If you’re looking for something rich but not greasy, try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, a drugstore favorite packed with ceramides. This is a classic for a reason. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream is recommended for the face. A favorite of Dr. Mina Amin, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, who says, “Ceramides help repair the skin’s protective barrier, prevent water loss, and increase the skin’s ability to retain moisture.”
We also recommend the Best of Beauty Award-winning Matter of Fact Maximalist Age-Defying Moisturizer. Our tester, Senior Editor Jessa Marie Caraolu, loves it on cold-weather nights. “It soothes my sensitive, itchy skin, especially during the colder months,” she says.
It’s the wrong time to moisturize.
While moisturizing at any time is better than not moisturizing at all, there are definitely benefits to doing it at the right time, especially during the dry winter months when every drop of moisture counts. “Studies have shown that applying moisturizer is much more effective than not applying moisturizer immediately after bathing or waiting a while after showering.” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
His pro tip: Keep your moisturizer hidden inside your body (yes, in) Allow it to be applied directly to damp skin before getting out of the shower. We recommend Young Best of Beauty to people. Superberry Farm + Glow Dream Body Butter is a deeply hydrating buttercream with shea and cupuaçu butter.
You’re using the wrong cleanser.
If your skin gets flaky during the winter, your cleanser may be too harsh. Dr. Zeichner says, “Avoid real soaps, which typically have an alkaline pH and can irritate the skin and prevent it from retaining moisture. Instead, use a moisturizing skin cleanser that’s gentle on the skin barrier. Please use the agent.”
MAC Hyper Real Cream to Foam Cleanser (another Best of Beauty winner) is formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin for a creamy, gentle cleanse. For the body, I love the niacinamide-rich formula and soothing eucalyptus scent of The Body Wash by Necessaire.
You forget about inflammation.
Simply addressing dryness may not get to the root of your dry winter skin. “Severely dry skin can develop microscopic cracks in the outer layer of the skin, further causing loss of hydration, redness, inflammation, and itching. Moisturizers not only improve hydration, but also reduce inflammation. may also be necessary,” says Dr. Zeichner. Over-the-counter cortisone creams act like fire extinguishers, extinguishing inflammation and restoring the skin to normal function. ”
Among the many over-the-counter cortisone options, Scott Paviol, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Charlotte, North Carolina, recommends PCA Skin CliniCalm 1%, which contains 1% cortisone plus moisturizing hyaluronic acid and honey. .
