Best Winter Skin Care Products to Buy at the Drugstore

A sure sign winter has arrived? Our legs feel like sandpaper, we have scratchy rough elbows and we’re finding dry skin flakes all over! But there is hope—and it doesn’t have to break the bank! Here, dermatologists reveal the best winter skin care products to rehydrate skin this season. Best of all, they can be found at the drugstore!

What causes dry skin in winter?

“In cold, low-humidity winter months, we experience more transepidermal water loss, meaning the environment pulls moisture out of our skin,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at the Shafer Clinic in New York City. “This makes it difficult for the skin to hold onto the natural moisture it produces and stay hydrated.” While most women over 40 are already experiencing dry skin due to natural hormonal changes, all the dry indoor heat, hot showers and itchy wool sweaters keeping them warm this winter contribute to skin that is not only dry but also itchy, cracked and extra sensitive. The worst part? “Dry skin can also heighten the appearance of existing fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Dr. Engelman. 

How to rehydrate dry winter skin

Since the skin on the face differs from the skin on the knees, for example, the easiest way to tackle dry skin is to break it down by body part, say dermatologists.

Best winter skin care products for face

Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser

All dermatologists we spoke to recommend washing the face with a gentle cleanser, like Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser, that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. “This one is clinically proven to be suitable for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Engelman. “It hydrates and balances the skin barrier with glycerin and prebiotic aloe as it washes away impurities, leaving the skin feeling nourished.”

VICHY Laboratoires Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum

Applying VICHY Laboratoires Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum, which contains super-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid (it helps to draw moisture into the skin) right after cleansing and before moisturizing is key to getting as much moisture back into the skin as possible. This daily hydrating and plumping booster serum restores moisture to facial skin and strengthens the skin barrier and it’s been clinically tested by 175 dermatologists on 1600 women worldwide—and received great reviews all around!

La Roche Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

Finishing with a thicker moisturizing cream on top of cleanser and serum help lock moisture in, says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. She recommends La Roche Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream.

“Safe for use on the face and body, this moisturizer is great for those with very dry skin,” she adds. “It works to provide 48-hour hydration using a blend of glycerin, shea butter, ceramides and niacinamide.”

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream

Made with hyaluronic acid, urea (a humectant and emollient) and glycerin, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream delivers long-lasting hydration in a lightweight formula, says Dr. Engleman. She recommends this cream to her patients, especially those with oilier skin since it’s non-occlusive (it doesn’t create a barrier so it won’t clog pores).

Roc Barrier Restore PM

An added layer for nighttime, “Roc Barrier Restore PM is a great option all year round, but especially as the weather gets cold and dry,” explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It contains a blend of ceramides to repair, green tea to calm and prebiotics to balance the outer skin layer.”

Best winter skin care products for body

Bio-Oil

“Body butter and dry body oil are excellent for keeping the skin of the body soft and hydrated,” says Dr. Engelman. “I love the ‘soak and grease’ method: take a warm shower, using in-shower oil. “I love Bio-Oil! It’s deeply hydrating and helps keep the skin smooth, soft and supple. Plus, it is clinically proven to minimize stretch marks and scars.” Then, immediately apply body lotion (like one of the ones below) while the skin is still damp. This creates a layer that traps water on the skin.”

Sarna Sensitive Lotion

Dry itchy skin? Gabriella Vasile, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, recommends adding Sarna Sensitive Lotion to your winter skincare routine. The fragrance-free formula helps support skin throughout the colder and drier months and is ideal for treating eczema/itchy winter skin without the use of steroids. The hero ingredients? Soothing aloe and ultra-hydrating squalane and jojoba oil.

Bliss Lemon and Sage Body Butter

Because they are thicker and more concentrated than other moisturizers, body butters are ideal for dry body skin. And Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Tucson, Arizona swears by Bliss Lemon and Sage Body Butter since “it uses shea butter and coconut oil to really moisturize and soothe the skin.” Bonus points for the lemon scent which is refreshing and the sage which can be calming. Her tip? “Applying immediately after showering while your skin is slightly damp helps lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated and locks in scent.”

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Not only does First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream help with hydration, but it also offers a barrier effect, protecting the skin against irritation and sensitivity, says Dr. Garshick. “It contains a blend of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter and allantoin, which together help to protect the skin, soften the skin and soothe the skin.

Avene Cicalfate Restorative Protective Cream

Avene Cicalfate Restorative Protective Cream can be used to help heal dry skin, while also helping to calm redness and inflammation. Dermatologists love it because it’s fragrance-free and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy.

Best winter skin care products for rough spots (knees, elbows and heels)

St. Ives Apricot Exfoliant

Exfoliants are an important part of removing the thicker layers of dry rough skin so that when you do apply moisturizers, they can better penetrate. Claire Wolinsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City advises opting for a physical exfoliant like St. Ives Apricot Exfoliant. Even though it’s made for the face, it works wonders on rough/dry skin on the heels, elbows and knees.

Eucerin Roughness Relief Cream

“Cold weather and wind can not only lead to dryness but it can also flare rosacea and sensitive skin that can break blood vessels,” explains Dr. Wolinsky. “Additionally, keratosis pilaris (or bumpy, chicken skin) can worsen on the back of the arms, thighs and buttocks.” Physical or chemical exfoliants can be very helpful for super dry skin when followed by a moisturizer like Eucerin Roughness Relief Cream. This cream contains keratolytics (agents help remove skin scales to make the skin smoother), such as urea, which works great for keratosis pilaris or for hot spots like dry heels, she says.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

An oldie but goodie, there’s a reason Aquaphor Healing Ointment has been around forever. This ointment contains 41% petrolatum which helps to protect the skin—plus, panthenol and glycerin to help moisturize, soothe and nourish it. Applying it followed by cotton gloves or socks can be helpful for dry hands and feet, say all the dermatologists we spoke to. Bonus? “It also protects the skin from external irritants and helps treat cuts and scrapes,” adds Dr. Garshik.

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