8 Products to Combat Dry Skin This Winter, All Highly Recommended by Dermatologists (2024)

Cold weather season is officially upon us, and if you’re anything like me, you’re starting to feel the effects on your skin—and they can be pretty damaging. “As the temperature cools down and there is less humidity in the air, skin is prone to cracking as it loses moisture, which increases the chance for inflammation and irritation from external irritants,” Dr. Nicole Lee, MD MPH FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology, tells Real Simple.

And while we often feel the dryness on our face first, our hands and legs experience it, too, shares Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare.“Chapped lips, cracked hands, and tightness in the skin are also common, as the cold air combined with indoor heating draws moisture away from the skin.”

The outdoor and indoor conditions are less than ideal to deal with, but it’s not too late to winterize your skincare routine to prevent and combat dry, flaky skin. Dr. Shirazi recommends focusing on hydrating and protecting your skin barrier by incorporating a nourishing cleanser and a rich moisturizer in your routine, “ideally one that contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin,” to maximize moisture retention.

With this expert advice in mind, we rounded up 8 products, including the personal recommendations of Dr. Lee and Dr. Shirazi, that will keep your skin moisturized, plump, and glowing even in dry, cold weather. Scoop up facial cleansers, moisturizing creams, hydrating serums, and more from top-brands like CeraVe, Neutrogena, and Vichy from just $6.

Dermatologist-Recommended Winter-Friendly Skincare

• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $16 (was $18)
• Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster, $40
• La Roche-Posay Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream, $20
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer, $21 (was $23)
• Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly, $6
• La Roche-Posay Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil, $18
• Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, $54
• Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Toner, $22

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

A hydrating facial cleanser, like this one from CeraVe that has over 94,500 five-star ratings, is a product worth incorporating into your fall and winter skincare routine, according to Dr. Shirazi. “This is a gentle, non-foaming cleanser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid designed to keep the skin moisturized while cleansing,” she explains. In addition to its skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, it also is free of parabens and fragrances. Plus, because the cleanser is non-foaming and has a smooth, lotion-like consistency, it works especially well for those with Eczema and sensitive skin types.

Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster

After washing your face, you can use a hydrating serum to help give your skin a boost of moisture. The Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster has Dr. Shirazi’s seal of approval thanks to its nourishing ingredients and layerable formula. “This serum is packed with hyaluronic acid and Vichy's volcanic water to hydrate, plump, and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier,” she says, adding, “It's lightweight, non-sticky, and ideal for layering under your moisturizer.” It’s also oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free, so you can feel good about what you’re using on your skin.

La Roche-Posay Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

Dry skin isn’t a nuisance to just our faces—we can also experience it on our hands and other areas of our bodies as the cold temperatures roll in. For full-body help in this department, Dr. Shirazi points to this deeply rich moisturizing cream from La Roche-Posay. “This thick body cream is ideal for dry, eczema-prone skin and contains niacinamide and shea butter to nourish and soothe,” Dr. Shirazi explains. Plus, it is formulated with a complex of special ingredients, like shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide, ceramide-3, and La Roche-Posay’s Prebiotic Thermal Water, which all target skin barrier restoration.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer

For a moisturizer that won’t leave a heavy or sticky residue on the skin but also provides intensive hydration, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel moisturizer is a winner, per Dr. Shirazi. “This lightweight moisturizer is packed with hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration without feeling greasy,” she says. Unlike most moisturizers that are a lotion or cream, this formula is a gel that is crafted to instantly absorb into your skin. Outside of hyaluronic acid, the moisturizer also contains amino acids and electrolytes, which help restore your natural skin barrier. Not to mention, it’s also paraben-, phthalate-, fragrance-, and dye-free.

Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly

Ah, the classic Vaseline that your mother and grandmother likely had in her purse or medicine cabinet to treat a number of ailments. Vaseline is just as popular as it ever was, and Dr. Shirazi recommends it for anyone with dry skin. “[This is] a simple, affordable option for locking in moisture on areas prone to cracking, like lips and hands,” she shares, adding “It creates a protective barrier that seals moisture in.” Made from a combination of mineral oils and waxes, the thick product is great to use on dry lips, cracked hands or heels, and more. It can also be great for aiding healing in small scrapes, cuts, and burns.

These are just a few of the dermatologist-recommended products that you can add to your routine this winter. For more expert-chosen picks and shopper-approved products to shop at Amazon, keep reading.

La Roche-Posay Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil

Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream

Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Toner