Winter’s chill can be brutal for our skin, often stripping away moisture and leaving it dry, flaky, and vulnerable. I’ve had my fair share of winter skin woes, from tightness to those annoying dry patches, so I’ve tested a range of products to find the best solutions. The key is finding products that not only add moisture but also help lock it in, ensuring long-lasting hydration.
In this guide, I’ll share the seven skincare products that have worked wonders for me and are tried-and-true staples for anyone battling dry winter skin. Each one offers a unique benefit, from deep hydration to protective barriers that shield against winter’s harsh elements. Let’s dive into these top winter skincare must-haves!
1. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Why It’s Great for Winter:
This gentle, hydrating cleanser is ideal for winter because it doesn’t strip the skin’s natural oils. CeraVe’s formula contains essential ceramides, which help restore the skin’s barrier, and hyaluronic acid, known for its hydration-boosting properties. Unlike many cleansers that leave skin feeling tight, this one ensures that moisture stays intact.
How to Use:
Use this as the first step in your morning and nighttime routine. Apply a small amount to damp skin, massage in gentle circular motions, and rinse with lukewarm water. Its mild formulation makes it perfect for sensitive skin, too.
2. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+M Body Cream
Why It’s Great for Winter:
Dry, flaky skin isn’t exclusive to the face, which is why a body cream is essential during colder months. La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Balm AP+M is a standout because it’s deeply moisturizing without feeling greasy. Formulated with shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide, it provides intense hydration and relief for even the driest areas, like elbows and knees.
How to Use:
After showering, apply generously to areas of the body prone to dryness. I’ve found it works best when the skin is slightly damp, as it helps lock in moisture.
3. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
Why It’s Great for Winter:
This luxurious, thick cream is a powerhouse for hydration. Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream has a rich blend of six African oils and plant ceramides, which help fortify the skin’s natural barrier. It’s rich but doesn’t clog pores, making it a top choice for winter.
How to Use:
I love using this as the last step in my evening routine. After cleansing, toning, and applying serum, massage a pea-sized amount into your skin. If you’re feeling extra dry, apply a bit more. You’ll wake up with plump, hydrated skin every morning.
4. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Why It’s Great for Winter:
Hyaluronic acid is a must-have for winter, as it draws moisture into the skin. The Ordinary’s version is affordable, effective, and a fan favorite. Enhanced with Vitamin B5, this serum provides an added layer of hydration and soothes any irritation or redness often brought on by colder temperatures.
How to Use:
Use this serum right after cleansing and before any creams. Apply a few drops to your face, then gently pat it in. Make sure to apply it to slightly damp skin for the best results, as hyaluronic acid is a humectant and will pull moisture from the air.
5. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Why It’s Great for Winter:
A cult-favorite, First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream is formulated for intense hydration. Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin provide relief from itching, while glycerin locks in moisture, making it a perfect choice for those with eczema or highly reactive winter skin.
How to Use:
I keep this one on hand for days when my skin feels extra dry or irritated. Use it on your face or body, focusing on areas that need special attention. It absorbs quickly and provides relief from itchiness and tightness almost immediately.
6. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Why It’s Great for Winter:
Our lips need care too, especially when winter air leaves them cracked and peeling. Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is enriched with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid. This thick balm works overnight to nourish and repair chapped lips, so you wake up to a soft, supple smile.
How to Use:
Apply a generous layer of this mask before bed, allowing it to work its magic overnight. For daytime use, a smaller amount works as a great lip balm.
7. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
Why It’s Great for Winter:
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Vaseline is a classic winter essential for its occlusive properties. It seals moisture in, preventing dehydration from cold winds and dry indoor heating. I’ve used it as a protective layer on areas prone to dryness, such as hands and elbows, and as a final layer in my skincare routine.
How to Use:
Use Vaseline as a final step in your skincare routine, known as “slugging.” Apply a thin layer over your face after moisturizing; it creates a barrier to prevent moisture loss overnight. It’s also a lifesaver for cracked hands, cuticles, and dry feet.
Tips for Keeping Your Skin Hydrated Throughout Winter
In addition to using these products, here are some tips to keep your skin feeling hydrated and healthy all season long:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial. While skincare products can help, internal hydration keeps your skin looking fresh and plump.
- Humidifiers: Running a humidifier in your home adds moisture back into the air, which can help prevent your skin from drying out.
- Avoid Hot Showers: Although tempting, hot water strips your skin of natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water instead, and always follow up with a good moisturizer.
- Moisturize Regularly: Make it a habit to moisturize at least twice a day. In winter, your skin needs all the help it can get to stay hydrated.
- Protect Your Skin: Scarves, gloves, and hats aren’t just for warmth – they also protect your skin from cold air that can strip away moisture.
With the right products and habits, you can keep your skin comfortable and well-moisturized, no matter how harsh winter gets. These seven products have become essentials in my winter skincare routine, each one addressing a specific need, from hydration to protection. By incorporating a few of these into your routine, you’ll be well on your way to smoother, softer, and healthier skin this winter.
