The 12 Best Face and Body Hydrators for Winter, According to Experts

3min read

While staying inside is essential right now, living life from our living rooms comes with a lot of baggage. Now that it’s winter, we’re not only facing reoccurring signs of emotional trauma, but also signs of skin distress (hi, dry patches). To help rescue our winter-induced dry skin, four top doctors share their recommendations for both the face and body.

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“Epionce Medical Barrier Cream ($25) is my favorite body hydrator,” says Washington, D.C. dermatologist Tina S. Alster, MD. “You only need to apply a small amount, it’s loaded with moisture-packed liposomes, doesn’t feel greasy on the skin, and lasts all day.”

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Prospect, KY dermatologist Tami Buss Cassis, MD has two favorites so effective, she couldn’t choose between the two. “For the body, my favorite moisturizer is hands down Avene Xera Calm Balm ($34). For the face, I like Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 ($55). I love the little extra tint it gives my skin as I have quit wearing make up with the masks. It keeps people guessing that I have turned 48.”

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“For the face, my go-to is SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator ($102),” says Rochester, NY dermatologist Lesley Loss, MD. “It is very hydrating immediately after applying! My general moisturizer favorites for the body are Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream ($17) and Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream ($11). They are best applied after bathing with a gentle cleanser while your skin is still damp, as they help to lock the moisture into the skin. For areas of the body that get rough like the elbows, knees or feet, I also like CeraVe SA Lotion ($15). It has salicylic acid in it which softens these rough areas of skin.”

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“There are two that I like in particular, and that is not only because my patients almost unanimously love them and get good results from them, but I also use them myself with excellent results,” says San Diego plastic surgeon Joseph Grzeskiewicz, MD. “While there are many other products that can also be used to promote overall healthy, and thus more succulent, hydrated skin, ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum ($148), and ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defense ($150) are basic and good for everyday use. Both of them support not only the maintenance of normal moisture content in the skin, but they also improve cellular function and blood flow to the skin. In turn, this will provide hydration and abetter overall appearance from the inside.”

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According to Dover, OH facial plastic surgeon David Hartman, MD, “Optimal skin hydration should start with twice daily application of a medical-grade topical vitamin A cream such as Environ AVST Moisturiser 1. A good topical Retinol (skin active form of vitamin A) should also be part of your twice-daily skin-care regimen to help keep skin looking young. Another absolute favorite to treat winter skin dryness and to give silky smooth skin is the Environ Hydrating Oil Capsules. We recommend these oil capsules be applied in the evening only if you are a person who wears makeup—the oil in the capsules make subsequent attempts to apply makeup rather difficult. Another excellent nighttime moisturizing treatment is the Environ Alpha Hydroxy Night Cream.”