisturizer like Eucerin’s Intensive Repair Hand Creme to repair and protect dry, rough hands.

It is important at every age to visit a dermatologist once a year. If you don’t have one, take use of Eucerin’s Find a Derm Facebook Application to find one in your area and make an appointment.

To find out more about what products you should be using at any age visit Eucerin’s Skindicator quiz to receive a personalized recommendation from our Skin First Dermatologists.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Eucerin. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Pop Secret.