Winter is a beautiful season, but it can wreak havoc on our skin. The cold weather and dry indoor heating can leave our skin feeling tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. Finding the right moisturizer for the harsh winter months can be a frustrating task. You try one, and it’s not moisturizing enough. You try another, and it leaves your skin feeling greasy. It’s a never-ending cycle of trial and error. But fear not, we’re here to help you navigate through the madness and find that miracle moisturizer for your skin type.
First things first, it’s important to understand your skin type during the winter months. Dr. Jason Clark, a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta, advises that seeing a dermatologist for tailored advice is always helpful. However, if that’s not a reality for everyone, we’ve got you covered with a guide to different skin types and what they need to stay moisturized.
1. Normal Skin:
If you have normal skin that experiences occasional dryness during the winter, a lotion should do the trick. However, as you age, your skin may not be able to hold as much moisture as it used to. If you’re perimenopausal or over 50, opt for a cream-based moisturizer to provide that extra hydration your skin needs.
2. Dry Skin:
For those with dry skin that becomes even worse during the winter, creams and ointments are your best friends. Dr. Clark suggests that creams are more effective than lotions as they add more moisture to the skin and preserve water. Ointments, on the other hand, provide even more hydration. So slather on those creams and ointments to relieve your parched skin.
3. Oily Skin:
Having oily skin can be a challenge, especially during the winter when the dry weather can cause your skin to produce even more oil. To combat this, opt for a gel moisturizer. Gel moisturizers provide lightweight hydration without clogging your pores or causing breakouts. It’s the perfect balance for oily skin.
4. Combination Dry and Oily Skin:
If you have combination skin, with dryness in some areas and oiliness in others (hello, T-zone!), it’s best to treat each area separately. Treat your dry skin with a moisturizer, while either skipping the oily areas or using a gel moisturizer. This way, you’re addressing the needs of each area without exacerbating the imbalance.
Now that we have a better understanding of skin types, let’s talk about the ingredients that make all the difference in how your skin responds to moisturizers.
1. Humectants:
Humectants are substances that draw water from the deeper layers of your skin to the surface, keeping it moist and plump. Some common humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, urea, and alpha-hydroxy acids. Look for moisturizers that contain these ingredients to keep your skin hydrated throughout the winter.
2. Occlusives:
Occlusives are ingredients that create a barrier on the skin, preventing water loss through evaporation. These are often greasy ingredients that work best when applied to damp skin. They help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated for longer. Look for ingredients like petrolatum, lanolin, and shea butter in your moisturizers.
3. Emollients:
Emollients are agents that stay on the outermost layer of your skin, acting as lubricants and maintaining a soft and pliable appearance. They are usually made of oils and fatty compounds known as lipids. Look for moisturizers that contain natural oils like jojoba oil, almond oil, or coconut oil to nourish and soften your skin.
4. Topical Antioxidants:
To protect your skin from oxidative damage caused by environmental factors, look for moisturizers that contain topical antioxidants. These ingredients help reduce cell damage and keep your skin looking youthful and radiant. Common topical antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract.
Now that you’re armed with knowledge about skin types and skincare ingredients, let’s dive into our top picks for Winter 2023! Remember, finding the perfect moisturizer may require some trial and error, but with the right information, you’re one step closer to achieving hydrated and healthy skin throughout the winter season.
#1 CeraVe Moisturizing Cream $17 Amazon- For All Skin Types
This rich moisturizer will go a long way, with all of it’s ceramides and glycerin being its #2 ingredient after water. This is bound to keep your skin happy through the cold, winter weather.
#2 Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré $16 Amazon- For All Skin Types
A moisturizer that is for all skin types and is multifunction? Total Win! This is a face cream, makeup primer, and face mask. This cream also has the best ingredients: soy proteins, aloe vera, beeswax, and shea butter.
#3 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel-Cream Extra Dry $18 Amazon- For Oily Skin
The label says it’s for extra-dry skin, however, considering it’s a gel based, I think this would be perfect for those with Oily Skin.
#4 First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration $29 Amazon- For Dry Skin
Now this is for those with extremely dry skin. This cream is great for sensitive skin and lacks the irritating ingredients in some moisturizers. Its 1st ingredient is colloidal oatmeal .50% then water, so you know it will soothe your skin and keep it moisturized.
Those are our picks for Winter 2023.
Happy moisturizing!
(Note: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized recommendations.)
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