Some body lotions are greasy, but not this one. Debra Jaliman, MD, dermatologist in New York City and author of Skin Rules, likes this drugstore body lotion for winter because it has glycerin in it and is fragrance-free, making it a great pick for very dry skin. "Glycerin is a humectant," she says. "It works to moisturize the skin by drawing water from the air into the skin's outer layer. It serves as a protective layer that helps prevent moisture loss."
Layering a serum on under your moisturizer is a way to boost your skin's hydration even more this winter. Dr. Parvaneh Rafaeloff MD, medical director of Le Jolie Medi Spa, likes this serum because it helps keep skin plump and fresh thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and mushroom extract. "The combination of antioxidants, essential botanicals and bio-nutrients helps deeply penetrate the skin, while toning and moisturizing," she says.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your skin during the frigid winter months is keep it simple. And while Vaseline is definitely basic, there's a reason why it's stood the test of time. "I personally love Vaseline in the winter, when the air gets dryer and our skin loses moisture," says Shereene Idriss, MD, dermatologist at Union Square Dermatology. "It creates a thick protective barrier that helps lock in moisture while shielding your skin from the harsh cold temps outside."
The dry, cold air of winter can compromise your skin barrier, which is responsible for keeping moisture in and irritants out. "Look for a moisturizer containing ceramides, an essential fatty acid of our skin, to help rebuild your skin barrier and hydrate," suggests Deanne Robinson, MD, co-Founder and president at Modern Dermatology of Connecticut and member of the Women's Dermatologic Society. This ceramide-based moisturizer is a favorite of Robinson's for the winter months.
In addition to dry skin and a weakened skin barrier, you might notice your complexion doesn't look as bright this time of year. That's because your skin's metabolism slows down in the winter and "the decrease in cellular turnover can make our skin appear ashy and dull," says dermatologist Shasha Hu, MD, member of the Dr. Brandt Skin Advisory Board. You can fight dry skin, redness and dullness while you sleep with this overnight face mask, which Hu calls one of her favorite "skin rescue" products. "It's an overnight leave-on gel moisturizer suitable for all skin types," she says, noting that it contains a rich combination of glycerin, ceramides and fatty acids, as well as manuka honey and tea extracts.
