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The Best Face Moisturizers to Soothe Dry Winter Skin
These face creams will give your skincare routine the hydrating upgrade it deserves
By Kelly Mickle
When the weather transitions, so should your skin care, according to dermatologists. “Cooler air holds less moisture, making our skin more likely to get dry and flaky,” says David Kim, M.D., a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City. When your skin is dry, it also loses the ability to hold on to water and moisture is more likely to evaporate because the skin barrier has been compromised. “As the weather cools, I usually recommend a richer moisturizer for more robust hydration to keep the skin barrier intact,” says Dr. Kim.
When it comes to treating dry skin, many people think that the correct approach is to slather oil onto their face. “In truth, you can bathe in oil but it will not do anything to rehydrate your skin—your skin may even overcompensate for the dryness by producing more oil,” says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City. “To relieve dry skin, I recommend using a hydrator—a product that contains hyaluronic acid—and layering a moisturizer on top to lock in the moisture.”
In addition to preventing dryness, regularly applying a good face moisturizer can help minimize fine lines and wrinkles, soothe skin irritation and may even prevent breakouts. And even though summer is behind us, make sure you’re adding an everyday sunscreen to your routine. Not sure which hydrating cream is best for your complexion? We asked dermatologists from across the country to share their favorite face moisturizers to suit different concerns and skin types.
Brightening, firming cream
A great moisturizer traps water in the skin, which can help give it a more radiant appearance. Skinfix’s Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream is a go-to recommendation for Dr. Kim because “it’s packed with ceramides and fatty acids that refresh the skin.” For best results, Dr. Kim recommends using the ultra-hydrating formula in the evening so the cream can do its job overnight. “Use 2-3 pumps evenly applied throughout the face and neck,” he says.
Nice-price pick
Affordable and easy to find online or at your local drugstore, this moisturizer checks all the boxes for Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut. “It contains glycerine and hyaluronic acid, which are both humectants, so the product hydrates the skin, supports the skin barrier and helps to lock in moisture as well,” she says.
Color corrector
Onyeka Obioha, M.D., founder of Boutik Dermatology in Los Angeles, recommends this cream, which is made with glycolic acid, ceramide, borage oil and vitamin E, to correct dark spots and promote a more even-toned complexion. “It’s hydrating and contains exfoliating glycolic acid, which increases cell turnover and targets hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Obioha. It’s also designed to treat fine lines and wrinkles, as well as a rough skin texture. It’s made for all skin types, especially dry skin, and should be applied to clean, dry skin every other night during the first week of use, then every night.
Sensitive skin choice
This cream is hydrating and gentle, making it Dr. Kim’s top choice for people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin; it also holds a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. “Ceramide is an ingredient that is critical to keeping the skin barrier intact and Cerave is packed with it,” says Dr. Kim. “It’s also great for people with oily skin—if used just once or twice a week during winter.” The soothing cream can also be used for your body and hands, and comes in both a tube and a tub. “The formula has the right balance of lipids and water, so it’s super hydrating without being sticky or greasy, and it dries quickly,” adds Dr. Kim. He recommends applying once in the evenings—or two to three times daily if you have eczema-prone skin. Apply on the face, neck, chest and arms. “Just a thin layer, evenly spread,” says Dr. Kim. “If you have eczema, it’s best to apply immediately after a shower when the skin is still a little damp to lock in moisture.”
Acne fighter
People with acne-prone skin should use products with non-comedogenic ingredients to help reduce breakouts, according to Dr. Engelman. “This daily-use moisturizer is formulated with salicylic acid to help unclog pores and shed dead skin cells, so it hydrates while gently helping to treat mild acne or occasional breakouts,” says Dr. Engelman. It’s also formulated without parabens, phthalates, sulfates and cyclic silicones, which may irritate sensitive, acne-prone skin. Since it has a rich consistency, “I would apply at night when you’re not thinking about adding extra layers like sunscreen or makeup on top,” Dr. Engelman adds. Pat into the skin after washing while still damp to seal in moisture.
For oil-prone skin
Dr. Obioha calls this pick from SkinBetter her “absolute favorite moisturizer.” It’s lightweight yet includes with active hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, natural moisturizing factor, urea, ceramides, omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids) that support the skin barrier function and soothe acne- and rosacea-prone skin, and it’s fragrance free. “It’s one of the few moisturizers that doesn’t leave my skin oily by the end of the day, ” says Dr. Obioha. For best results, she suggests users “spread one to two pumps of the product evenly into the skin both morning and night.”
Tinted option
Clinique
Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator Broad Spectrum SPF 25
This fragrance-free tinted moisturizer is a favorite of Barney Kenet, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and founder of KenetMD Skincare.“It’s really practical for people who want a bit of coverage during the day, but don’t like heavy creams,” says Kenet. “And I like that there are a lot of shades to choose from.” Hyaluronic acid and activated aloe water in the formula promise to keep skin hydrated for up to 12 hours. Another perk: It’s formulated with SPF 25.
Great for smoothing
This ultrarich cream made with hydrating sodium hyaluronate and vitamins C and E is a go-to salve for Dr. Gohara to “help prevent moisture loss and improve skin smoothness,” she says. The formula is heavy, so it is best for normal to dry skin types, and Dr. Gohara recommends using it before bed. “Nighttime is the best time to rejuvenate the skin while you sleep, so using a thicker cream that is formulated with more restorative ingredients at night would be best for revitalizing skin,” she says. Another tip: “Creams are best applied by patting them gently into the skin.”
Gel cream formula
This moisturizer has an “effective formula with hyaluronic acid and squalene, as compared to traditional natural formulas, which can be heavy on oils which simply sit on the skin,” says Dr. Obioha. Because of its lightweight texture, this formula can be applied both morning and night. For best results, gel creams should be massaged into the skin using a circular motion until they are fully absorbed into the skin, says Dr. Obioha.
Pick for darker skin
“Dry skin is often more visible on melanin-rich skin tones, especially during the colder months when an ashen appearance may be more noticeable in those with darker skin,” says Dr. Gohara. Using a product that is formulated with hydrating ingredients can help boost skin’s radiance and retain moisture. Dr. Gohara loves this cream from Kiehl’s because it’s formulated especially to withstand cold, dry climates. The cream is made with “glycerin, squalane and plant oils (like apricot and avocado), which are ingredients that help to hydrate and seal in moisture without causing irritation to the skin,” she says. Its thick consistency nourishes very dry skin, and “the product absorbs into skin easily and has a lightweight texture.” The cream can be used day or night, but Dr. Gohara tends to recommend it in the evening since it’s rich and takes a bit more time to absorb.
Redness soother
Lotions with colloidal oatmeal can help calm inflammation and reduce redness. Dr. Engelman recommends this formula from First Aid Beauty specifically because it includes this ingredient. It “has anti-inflammatory properties and allantoin which is found to reduce irritation and sensitivity,” she says. “Apply [it] in the evening or as needed if your skin is very dry, you can spot treat the area.”
Sensitive skin saver
This formula from La Roche-Posay is known for its lightweight texture and ability to promote skin barrier restoration. “It includes some great ingredients, such as ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin, which are known to help maintain moisture,” says Dr. Gohara. “It is also fragrance-free, alcohol-free and paraben-free, so people with sensitive skin can use this product.” This moisturizer is ideal for daytime use because of its lighter consistency, but can be used day or night.
Multitasking cream
This cult classic French drugstore moisturizer is a staple on Dr. Kim’s shelf. It can also be used six different ways: as a moisturizing cream, a mask, a makeup base, a cleansing milk, an after-shave and for after-sun care. The word “lait” means milk in French, which is a good descriptor of this cream’s thin, lightweight texture. “It has shea butter for hydration and aloe vera for soothing,” he says, adding that he’s seen an immediate difference overnight after using it.