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Winter isn’t kind to the skin. Extreme cold, harsh wind, and round-the-clock indoor heating can leave skin flaky, itchy, and angry—or, for the most sensitive among us, angrier. While dry skin is inevitable this time of year, a winter skincare routine can be your first line of defense against the one-two punch of moisture-depleting cold air and overactive heaters.
So which skincare products for winter should you consider? Well+Good consulted experts whose work is centered around skin—Skin Clique CEO and founder Sarah Allen, MD, and Skin Clique provider and certified nurse Sara Bullock, NP—to share products that will upgrade your winter skin routine. The following products prioritize hydration, which should come as no surprise if you have a solid understanding of how to prevent seasonal dryness. In the same way you would want to layer your clothes, you’ll also want to layer moisturizing ingredients on your skin—and many of the formulas ahead are fit for the task.
If your current rotation of skincare products isn’t cutting it, or you’re in search of expert-approved formulas, Dr. Allen and Bullock are helping you narrow down your choices. Scroll for products for your winter skincare routine.
Shop expert-approved products for winter skincare routine
A no-frills cleanser that won’t rub your skin the wrong way, the Zoe Gentle Cleanser is a silky formula that—as the name suggests—gently removes makeup and impurities without stripping your skin. It employs moisturizing and antioxidant-rich ingredients that promise to soften skin and support barrier function.
What an expert says: “In the wintertime, a gentle cleanser is a must. The Zo Gentle Cleanser helps me feel clean but not stripped,” — Dr. Allen
The Hydrinity Eye Renew Complex moistures the skin around the eyes while reducing the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. It contains hyaluronic acid and a proprietary blend of peptides and antioxidants to fend off the effects of environmental damage and future signs of visible skin aging.
What an expert says: “I love this eye cream. The hyaluronic acid and peptide technology work together to increase hydration, decrease inflammation, and slow aging in the delicate skin under the eye,” — Dr. Allen
Starring lanolin, an occlusive that locks moisture in the skin, the Lanolips 101 Ointment provides a protective barrier and protects from moisture-depleting elements. It’s also infused with coconut oil and vitamin E to soothe chapped lips. Plus, you can use it on other areas of the body.
What an expert says: “I put this on my lips every night before bed—like a lip mask. Lanolin is the key ingredient here. It’s a natural, waxy substance derived from sheep’s wool that’s super hydrating and creates an occlusive barrier to lips so they don’t dry out overnight,” — Bullock
Protect your skin from the sun while soaking it in hydration with the Colorescience Mineral Sunscreen. It’s formulated with moisturizing ingredients and broad-spectrum SPF 50 to safeguards against the effects of UV, pollution, and blue light. A bonus: the SPF is also water resistant for up to 40 minutes.
What an expert says: “Even though it’s winter, it’s not time to skimp on the sunscreen, whether on your neck, your chest, your face—anywhere that’s exposed. Sunscreen is the best prevention for any signs of aging. I mix Colorescience Glow and Colorescience All Calm for daily coverage. I finish it off with the Colorescience Brush-On Shield. Yes, you read that right—I wear three sunscreens daily and reapply throughout the day,” — Dr. Allen
If your skin is feeling especially dry, the Epionce Enriched Firming Mask can offer a healthy dose of hydration. Shea butter and nourishing plant oils make that possible, and ingredients like glycerin provide plumping moisture that your skin might have lost over time.
What an expert says: “This mask is so hydrating. It’s the perfect self- care moment but it’s also super nourishing for the skin. It has botanical oils and lipid rich extracts to support the skin’s natural barriers. It feels—and smells—amazing,” — Bullock
The Omnilux Contour Mask brings the benefits of LED light therapy to your home. It uses a combination of red and near-infrared light to target fine lines, acne, uneven skin tone, and texture—and with continuous use, visible results.
What an expert says: “My theme for winter is self-care—and incorporating this LED mask into my routine encourages me to take 10 minutes to myself. Use this five times per week, and you will see improvement in pigment and all-over skin tone,” — Bullock
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