Got Dry Skin? These Six Tried and Tested Aussie Products Can Actually Help

Photo: Courtesy Of Tuttofare

When winter weather has you feeling like a dried-up husk, try these local skincare products that nourish and hydrate.

Words by Jo Walker · Updated on 17 Jul 2024 · Published on 12 Jul 2024

If I’m not careful, my wintertime skin can easily descend into a desiccated horror show. Frost, wind, cold and central heating conspire to keep face and body dry (and often itchy and flaky). My skin, it seems, is a thirsty mistress – and she can be overly sensitive, too. Here are some products I stock up on every year to nourish and hydrate through the darkest days.

Airyday Clear As Day Dreamscreen

$51

I’m not really sure what the technical definition of a “dreamscreen” is, but in this instance it’s a lush product somewhere between a gel and a balm that delivers primo moisture with the added protection of SPF50+. Packs a big hydration punch and leaves skin dewy as all get-out – plus it’s scented with hypoallergenic fresh watermelon, just like a tall drink of juice for your thirsty winter skin.

Shop at Sephora Shop at Airyday

Lanolips Golden Dry Skin Miracle Salve

$19.95

The skincare world is full of “miracle” products, but I’ve got to say this one comes pretty close to actually performing divine interventions on the driest of hands, legs, elbows and cuticles (and itchiest patches of eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis). The heavy-duty ointment is stuffed with all-natural lanolin, Manuka honey and vitamin E – I keep one tube in my handbag and one on my bedside table. Whack it on at night and wake up wondrous and replenished.

Shop at Lanolips Shop at Mecca

Tuttofare Holy Grail Tallow Balm

$45

Vegans, look away now. Tuttofare utilises old-school tallow (animal fat) for a balm that mimics the skin’s natural barrier. I use this to target my face’s driest patches (a tiny bit goes a long way, and melts right in for instant moisture), apply all over for a super-rich night-time treatment, and it’s great for hands and elbows too. Made in Australia and scented with raw cocoa butter, it’s a top choice for sensitive skin. There’s basically nothing here to react to.

Shop at Tuttofare

The Jojoba Company Jojoba Activating Cleansing Oil

$39.95

First rule of dry skin club: don’t mess it up from the beginning of your routine by stripping moisture with harsh cleansers. (I’ve learnt this the hard way – even in summer I only cleanse with balms and oils.) This luxe facial cleansing oil enriched with natural jojoba is my heavy duty choice for winter – it’ll get you prepped and clean and moisturised from the off. Try the OG Australian Jojoba too – great as a body oil, or add some to a warm bath for a silky soak.

Shop at Adore Beauty Shop at The Jojoba Company

Frank Body Rosehip Dry Body Oil

$28

Given how many different kinds of oil this stuff contains – rosehip, coconut, grapeseed, jojoba and sweet almond – it’s kind of wonderful how not-sticky and sink-right-in it is. You can apply the lightly scented oil any time of day to clean, dry skin – but it’s especially good after towelling down from a warm shower. Goodbye flaky arms and dusty legs.

Shop at Frank Body Shop at Mecca

Grown Alchemist Lip Balm

$18

Cracked and chapped lips are not fun. This blend from Grown Alchemist is big on shea butter (a dry lip’s best friend), plus rosehip, jojoba and sweet almond oils, and works as much as a repair treatment as it does a balm. Unlike most lip products, this is free of petroleum-based ingredients. Plus, a little goes a long way, so the tube is a long-term investment.

Shop at Adore Beauty Shop at Grown Alchemist

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About the author

Jo Walker is broadsheet’s studio editor, and former home & lifestyle editor.