Even though it has "balm" in the name, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm, $26.50, is surprisingly light. In addition to moisturizing, barrier-strengthening ingredients like glycerin and squalene, this cream contains Edelweiss flower extract, which reduces trans-epidermal water loss (a fancy term for dehydration) and strengthens the skin barrier. To put it to the test, Kiehl's asked skiers and adventure-seekers to use the product in extreme conditions in Alaska. After two weeks, they weren't just protected — they actually had better skin than when they set out.

Almost all of Paula's Choice moisturizers have barrier repair ingredients, but Paula's Choice Skincare Calm Redness Relief Moisturizer, $28, goes beyond basic repair. Thanks to plant oils and antioxidants, it soothes redness and irritation caused by things like eczema and rosacea, it gently hydrates, and it leaves behind a pretty, dewy finish that's so hard for irritated skin to achieve.

Skinmedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $178, is a gel-like hydrator that can be layered underneath your favorite moisturizer for extra hydration and barrier repair. It's packed with five different kinds of hyaluronic acid, and it helps your skin replenish its own hyaluronic acid reserves, making it healthier and naturally more balanced.

Some scientists believe that while we sleep, our skin goes into repair mode. Clinique Smart Night Custom Repair Moisturizer, $57, capitalizes on that concept. It's loaded with glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, peptides and botanical extracts to plump fine lines and keep skin moisturized all night long. And it contains murumuru butter — a fatty acid-rich ingredient derived from the murumuru palm in Brazil — to strengthen and repair the skin's barrier.