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.
One area of your body that you might notice is drier than usual in the winter is your hands. Hand washing can dry this delicate skin out even more, so Neil Brody, MD, dermatologist in Long Island, New York, recommends applying this hand cream after washing your hands (as well as avoiding over-washing your hands). What sets this hand cream apart from many others is that it absorbs very quickly and is very non-greasy, he says.
Besides your hands, your elbows and heels can take a real beating this time of year. "This cream is perfect for dry cracked heels and elbows as we prepare for the winter season," says Anna Guanche, MD, dermatologist at Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas, California. "It contains glycolic acid and urea, both of which break down the dead keratinocytes (dead skin) to give your heels and elbows a baby soft texture.
