It’s winter and I do want it all: I want a body moisturizer that not only moisturizes. No, my one true love should also have a few additional skincare benefits, absorb quickly, feel nice and – well, not exactly smell nice, but at least don’t smell offensive (although, for my quick tip in that department, read on). My best winter body moisturizers!
Now in winter, my skin needs a bit more hydration and TLC than in summer, when I do get away with using a shower oil and calling it a day. Also, I go down the path towards old crone-dom (old crone-ness?) faster and faster, so a moisturizer that offers some anti-aging benefits is just the thing.
When your skin needs a hug and some TLC
Beyer & Söhne Bodylotion+ Anti-Aging
Their Hautcreme+ usually solves everything when my face’s skin is angry. The Bodylotion+ does the same for me: it feels like a comforting, soothing hug. This is a lotion-type moisturizer that still packs a punch: antioxidants, ceramides, soothing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol and urea. I guess you could use this one on your face as well. It doesn’t smell, sinks in quickly and leaves your whole body feeling moisturized and soft. It is, in short, amazing. What I don’t like is the hefty glass bottle: I’m always afraid this will slip out of my hands and shatter on the bathroom floor one day. (They do it for environmental issues, but still…)
200ml is 29,90€ (available at their website but also in every German pharmacy via order).
When your skin feels bumpy and rough
Cerave SA Smoothing Cream
Let me first say that Cerave’s policy of offering the same product with different ingredients in different markets is super annoying (on top of having a very confusing system of nearly indistinguishable names for their products).
I started to use this on a whim (also, my skin loves both urea and ceramides), and after using it three times in a row I paused and was startled how smooth my skin was – everywhere, even on those often-bumpy body parts like upper arms, elbows, and thighs. The German edition of this boasts 10% urea, niacinamide, shea butter, hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid. Texture-wise, it’s definitely a cream, although one that sinks in and absorbs quickly. I use it every other time, and that’s enough to maintain that nice smoothness for me. In summertime, I’d definitely would use sunscreen diligently when using this.
When your skin is uneven and needs a bit of firming action
Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment
This body moisturizer’s formulation is so good that people actually use this on their face: you get some great moisturizing ingredients, oils, antioxidants and some panthenol. And, of course, 0,1% retinol, which is a mid-strength amount for retinol. As always with retinol, you need some stamina until you see results. But then, I absolutely love the smooth and silky texture of this one.
Again, use sunscreen in summer when you use this one.
A word on fragance
Look, I do want to have SOME sensory experience when I slather myself in lotion (which I always can’t help but find a bit boring). But then, I don’t want to use those fragrance bombs you get when you actually buy a fragranced product – which is why I mix a small amount of those with my preferred body treatment. Korres, L’Occitane, Lush, The Body Shop: all those are often so heavily fragranced that a small dollop will suffice. The best of both worlds, for me.
Please note that this review is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods, or money, for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
