Best Hydrating Moisturizers for Winter Dry Skin: 10 Products to Try (2024)

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If you’re dealing with dry skin this winter, don’t fret! The right moisturizer can help.

We’ve rounded up some of the best hydrating moisturizers to combat dry skin during the colder months. Our top picks include the Weleda Skin Food Body Cream, a rich botanical formula, and the Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré, a makeup artist favourite.

For sensitive skin, try the Kate Somerville Sensitive Skin Recovery Cream, clinically proven to soothe irritation. And if you’re looking for a drugstore option, Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Face Cream is a great affordable choice.

Want to know more about choosing the right moisturizer and dealing with super dry skin? Read on!

Winter Skincare Essentials

Winter is coming, and so is dry, flaky skin. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to help you keep your skin hydrated and happy all season long!

Get ready to beat the winter blues and keep your skin hydrated and happy all season long!

Dry Vs. Dehydrated Skin

Dry skin and dehydrated skin aren’t the same thing.

Dehydrated skin can feel oily but looks dull and tight in certain spots.

Dry skin, on the other hand, is often itchy, irritated, flaky, and red.

It’s usually a symptom of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

So, if your skin is feeling oily but looks dull, you likely have dehydrated skin.

If your skin is itchy and irritated, you’re probably dealing with dry skin.

Importance of Moisturizing in Winter

Winter air is dry, and so is your skin. Moisturizing is key to keeping your skin happy and healthy when the temperature drops. Here’s why:

• Cooler air holds less moisture, making your skin more prone to dryness and flakiness.
• Your skin loses its ability to retain water, leading to increased moisture evaporation.
• A compromised skin barrier can’t protect your skin from the elements, leading to further dryness.

How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Winter

When choosing a moisturizer to combat winter dryness, consider these factors:

• Skin type: Dry skin may benefit from a heavier, richer moisturizer, while oily but dehydrated skin can opt for a lighter gel-cream or lotion.
• Ingredients: Look for hydrating heroes like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and occlusives to lock in moisture. Avoid potential irritants like alcohol, fragrances, and parabens.
• Texture: During winter, a richer, more indulgent moisturizer can provide extra hydration and protection.
• Budget: Moisturizers range from affordable drugstore options to luxury splurges. Find one that fits your budget and delivers the results you want.

Top 10 Hydrating Moisturizers for Winter

Battling dry winter skin? We’ve got your back! Check out our top 10 hydrating moisturizers that’ll help you keep your skin happy and healthy during the chilly season.

1. Weleda Skin Food Body Cream

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If you’re dealing with dry skin, Weleda Skin Food Body Cream could be your new bestie. This ultra-rich cream packs a punch with its botanical formula, hydrating your skin and giving it a luminous glow-up. A little goes a long way with this one, so a small dab is all you need to nurture and moisturize every inch of your body. The plant-based ingredients include extracts of rosemary, chamomile, and pansy, all nestled in a nourishing base of sunflower and sweet almond oils. It’s like a spa day in a tube!

Now, let’s get real for a sec. This cream has a thick texture, which might make it a bit tricky to spread, especially when it’s chilly. Plus, it’s got a strong, natural scent that mightn’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But hey, if you’re cool with it, go for it!

Best For: This cream is best for those with dry, parched skin who want a deeply hydrating and nourishing moisturizer.

2. Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentré

This French-made moisturizer is a favorite among makeup artists and models. Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentré preps your skin for makeup, nourishing and moisturizing your face and body. It evens out texture and brightens your complexion. While some users report a slight fragrance and sensitivity, many others rave about its hydrating and smoothing effects. It’s also said to be a great primer for makeup and lasts a long time.

Best For: This moisturizer is best for people with normal to dry skin who want a product that preps their skin for makeup and provides hydration and smoothing benefits.

3. Olay Regenerist Face Moisturizer Gift Set

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This popular moisturizer set from Olay promises intense hydration and firmer-looking skin. The star ingredients? Vitamin B3 and peptides. The formula is described as luxuriously creamy yet lightweight, providing a non-greasy feel.

Some users have noted that while it’s advertised as fragrance-free, there’s a slight scent. However, most find it pleasant, and the product has a lot of fans thanks to its rich texture and effective hydration.

The price has gone up a lot since February 2022, so it might be a pricier option now.

Best For: Those looking for a deeply hydrating moisturizer with a luxurious feel and a focus on firming the skin.

4. Kate Somerville Sensitive Skin Recovery Cream

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If you’re dealing with sensitive skin that’s acting up, the Kate Somerville Sensitive Skin Recovery Cream might be your new BFF. This cream is clinically proven to soothe dry, irritated skin, with 96% of users reporting instant relief. It’s formulated with a peptide complex and ceramides, plus natural extracts like ginger root, to calm redness, tightness, and irritation. Users rave about its effectiveness, especially for rosacea and sensitive skin. But if you’ve got combination skin, heads-up: some folks find it a bit heavy for daily use. So, if you’re on the oilier side, you may want to save this one for when your skin is feeling extra parched.

Best For: Those with sensitive, dry, irritated skin, including those with rosacea.

5. CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Gel

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CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Gel is a fan favorite for its ability to provide hydration without leaving your skin feeling greasy. This gel moisturizer is perfect if you’re after a weightless, fast-absorbing formula. The key ingredients include 3 essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to maintain your skin’s protective barrier.

Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this moisturizer is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic. You can layer it under your makeup and SPF without any worries. Users rave about its lightweight texture and hydrating properties, with many noticing improvements in their skin texture and appearance. However, some have experienced eye irritation, and if you have very dry skin, you might find it too light.

Best For: This gel moisturizer is best for those with normal to oily skin who want a lightweight, hydrating formula that absorbs quickly.

6. Differin Night Cream Hyaluronic Acid

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If you’re dealing with acne and dry skin, Differin Night Cream Hyaluronic Acid might be your new BFF. This cream is designed to combat the dryness and flakiness that often tag along with acne treatments. The star ingredient, hyaluronic acid, is a moisture magnet, keeping your skin plump and dewy. Allantoin and ceramides join the party to calm irritation and help rebuild your skin’s barrier.

Users have mixed feelings about this product. While some rave about its hydrating and soothing powers, especially when used with Differin Gel, others have experienced allergic reactions or breakouts. The pump dispenser has also been known to cause some frustration.

Before you give this cream a whirl, remember to consult a dermatologist, especially since this product isn’t suitable for all types of acne.

Best For: Those with acne and dry skin seeking extra hydration.

7. La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

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This moisturizer is a great option for dry, acne-prone skin. It’s lightweight and easily absorbed, making it suitable for daily use. The formula contains ceramide-3, which helps retain moisture and maintain a healthy skin barrier. Niacinamide reduces discoloration, while glycerin provides hydration. It’s also fragrance-free, paraben-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores or irritate sensitive skin. Users report improved hydration and a smoother complexion. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a gentle, effective moisturizer.

Best For: This moisturizer is best for those with dry, acne-prone skin who are looking for a lightweight, gentle, and effective moisturizer.

8. Skinfix Barrier Plus Triple Lipid Cream

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If you’re on the hunt for a moisturizer that suits all skin types, Skinfix Barrier Plus Triple Lipid Cream might be your new BFF. This noncomedogenic moisturizer has a cushiony texture that feels like a dream.

The magic lies in its deeply nourishing formula. It contains a patented triple lipid complex, nutripeptides, seaweed sodium hyaluronate, and lily root. This powerful combo replenishes and restores depleted lipids, giving you smoother, more radiant, and elastic skin.

The best part? It’s clinically proven to work. And it’s not just about temporary results—this cream addresses your skin concerns while strengthening your skin barrier over time. So you can say goodbye to dry, dull skin and hello to a glowing, healthy complexion.

The product is clean and cruelty-free, with no added fragrance, sulfates, parabens, or animal testing. Plus, it’s dermatologist-recommended, so you know it’s the real deal.

Best For: This cream is best for people with all skin types who are looking for a deeply nourishing moisturizer that strengthens the skin barrier.

9. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer

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Winter dryness got you down? Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer might be just what the dermatologist ordered. This lightweight gel-cream packs a hydrating punch with its key ingredient, hyaluronic acid. It’s like a tall drink of water for your thirsty skin.

The oil-free formula is perfect for those who want to avoid a greasy feel, and its non-comedogenic properties mean your pores will stay clog-free. No more worrying about breakouts! It absorbs quickly, leaving your skin smooth and supple, and its cool, invigorating sensation is like a spa day in a jar.

The sleek packaging makes it travel-friendly, so you can take it wherever your winter adventures lead. And with its reasonable price tag, you won’t break the bank to keep your skin happy and healthy.

Best For: Those with dry skin who want a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.

10. Glycolic Acid Face Exfoliant Cream

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Say goodbye to dull, uneven skin with this powerful exfoliant. Glycolic acid works to smooth and refine your complexion, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s like a magic eraser for your skin!

The cream also contains ceramide, borage oil, and Vitamin E to boost hydration and skin flexibility. Developed in Spain, this dermatologist-tested formula is a retinol alternative, using Bakuchiol to stimulate skin renewal. Don’t forget to use sunscreen with this one, as your fresh new skin will be extra sensitive to the sun.

Best For: This cream is best for those looking to brighten and smooth their skin, especially those with uneven skin tone, fine lines, and rough texture.

Dealing With Super Dry Skin in Winter

Battling super dry skin in the colder months? We’ve got your back with tips and tricks to conquer dryness and keep your skin happy and healthy. From understanding the role of humectants and emollients to knowing when to reach for occlusive moisturisers, we’ll guide you through the winter skincare maze so you can say goodbye to flaky, irritated skin.

Humectants and Emollients for Dry Skin

Dealing with super dry skin in winter? Time to bring out the big guns: humectants and emollients. These are like your skin’s dynamic duo, working together to keep it happy and hydrated.

Humectants are like moisture magnets. They attract and retain water, pulling it into your skin to give it a plump, dewy look. Think of them like sponges that soak up water and keep your skin’s moisture levels in check. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are star players in this department.

Emollients, on the other hand, are all about creating a smooth, soft surface. They fill in the gaps between skin cells, giving your skin a supple, even texture. They’re like the smooth-talkers that keep everything calm and under control. Look for ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and squalane.

Occlusive Moisturizers for Extreme Dryness

When your skin is drier than the Sahara, it’s time to bring out the big guns: occlusive moisturizers. These bad boys create a protective barrier on your skin, sealing in moisture and preventing water loss. Think of them as your skin’s personal bodyguard, keeping all the good stuff in and the bad stuff out.

One of the most common occlusives is petroleum jelly, a tried-and-true staple that’s been soothing dry skin for generations. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming appearance; this stuff is a powerhouse when it comes to locking in hydration. Slather some on before bed, and you’ll wake up to skin that’s softer than a baby’s bottom.

But wait, there’s more! Occlusives aren’t just for your grandma’s medicine cabinet. Modern formulations have taken these classic ingredients and created lightweight, non-greasy formulas that are perfect for everyday use. So, whether you’re battling the elements or just want to give your skin some extra love, occlusive moisturizers are your winter skin‘s new BFF.

Protecting Skin From Wind and Cold

As the temperature drops and the wind howls, your skin may feel the brunt of it. Here are some tips to protect your skin from the harsh winter elements:

• Shield your face: When braving the cold, cover up with a cozy scarf, ensuring it’s wrapped snugly around your neck and mouth.
• Don’t forget your hands: Gloves are a must-have accessory. Keep a pair handy to shield your hands from the bitter cold.
• Lip service: Apply a hydrating lip balm or ointment to prevent chapped lips. Reapply frequently, especially after eating or drinking.

Moisturizers for Specific Skin Concerns

Whether you’re battling sensitive skin, eczema, or fine lines, finding the right moisturizer can be a game-changer. Let’s explore moisturizers designed to address specific skin concerns, so you can choose the one that fits your unique needs.

Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, you know the struggle of finding a moisturizer that won’t irritate your complexion. Here are some top picks for sensitive skin that will keep your skin happy and healthy during the dry winter months:

Product Name	Key Features
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream	Formulated without common irritants, this cream is perfect for dry and sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer	A lightweight, non-greasy cream that’s ideal for acne-prone sensitive skin.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer for Dry Skin	This gel-cream is quickly absorbed, providing instant hydration without irritating sensitive skin.
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM	A gentle, non-comedogenic lotion packed with hydrating ingredients to nourish sensitive skin.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream	Fragrance-free and infused with colloidal oatmeal, this cream calms inflammation and protects the skin barrier.

Moisturizers for Eczema and Irritated Skin

If you’re dealing with eczema or irritated skin, you know the struggle of finding the right moisturizer. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind:

• Eczema triggers: Identify and avoid triggers like certain fabrics, soaps, or environmental allergens.
• Natural remedies: Opt for natural remedies like colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritation and restore the skin’s barrier.
• Barrier repair: Look for moisturizers that support barrier repair with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
• Topical steroids: Consult a dermatologist about topical steroids to reduce skin inflammation and speed up healing.
• Gentle cleansers: Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers to avoid further irritating your skin.

Moisturizers for Fine Lines and Wrinkles

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

While we can’t stop the clock, we can invest in moisturizers that help minimize the appearance of these signs of aging.

Look for moisturizers with anti-aging ingredients like retinol, collagen-boosting peptides, and hyaluronic acid.

These ingredients work to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and plump up the skin, helping to reduce the depth of wrinkles and fine lines.

Expert Recommendations and Tips

Now, let’s hear from dermatologists who know their stuff about keeping skin looking and feeling its best. We’ll chat about their favorite moisturizers for tackling dry skin. We’ll also explore their tips on keeping your skin hydrated and why sunscreen is a must, even in the colder months.

Dermatologist-Recommended Moisturizers for Dry Skin

If you’re dealing with dry skin, dermatologists have a few go-to recommendations. They stress the importance of choosing a moisturizer that suits your unique skin type and concerns. While they offer specific product suggestions, they also highlight key ingredients to look for when selecting a moisturizer.

• Ceramides: These help repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
• Hyaluronic Acid: This hydrates the skin by attracting and retaining moisture.
• Glycerin: Another humectant that draws and seals moisture into the skin.
• Colloidal Oatmeal: Soothes dry, irritated skin and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Dermatologists also recommend using occlusive products, like petroleum jelly, to create a protective barrier on the skin and prevent moisture loss.

How to Apply Moisturizer for Maximum Hydration

Applying moisturizer is a key step in your skincare routine, but how you do it matters just as much as the product you choose. Here are some expert-recommended tips to help you get the most out of your hydrating moisturizer:

• Timing is everything: The best time to apply moisturizer is after cleansing and toning, when your skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in that extra moisture.
• Layer wisely: When layering multiple products, always go from lightest to heaviest. Start with serums, followed by lotions, and finish with creams.
• Massage matters: Take the time to gently massage your moisturizer into your skin. This boosts circulation and helps the product absorb better.
• Prep your skin: Exfoliate regularly to get rid of dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas for your moisturizer to work its magic.

Importance of Sunscreen in Winter Skincare Routine

Don’t forget the sunscreen! It’s a common misconception that you only need sunscreen during the summer or when you’re at the beach.

UV rays can reach you indoors and even on cloudy days.

So, if you’re stepping outside, even for a quick errand, don’t skip the SPF.

It’s a key part of your daily skincare routine, especially during winter, when the sun’s rays can reflect off snow and cause sun damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)