This time of year is both my favorite and least favorite at the same time. While I do enjoy the festive decorations and fun activities that come with the cold, the drop in temperature usually leaves my body feeling kind of miserable for a number of reasons. On one hand I’m trying to combat the sniffles with continuous cups of chamomile or ginger tea, but on the other hand the dry air and cooler temperatures wreak havoc on my skin, which takes a little more than a cup of tea to fix.
Dry skin skincare goes beyond using thicker creams and moisturizers on your face. There are products that help with irritation or replenish cracked skin. There are even products you can use to build the ideal environment for your skin to thrive. We’ve created a list of tried-and-true products that will help keep your skin hydrated and glowy in the colder months.
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Facial Cleanser - Cleansers typically can make your skin feel dry after stripping away any extra oils or build up. This one from Aveeno keeps that hydration locked in and is even recommended by dermatologists to keep your natural moisture barrier intact.
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream - It’s a cult classic for those of us with dry skin. The addition of hyaluronic acid and squalane hydrate, plump, and lock in the moisture so it lasts. It gives a visible instant glow to your skin that lasts and can fight against the dry and cold air.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Refillable Moisturizing Cream - We’ve praised this product before as a key step in our in-flight routine. This Kiehl’s moisturizer is a personal favorite of mine. In-flight conditions are a lot like winter conditions, leaving your skin feeling quite dull. This cream is more focused on creating balance in your skin and its moisture barrier, so if you’re someone who has more combination skin, this is a great option to keep you hydrated without making your skin feel overly greasy.
Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief - The key to proper hydration is consistent moisturizing. This means touching up during the day with a mist of some kind. This one from Clinique is great because not only is it refreshing, but also calms any irritation.
Kiehl's Hydrating Eye Treatment Cream - I’ve tested out many eye creams since I was in middle school to fight against dark circles and more sensitive under eyes. This has easily become a favorite. Not only does the avocado oil and shea moisture keep the under eyes hydrated, but if you find your skin being more dull around this time of year, this will brighten the skin more too.
Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask - Aside from the regular hydrating ingredients, this mask, which also doubles as a moisturizer, has vitamin C that helps brighten your skin if you find yourself combatting dullness in the cold weather.
Rare Beauty Find Comfort Under Eye Patches - These are great to hydrate and calm your skin. The combination of hyaluronic acid and green tea extract will leave you with calm and glowy skin.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm - We love this lip balm from Summer Fridays. The combination of shea and murumuru butter make it super hydrating and perfect for the constant chapped lips that come with the cold season.
Glossier Balm Dotcom Lip Balm - Another alternative to try is Glossier’s Balm Dotcom lip balm. They come in a range of shades that work well if you’re looking for make up with skin care benefits. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an extra glow and pop of color that still hydrates your lips with a blend of oils and emollients.
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask - This cult classic lip mask is easily the perfect product for dry lips. The addition of vitamin C, along with the combination of coconut oil and shea butter, helps protect your lips from external aggressors and make them look visibly healthy. What we’re most excited about is their limited release holiday flavors, specifically the sweet eggnog fragrance for both sweet and supple lips.
Dior Addict Shine Lipstick - Most hydrating lip products focus on hydration and provide a slight tint, but if you’re looking for a lip product with more coverage, this Dior lipstick gives you the best of both worlds.
Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Full Coverage Concealer - During this time of year, I opt for makeup products that include the skincare benefits. This concealer from Tarte, however, isn’t just exclusive to the winter for me. It’s creamy and hydrates the under eyes, which helps give a natural glowy look and covers any creases.
Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint - This skin tint is the perfect your skin but better product for the season. The blend of humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin mixed with emollients like squalane keep your skin hydrated and plump for longer periods. But the light coverage and tiger grass help subdue any irritation or redness to give you an even and healthy glow.
Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cream Blush - A nice flushed lip always pairs well with a winter look. This one from Saie gives you the rosy cheek while also hydrating your skin. The addition of Glycerin as the humectant in the formula draws the moisture to the top of your skin and gives your cheeks that plump glow.
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter - While this body butter is rich and super hydrating, the whipped consistency keeps it light so your skin doesn’t feel super greasy. It keeps moisture locked into your body for a full 24 hours, but also has a lasting sweet fragrance from the honey.
Weleda Skin Food - If you’re looking for a regular thick moisturizer that's more affordable, this Weleda cream is perfect. It's recommended by many dermatologists and includes plant-rich ingredients that calm irritation and keep your skin looking radiant.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Touch Hand Cream - Sol De Janiero already made a huge mark with the success of their Bum Bum Cream, a hydrating and firming moisturizer. Soon after, they released their hand cream with the same iconic scent and perfect blend of ingredients to quickly and deeply hydrate and contain moisture in even the driest of hands.
Heel Genius Foot Cream - If you tend to get cracked heels, this is a great treatment for that. It smooths and softens the skin while hydrating and is perfect to keep your heels soft in the dryer weather.
Caudalie Moisturizing Fig Body Oil Elixir - Body oils are a great way to seal in layers of moisturizers. This one from Caudalie includes a blend of oils like argan oil and grape seed oil to nourish and firm your skin.
ASAKUKI Diffuser & Humidifier - Dry skin starts with being in a dry environment. As much as we can layer creams and products, they won’t work unless you keep yourself in an environment where your skin can thrive. While that might not be feasible when you’re out and about, keeping a hydrated home environment is a good starting point so your skin doesn’t lose its natural moisture.
Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer - This is a great way to bring the spa treatment to your home. Steaming your skin is a great way to build hydration without your skin feeling greasy. It’s perfect for an at home facial.
Earth Therapeutics Aloe Socks - The aloe and vitamin E last each pair for about 20 washes, and even then these can still be a cute addition to your sock drawer as your favorite fuzzy pair to walk around in during the winter.
HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask - If you find that your dry skin tends to get more red or inflamed, or if you're trying to combat the fine lines and wrinkles that come from it, red light therapy has been proven to help prevent that. This mask is another great addition for your home facials for smooth and glowing skin.
Slip Pure Silk Queen Pillowcase - Silk pillow cases are great for your skin since they don't absorb as much moisture as other materials. There are also many other benefits for your hair and quality of sleep making them a great home accessory all year round.
