Winter weather is officially upon us, meaning chilling temperatures are becoming the norm. Dry skin, chapped lips and itchy scalps are likely the bane of your existence during this frigid time, but it doesn't have to be like that, thanks to the best winter skin care products on the market.
Shop TODAY tapped several board-certified dermatologists to share winter skin care "plans" that will help you soothe these skin care woes as fast as possible. Plus, board-certified dermatologist and TODAY contributor Dr. Michelle Henry stopped by Studio 1A to reveal some of her favorite dry skin relief products.
From your hair to your toes and everything in between, the pros have protective and budget-friendly picks to help you endure this cold stretch and remedy any skin care problems you might encounter.
Seen on TODAY | Winter skin care for your hands | Winter skin care for your face | Winter skin care for your lips | Winter skin care for your body | Winter skin care for your scalp | How we chose | Meet the experts
Winter skin relief products seen on TODAY
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Think of this serum as a drink of water for your skin. Formulated with pineapple ceramides, pro-vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid, Drunk Elephant’s B-Hydra Serum offers daily hydration to soothe and replenish dry, irritated skin.
Even better? With any purchase of a full-sized B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum on the brand's site, you'll receive an exclusive Drunk Elephant gift. Choose from the brand's D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, B-Goldi Bright Drops, Lala Retro Whipped Cream, T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum or Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser while supplies last (or up until Jan. 11) when you use the code TODAY at checkout. Limit one per customer.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Fragrance-Free Cream
Tackling two common skin concerns — dryness and aging — the RoC Retinol Correxion Cream is a true treat for irritated and/or mature skin. With a blend of retinol and hyaluronic acid, you’ll receive smoothing benefits and lasting hydration. “This is gentle enough for daily use; great for men and women,” recommends Henry.
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
“In the winter, we need a cleanser that won’t dry our skin out,” suggests Henry. “This one from First Aid Beauty is an ultra gentle cleanser that removes makeup and impurities while soothing and hydrating our skin.” Say goodbye to drying cleansers!
Avéne Eau Thermale XeraCalm Shower Cream
Elevate your shower routine with Avéne’s XeraCalm Shower Cream. This product nourishes while it deeply cleanses the skin, thanks to powerful ingredients like niacinamide, milk thistle oil and of course, Avéne’s beloved spring water. Henry says this all is what makes the shower cream great for daily use for all skin types, including eczema-prone, psoriasis-prone and sensitive skin.
Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Itch Relief Gel For Body
“One of the worst parts of winter is the feeling of dry and itchy skin,” notes Henry. “[An] unscented gel is a great way to manage eczema-prone and sensitive skin. This one from Cetaphil is non-steroidal, and can reduce itch in 30 seconds, according to the brand.”
Bioderma Atoderm Hands & Nails Cream
Dry hands and cuticles can be uncomfortable. Soothe this discomfort with Bioderma’s Atoderm cream, which can be used to moisturize dry skin and reinforce the nails. Thus, it’s offering you two perks in one!
Winter skin care for your hands
If you've been washing your hands frequently (as you should!), you're probably looking for a few tips and tricks for preventing them from becoming dry and cracked. Luckily, the pros were nice enough to share the following insider knowledge with us.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Wattenberg suggests using a moisturizing cleanser and drying your hands with a paper towel rather than an air dryer and then following up with a cream-based moisturizer immediately after drying.
While you're outside, Wattenberg recommends wearing gloves to keep your hands protected. And whether you're cleaning indoors, watching TV or sleeping, Wattenberg also suggests wearing cotton gloves after applying a rich ointment.
If your hands can get inflamed or cracked in the winter, Wattenberg says you can apply an over-the-counter cortisone for a few days then a creamy moisturizer.
While regularly washing your hands is a good thing, it can still do a number on your skin. Dr. Robert Anolik, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, recommends opting for an ointment-style cream to help counter the drying effects of cleanser.
Below are a few products the pros recommend to keep your hands moisturized this season.
A healing hand mask: Aveeno Repairing CICA Hand Mask
- Easy to use
- Very hydrating
- Pleasant smell
- "Temporary" results
Active ingredients: Glycerin, petrolatum | Formulation: Glove mask | Best for: Dry hands
Aveeno says this CICA mask, which “comes from the French word ‘cicatrisation,’” per the brand, is formulated to provide intense nourishment to your hands and help balance your skin’s natural barrier. No wonder Wattenberg is a fan.
Best for daily use: Dove Deep Moisture Hand Wash
- The bottle lasts a while
- The pump can be tricky
Active ingredients: Glycerin | Formulation: Gel wash | Best for: Dry hands
Wattenberg enjoys this hand wash that’s made with a gentle formulation of cleansers, as well as a combination of skin nutrients and moisturizers that help keep your hands soft and hydrated.
A soothing hand cream: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
- Recommended by dermatologists
- "Great for winter"
- Can feel "sticky"
Active ingredients: Glycerin | Formulation: Cream | Best for: Dry skin
“This hydrating cream from Neutrogena feels like an ointment, but is also light enough to rub in before heading out for the day without leaving your hands feeling greasy,” Anolik says.
A long-lasting hand cream: Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
- Doesn't feel greasy
- Very moisturizing
- You have to "reapply"
Active ingredients: Glycerin, lactic acid | Formulation: Cream | Best for: Dry skin
This drugstore find has Wattenberg’s approval. It’s fragrance-free, gentle enough for daily use and, according to the brand, provides enough moisture to last 48 hours.
A great overnight solution: NatraCure Moisturizing Gel Gloves
- They work quickly
- Can be difficult to get on and off
Active ingredients: Gel lining | Formulation: Glove | Best for: Dry hands
Looking for an overnight solution? These gloves that Wattenberg adores can be worn up to three times per week to help lock in moisture. The brand also says the gloves are enriched with jojoba oil, mineral oil and olive oil to help make your skin softer.
Best healing formula: Aquaphor Healing Ointment for Dry & Cracked Skin
- Free of fragrances, dyes, more
- Can be used in multiple areas
- Can feel greasy
Active ingredients: Petrolatum | Formulation: Ointment | Best for: Dry/sensitive skin
There’s dry skin and then there’s really dry, cracked skin — and the latter is pretty common in winter. Aquaphor’s healing ointment is formulated with 41% petrolatum, which helps to gently heal cracks and dry spots.
“It’s a thicker product that’s well-suited for dry hands, especially in the evening, and enriched with soothing lanolin for further hydration,” Anolik says.
A rich, healing cream: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
- Offers "long-lasting" hydration
- Isn't greasy
- A bit "too rich"
Active ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal | Formulation: Cream | Best for: Dry skin
“Not surprisingly, exposed areas are the hardest hit in winter, which when compounded by the wash/dry cycle of hand washing, means hands get wrecked in winter,” Dr. Bobby Buka, co-founder of The Dermatology Specialists, says.
The dermatologist swears by this intensely hydrating cream from First Aid Beauty that can be used on both the face and body.
Winter skin care for your face
Dealing with breakouts? Masks and scarves can exacerbate acne, so the pros recommend making a few adjustments to your skin care routine.
During this time of year, Wattenberg and Anolik tell their clients to cut back on products formulated with drying ingredients such as retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, alcohol and salicylic acid.
Instead, Anolik and Wattenberg suggest adding products to your routine that include hyaluronic acid and other hydrating agents. "Moisturize with heavier products than used in summer as needed. Often this involves creams from jars instead of lotions that come out of pumps," Anolik says.
Wattenberg says the skin cycling method — which involves alternating your products to help avoid drying and inflammation and keep your skin hydrated and looking fresh — is effective for winter. "Specifically limit drying products like retinol, salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Use these one nights a week, then a moisturizer and then a hydrating serum and moisturizer. Every night addresses a different skin issue," she says.
Adjusting your face wash when the temperature drops isn’t a bad idea, either, especially because winter skin can be a lot more sensitive. “Winter is a season to switch to gentler, more hydrating cleansers to avoid stripping away natural oils that are essential for your skin’s health,” Dr. Tiffany Libby says.
Dr. Dendy Engelman notes how important it is to keep the skin protected from the sun, too... "even in the winter!" She suggests wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 during the day.
Below are a few products the pros recommend to keep your facial skin moisturized this season.
A moisturizing oil: Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel
- Over 12,000 five-star ratings
- Super moisturizing
- Can feel greasy
Active ingredients: Lactic acid, glycerin | Formulation: Gel | Best for: Normal skin types
While you may be bundling up with scarves, gloves and more to keep warm, your face will likely be exposed to the harsh winter winds and temperatures.
To help lock moisture in, Engelman suggests switching to a thicker face product like this dry skin gel from Bio-Oil, which is made from oils and humectants that hydrate the skin (it can also be used on your lips and cuticles).
Best facial cleanser for all skin types: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Leaves skin feeling "soft"
- Cleanses well
- Doesn't lather
Active ingredients: Glycerin | Formulation: Liquid cleanser | Best for: Dry, normal, sensitive skin
Libby often recommends Cetaphil’s Gentle Cleanser as a daily cleanser and suggests cutting back on harsher exfoliating options during the drier winter months.
A gentle, cream cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Over 88,000 five-star ratings
- Gentle
- Doesn't always lather well
Active ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Formulation: Cream cleanser | Best for: Normal, dry skin
Henry recommends using this cream-based moisturizer for cleansing both your body and face during the winter. When choosing a cleanser, she suggests picking products that are fragrance-free and gentle for the skin.
Great for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Fragrance-free
- Good for sensitive skin
- Doesn't lather easily
Active ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide | Formulation: Cream cleanser | Best for: Normal, dry, sensitive skin
Henry recommends this face wash from La Roche-Posay that's infused with prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3 and glycerin. It can even be used to remove face and eye makeup.
To remove stubborn makeup: Mario Badescu Cleansing Milk with Carnation and Rice Oil
- Non-stripping formula
- Removes makeup and debris
- Some say it leaves a residue
Active ingredients: Rice bran oil and vitamin E | Formulation: Oil-based cleansing milk | Best for: Normal, dry, sensitive skin
Henry describes this cleanser as a "a nourishing cleansing milk that gently removes makeup while moisturizing the skin." With everything from stubborn mascara to heavy makeup, this oil-based cleanser has you covered.
Soothing body cream: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
- Dries quickly
- Thick formula
- Pump doesn't always work
Active ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin and niacinamide | Formulation: Cream | Best for: Sensitive, dry
La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Balm is formulated with prebiotics that promote the skin’s microbiome, which Henry says makes it “great for eczema-prone skin.”
A serum with hyaluronic acid: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- High amount of hyaluronic acid
- Doesn't feel greasy
- Small bottle
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Formulation: Serum | Best for: Oily, normal, sensitive, dry, combination
Henry loves this serum from L’Oreal and says focusing on building your skin barrier with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane and glycerin is key during this time of year.
An intensely hydrating solution: Clinique Moisture Surge
- Paraben- and phthalate-free
- Moisturizer tends to pill
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid complex, aloe bio-ferment, blend of vitamins C and E | Formulation: Gel-cream | Best for: Normal, dry, combination and oily
This is another hyaluronic acid-packed pick that Henry recommends. It is also formulated with aloe and, according to the brand, provides 100 hours of hydration.
A radiance-boosting moisturizer: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
- Radiant finish
- Pretty packaging
- Plumping
- Has a slight scent
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, red algae, squalane, Hadasei-3 and Japanese purple rice | Formulation: Cream | Best for: Normal and dry
Another product recommended by Henry, The Dewy Skin Cream from Tatcha, doesn’t just sit pretty on your vanity. While visibly plumping and hydrating the skin, the brand says your skin should be left with a radiant glow. It’s no wonder "dewy" is in its name.
Winter skin care for your lips
Wattenberg suggests preventing chapped lips by applying your favorite lip balm before lips dry out. Also, it may be hard, but Anolik says it's best to limit licking, biting or picking your lips.
Make sure your lip balm has an SPF, even in the winter time. “Lips experience the same ultraviolet damage as the surrounding face. UV damaged lips over time look smaller, less well defined and scaly, and can be prone to skin cancer,” Anolik said.
Celebrity aesthetician and dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar suggests exfoliating regularly in winter: "I tell my clients to exfoliate their lips two to three times a week and apply a lip balm constantly,” she says.
It's also important to avoid irritating lip products that include fragrance or salicylic acid and opt for ingredients like shea butter, petrolatum and mineral oil. "Too often, people feel that a stinging or tingling sensation means the product is working but more often than not it’s just irritation and this could be a worsening lip condition," Anolik says.
"Examples of potentially irritating ingredients include things like fragrance or salicylic acid."
A protective balm with SPF:Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
- You can't beat the price
- Some reviewers say it's a bit greasy
Active ingredients: Avobenzone | Formulation: Balm | Best for: All lips
Wind and indoor heating can dry out your lips a lot, so we tend to primarily focus on moisturizing our lips in winter. However, protecting them against the sun year-round is just as important!
Anolik suggests looking for a lip balm with sunscreen like this fragrant one from Sun Bum. “It offers sun protection and the soothing benefits of coconut,” he says.
A softening scrub: Flower Beauty Petal Pout Lip Scrub
- Leaves lips "ultra soft"
- It's a rather small container
Active ingredients: Coconut oil, castor seed oil and cocoa butter | Formulation: Scrub | Best for: Dry lips
Engelman says there are less oil glands on your lips than the rest of your body, which makes them more susceptible to dryness. She recommends using this lip scrub to remove dry skin and hydrate your lips during the colder months, since it is made with “nutrient-rich” oils.
A hydrating lip balm with color: It Cosmetics Je Ne Sais Quoi Hydrating Lip Balm Treatment
- Adds color
- Needs to be reapplied
Active ingredients: Shea butter, castor seed oil | Formulation: Balm | Best for: Dry lips
Libby says lips often get dry and chapped in the winter months because "they can’t produce the protective oils to keep themselves moisturized.” She swears by this lip balm that keeps her pucker hydrated for hours on end.
Winter skin care for your body
Facial skin typically gets all the attention, but your body skin also needs a bit of TLC during the coldest months of the year.
The best time to apply your moisturizer, according to Wattenberg? Right after you get out of the shower. Opt for moisturizers that contain ingredients like ammonium lactate or hyaluronic acid, and avoid those with fragrances. Wattenberg Also suggests applying moisturizer twice a day in the winter if you can.
Anolik suggests keeping your showers short (five to 10 minutes) and using lukewarm rather than hot water. "Although the hot water may feel nice on cold days, it is actually worsening your skin barrier, making dryness even worse in the long run," he says. And if your legs are extra dry, Anolik suggests using an ointment-based moisturizer (like petroleum jelly) while sleeping at night.
Anolik tells his clients to use cleansers as opposed to soaps while bathing. "True soaps don't help with the pH balance for the body and they strip oils that hydrate the skin," he says. Anolik also suggests avoiding hand towels, loofahs, and other scrubbing tools in the shower since they can irritate the skin barrier and ultimately lead to further dryness.
Engelman is a fan of moisturizing body wash during the winter, especially if you have dry skin. "I like to do the 'soak and grease' method post-shower. While your skin is still damp, apply a body oil or body lotion to lock in more moisture," she says.
Below are a few products the pros recommend to keep your body skin moisturized this season.
A body wash for all skin types: Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash
- Good for sensitive skin
- Works for 24 hours
- Has a fragrance
Active ingredients: Glycerin | Formulation: Liquid | Best for: Mature, normal, sensitive, dry, combination skin
When it comes to your body, a moisturizing wash like this one from Dove can do the trick. Henry says she also likes the bar version for dry skin.
A natural body oil solution: NOW Grapeseed Oil
- Is multitasking
- Some reviewers don't love the scent
Active ingredients: Grape seed oil | Formulation: Oil | Best for: All skin types
If you simply can’t give up warm (not scalding!) water in the shower, Aguilar says creating an artificial barrier for your skin can help. “Lather this grapeseed oil all over your body prior to jumping in the shower. Avoid applying it to your feet to prevent a slippery surface. Then follow with a hydrating body wash such as a creamy or oil cleanser,” she said.
A soothing ointment for dry skin: Cetaphil Healing Ointment
- Hydrates skin for 48 hours
- Unscented
Active ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin E and petrolatum | Formulation: Ointment | Best for: Dry, sensitive skin
If you’ve ever felt like the skin on your elbows or knees “belong on a lizard and not your body,” Engelman says you should try this ointment. It is fragrance-free and formulated with skin-loving ingredients that can help soothe and heal dry skin.
A lightweight formula with hyaluronic acid: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream
- Reasonable price
- Can feel watery
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Formulation: Gel-cream | Best for: Combination, dry, normal
Prefer a lighter feel? Try this gel cream that Wattenberg recommends. Since it’s made with hyaluronic acid, the brand says it helps to hydrate the skin and retain moisture.
A renewing full body lotion: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
- Affordable product
- Contains retinol
Active ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin | Formulation: Lotion | Best for: Mature, dry, normal skin
You’re likely familiar with retinol’s anti-aging benefits for your face, but how about the benefits it has on your body? Engelman suggests using this overnight lotion to treat “crepey” or sagging skin all over. It is made with an exfoliating retinol peptide complex that Engelman says supports the skin’s renewal process.
Provides 24-hour hydration: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Perfect for face and body
- Not the best packaging
Active ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Formulation: Cream | Best for: Sensitive, dry
Dry skin requires regular attention but reapplying lotion isn’t always practical. Luckily, this moisturizer provides 24-hour hydration and a gentle, non-irritating formula. “This cream not only hydrates but also restores the skin barrier with hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides,” Shah tells us.
Promotes healthy skin: Cetaphil Intensive Healing Lotion
- Absorbs quickly
- Pump sometimes hard to use
Active ingredients: Glycerin, vitamins B5 and E | Formulation: Lotion | Best for: Sensitive skin
Libby says the key to hydrated skin is ceramides, and this lotion has plenty of them. “Ceramides are the natural lipids that help our skin barrier stay intact and healthy and allow it to hold onto moisture,” she says. “This is my favorite wintertime body product.”
A nourishing shaving cream alternative: Grove Moisturizing Shave Bar
- Sustainable
- Doesn't foam
Active ingredients: Jojoba seed oil and snow mushroom extract | Formulation: Bar | Best for: All skin types
The key to preventing your skin from getting dry? Taking shorter showers, according to Engelman. To help cut down on an often time-consuming part of your shower routine, she suggests using this shave bar, which is made with ingredients that moisturize the skin and help reduce redness and irritation.
A moisturizing exfoliating scrub: Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish Exfoliator
- Isn't drying
- The price is high
Active ingredients: Evening primrose, sweet almond, apricot kernel, and jojoba oils | Formulation: Scrub | Best for: All skin types
Just like with your feet, exfoliating can help remove dead and dry skin on your body, as well as remove product residue like thick creams and lotions. Henry loves this brown sugar scrub from Fresh since it helps exfoliate without damaging the skin and is made with jojoba oil.
Winter skin care for your scalp
Many of us deal with a dry, itchy scalp during this time of year. But you can fight back! Here are some tips from the pros.
During the winter, Engelman says there is less moisture in the air, which can strip the scalp of its natural oils. "Those natural oils are essential for moisturizing the skin, keeping out harmful toxins, and preventing flaking — so it is important to show the scalp some extra care during the colder months," she says.
She recommends using a moisturizing pre-shampoo treatment or post-wash mask to add moisture back to the scalp and hair.
Anolik recommends seeing a dermatologist if your dry scalp moves past the manageable stage because it can often be a sign of an underlying skin conditions like dandruff and psoriasis.
Below are a few products the pros recommend to keep your scalp moisturized this season.
Gentle dandruff relief: Dove Beauty DermaCare Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Multitasking formula
- Not the best for very dry hair
Active ingredients: Pyrithione zinc | Formulation: Liquid | Best for: Dandruff, dry scalps
Opting for an anti-dandruff shampoo like this Dove pick can help to alleviate dandruff and reduce symptoms of a dry, itchy scalp. Plus, Engelman says it has a mild, pH-balanced formula that is gentle on hair.
Tried and true dandruff formula: Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Great price
- Some say best for short hair
Active ingredients: Pyrithione zinc | Formulation: Liquid | Best for: Dandruff, dry scalps
This tried-and-true brand is another pick Wattenberg says can help prevent a dry, itchy scalp this winter. With regular use, the brand says it can help relieve itchiness, dryness and reduce visible dandruff flakes.
A pre-shampoo hydrator: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
- A "miracle worker"
- High price point
Active ingredients: Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate | Formulation: Liquid | Best for: Coily, curly, straight and wavy hair
Don’t leave your locks out of the picture! The right products can help protect your hair from breakage as a result of dry winter air. Henry loves using Olaplex No. 3 as a pre-shampoo treatment during the winter.
A hydrating hair and scalp oil: Moroccanoil Pure Argan Oil
- Can also hydrate skin and nails
- A bit of a splurge
ingredients: Argan Oil | Formulation: Oil | Best for: Straight, wavy, curly and coily hair
Oils can also help your hair beat winter woes. Moroccanoil’s argan oil is one Henry recommends.
How we chose these skin care picks
These winter skin care picks were based on expert insights and recommendations. The list includes a variety of products for every skin type and budget, with options for hands, lips, face, body and scalps.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Michelle Henry is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, speaker, trainer, author and TODAY contributor.
- Natalie Aguilar is a celebrity aesthetician and dermatological nurse.
- Dr. Robert Anolik, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. He specializes in cosmetic dermatology and laser skin surgery.
- Dr. Bobby Buka is the co-founder of The Dermatology Specialists (TDS), a dermatology practice located in New York City.
- Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City.
- Dr. Tiffany Libby is a Mohs surgeon and double board-certified cosmetic and laser dermatologist.
- Dr. Debra Wattenberg, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and founder of NY Skin RX.
