17 Winter Skin-Care Essentials That Dermatologists Swear By

Winter has officially kicked off, and with colder months comes a change in humidity, exposure to indoor heaters, and blustery winds that actually can make skin feel drier and look duller. In order to guard against cold weather-induced concerns like dryness and flaky skin, you may need to make a few adjustments to your winter skin-care routine. Thankfully, combatting wintertime’s cold, dry air won’t require an entirely new, luxury regimen — all you need is a few dermatologist-approved recommendations to keep you and your skin covered until spring.

According to Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Mohs micrographic and dermatologic surgery at Brown University, rough, dry skin, also referred to as xerosis, is one of the biggest skin-care concerns her clients come across when winter weather is in full effect. “Our skin is a dynamic organ, interfacing with the external environment constantly, so in the winter when the air is cold and dry it can strip the skin of its moisture, leaving it feeling dry, itchy, and irritated,” she said. “Even when indoors, the use of heaters can be drying which can further exacerbate this.”

Kim Nichols, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Greenwich, Connecticut, also agrees that dryness is one of the biggest winter-centric concerns of her clients, but other skin health matters that rise when the temperature lowers include redness, rosacea flare-ups, and UV damage. “It is so important to slather on sunscreen year-round, not just in the summertime,” she says. “Winter sun combined with snow glare can still damage your skin.” Dr. Nichols recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 to your face, hands, and all exposed areas of skin about 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply frequently (about every two hours) if you stay outside a long time. 

If any of these skin-care concerns are on your mind (and your skin), these dermatologist-approved skin-care products are exactly what you need. Below, take a look at some of the most effective formulas for addressing your wintertime skin needs, no matter how chilly the weather gets. 

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

EltaMD Moisture-Rich Body Creme

The Allure Best of Beauty-winning SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is like a cashmere sweater for your skin. It feels buttery and leaves skin with a velvet-smooth texture, plus, Dr. Nichols gives its ceramide-spiked formula two thumbs up for tackling dryness and flaking caused by cold air.