Skin care needs evolve both as we age and as the seasons change. A lightweight, easy breezy beauty routine may work just fine during the summer months, but probably won’t quite cut it once winter sets in. The ever-shifting elements require adjustment and flexibility, though it can be difficult to know where to start.
As soon as the temperatures drop and the radiator heat kicks on, my face starts to fall off. My once oil-rich, soft and plump skin transforms into a craggy desert, and swift action has to be taken lest it devolves to the point of no return and I find myself in a perioral dermatitis flare-up.
In an effort to stave off this misery, I supercharge my skin care routine with ultra-hydrating products. My skin care routine looks completely different in the winter than it does during the hot, humid summer.
If you’re looking to up the hydration in your own routine, I’ve curated a list of must-have skin care products at Amazon to help heal and nourish even the driest winter skin. They include moisture-rich and skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides and much more that work in tandem to restore your skin’s moisture barrier and keep it healthy and strong all season long. Pick up the ones that best fit your needs and at your preferred price point and watch your visage return to its former glory.
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A cream to address dryness AND texture concerns
If you're combatting dryness but also want to focus on smoothing and plumping, then this top-selling moisture cream is a perfect formula. It's packed with hyaluronic acid for top-tier moisture that'll help you beat this dry season but it's also got collagen and retinol which are great ingredients for improving smoothness and texture while restoring bounce. It's meant for use on the face, neck and décolletté.
Promising review: "This is my second time buying this product and I love it. Is reducing my wrinkles on my forehead. I also like that is not greasy." — Margie M
Aveeno Skin Relief intense moisture repair body cream
Non-greasy and fragrance-free, this Aveeno body cream is formulated with shea butter and triple oat (oat flour, oat extract and oat oil) for a long-lasting moisture that's noncomedogenic and soothing on the skin. It's meant to help heal skin that's so dry, it's itchy, and reviewers say it really works and delivers on its promises.
E.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30
Just because it's dreary and gray out, doesn't mean you can skimp on sunscreen. This beauty is perfect for anyone who doesn't want to sacrifice hydration and healing ingredients for sun protection. It's made with hyaluronic acid and peptides and provides SPF 30 protection, which is perfect for the winter season.
Revision Skincare YouthFull Lip Replenisher
My former colleague Janie Campbell swears by this Revision Skincare lip treatment. She was intrigued by the fact that it’s rich in peptides, including palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tripeptide-38, along with other well-researched ingredients like vitamins E and C and green tea and hydrating ingredients like shea butter. After one overnight application, she could see the difference the next morning. It’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to improve the appearance of their lips without going under the needle, and is a nice juicy option for the dry fall and winter months.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré moisturizer
This multi-purpose French pharmacy staple is beloved here at HuffPost. This emollient moisturizer is famous for not just hydrating the skin, but for offering the perfect base for foundation and makeup. The iconic formula, which includes calming aloe vera, protective beeswax, nourishing soy proteins and skin-softening shea butter, has been a longtime secret weapon among makeup artists and skin care enthusiasts.
Weleda Skin Food
There's nothing like Skin Food for parched flesh. The original ultra-rich formula is perfect for cracked, flaky skin. It's ideal for itchy, dry areas like elbows, toes and feet, but I've definitely slathered it on my face during times of need. Everyone should have a tube of this in their home as soon as the temperatures drop.
Laneige lip sleeping mask
This popular lip mask sells like wild, and with good reason. It creates a seal on your lips while you sleep, letting all those good, hydrating ingredients nourish your lips. If you get craggy winter lips, you definitely want this on your bedside table.
CeraVe moisturizing cream
You can't go wrong with this affordable option from the always-dependable CeraVe. It's super hydrating and is formulated with ceramides, one of my favorite ingredients for helping to restore the moisture barrier and keeping skin soft and smooth.
Elemis Pro-Collagen cleansing balm
I consider this my personal skin care savior and in regards to the price point, I regret to inform you that it's worth every penny. This deliciously luxe cleansing balm melts away makeup, dirt, grime and other daily impurities, leaving skin more soft, smooth and plump. It's a multitasking cleansing treatment that is as nourishing as it is effective at removing makeup. I'm currently obsessed with the Green Fig version. You get all the juicy benefits of Elemis' cult-fave formula with the added bonus of a gorgeous scent. It's incredibly gentle and mild, is wildly effective and doesn't clog my sensitive pores. It's an investment, but worth it if you want to splurge on yourself.