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The best face moisturizers for fall, according to dermatologists
These soothing, hydrating creams from CeraVe, La Roche-Posay and more work for a wide range of skin types — and budgets.
'Tis the season for thick sweaters, crisp breezes and, of course, dry flaking skin. Yes, it's finally cooling down in most parts of the country which means it's time — at least for skin care freaks like me — to start thinking about how to care for our faces in the freezing months to come.
Of the many anti-aging products available, basic face moisturizers tend to be the most commonly used. Many of us grew up watching our mothers and grandmothers apply familiar classics like Oil of Olay to soothe dryness. Still, as the weather changes, our skin's needs change too and that one lotion you used to great effect in July? It tends to work a lot less well come December. Plus, with so many moisturizer options on the market — and a spate of new brands and formulas — it's hard to know which will be best for your skin through winter. "Cooler temperatures, lower humidity and increased exposure to indoor heating can all lead to skin dryness and irritation," says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New Jersey. "During these months, the skin often requires extra hydration, protection, and nourishment to maintain its moisture barrier."
To streamline your purchasing process, I sifted through hundreds of online reviews and asked Garshick and other skin care experts for advice on how to choose a quality hydrating product. I also got them to share their picks for the best facial moisturizers to keep your parched visage dewy, hydrated and flake-free from now until winter's end.
What to consider in a fall and winter face cream
"When the weather is cold, look for thicker moisturizing products including creams and ointments as opposed to lightweight lotions to help lock moisture in," says Garshick.
She recommends scanning labels for key hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. If you have sensitive skin, Garshick suggests seeking out mild, fragrance-free formulas to cut down on irritation.
Expert tips for keeping skin hydrated in the cooler months
"In addition to layering hydrating serums with heavier creams, using a humidifier at home can be a helpful way to maintain moisture in the air and keep your skin hydrated during the winter months," Garshick explains. "It's also important to take short showers, once daily, using lukewarm water and a gentle hydrating cleanser to prevent the skin from drying out." The best time to apply a thick moisturizing cream or ointment? Right after the shower, when your skin is damp.
In case you're still wondering why you need a moisturizer at all, Dr. Kiran Mian, a dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City, has the answer: "Moisturizers specifically work to help add moisture to dry skin and protect the skin's barrier to prevent it from drying out again." So there.
Best drugstore face moisturizers for fall and winter
Vanicream
"This moisturizing cream is a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin as it is free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and more, reducing the potential for irritation or sensitivity," says Garshick. "It helps to soothe and hydrate without leaving the skin feeling greasy. It's also non-comedogenic and can be used on the face or body."
This pick, from beloved French skin care brand La Roche-Posay, is safe for all skin types, designed for both face and body and is especially ideal for those with dry skin year 'round. "It works to provide 48-hour hydration using a blend of glycerin, shea butter, ceramides, niacinamide and the La Roche-Posay signature Prebiotic Thermal Water," raves Garshick.
Yet another affordable and versatile face and body lotion that experts love is this tried-and-true gem from CeraVe. "It contains effective moisturizers like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that trap in moisture and prevent evaporation over the skin barrier," says Dr. Angela Lamb, a dermatologist and director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Practice in New York City.
"It hydrates for 48 hours," Mian says. "It's formulated with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol that work to improve the resilience of sensitive skin."
Cetaphil's affordable cream is made with the brand's HydroSensitiv Complex, a combination of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin B5, and vitamin E — a solid checklist of nourishing ingredients you want in a cool-weather moisturizer. For those with sensitive skin, niacinamide does a great job of soothing. There's also blue daisy extract — this pretty, flower-bearing plant has antioxidant benefits that can help with redness and discomfort, from say, a cold wind burn.
Best high-end moisturizers for cold weather
Skincare Junkie
For those who can afford to spend a bit more, Garshick's a big fan of this multitasking moisturizer: "It incorporates antioxidants like coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, green tea and resveratrol as well as Centella asiatica and camellia sinensis to reduce redness and calm inflammation, making it a great fall and winter pick," she explains. "It also helps fight free radical damage while moisturizing the skin and supporting the skin barrier. It’s fragrance-free making it a good option for everyone, even for those with sensitive skin."
Colorescience
This oil-free moisturizer will nourish the skin but won’t clog pores or leave you feeling greasy. It contains a trimolecular hyaluronic acid to deliver hydration at all layers, plus it helps support the skin barrier and balance the microbiome.
