Winter is synonymous with the holiday season, but it's also a time when our skin takes a harsh beating that results in dryness, flaking, and redness. (Fun!) To fight those conditions, approach your skincare routine just like you do your winter wardrobe: layer up. You may have the basics down (serum before moisturizer; toner before both of those), deciphering which products are true must-haves isn't easy. The good news: There's a bevy of winter skincare products with five-star reviews on Sephora, and that's as good a place as any to start.
In this case, the ones with five stars (or close to it) deserve all of the hype. "Generally speaking, the skincare products that you use in the winter tend to be richer formulations. Many contain natural oils that serve to soften the outer skin layer," Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City says. "In the winter months, make sure to stick to gentle and hydrating cleansers. Many of the foaming cleansers that are used during more humid months can dry out the skin," he explains.
The change goes beyond what's on top of your vanity, too. "To combat [dryness], avoid using excessively hot water in the sink or shower," Dr. Michelle Henry, a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in New York City, adds. "And always moisturize immediately afterward to lock in hydration and give your skin a healthy glow."
Naturally, moisturizing is top priority around this time of year, and Dr. Henry suggests creams over lotions, as they're more occlusive — which means they can better protect the skin barrier function to lock in moisture.
Just be wary of irritating ingredients in those products, like "retinol and hydroxyacids," Dr. Zeichner warns. "You can use them, but you may want to space them out to every other night and combine with your moisturizer."
Ahead, see the highly-rated products to add in your routine.
Creamy Cleansers
If you can get multiple uses out of skincare products, then it should be an instant add-to-cart. Multi-Miracle is a cream-to-oil, three-in-one cleanser that doubles as a mask and a balm. The rosehip and camellia oils in the formula exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Dr. Zeichner notes.
Replenishing Serums
This serum begins in balm form, and then once it is melted on your skin by a lathering motion, the balm turns into a translucent serum texture. The serum seals in hydration, finishing your skin off with a dewy look. "The apricot and turmeric provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits," Dr.Zeichner explains.
Australian-made, vegan, and slapped with a clean seal of approval, this serum offers an extra amount of moisture due to the aloe vera and hyaluronic acid that is infused into the formula. Another component of the serum is squalene. "Squalene is a natural fat that protects the outer skin layer," Dr. Zeichner says.
Rich Moisturizers
Effective Face Oils
Restoring Night Creams
You might think that a balm could be too light to be used as an overnight cream, but the olive and almond oils in this one nourish your skin at night when cell turnover is most active. "These natural ingredients work together to help hydrate and repair the skin from the inside out," Dr. Henry explains.
