Even though I live in a relatively mild climate, winter still does a number on my skin. Turns out you don’t need snow to still routinely suffer from winter dry skin, even in Southern California. As soon as temperatures dip, my skin feels tighter, drier, and noticeably dull. Over time, I’ve realized it’s not just cold weather that causes dryness; it’s the combination of lower humidity, indoor heating, and fewer hours of sunlight that really throws my skin off its game. No matter where you live, winter seems to find a way to dry everyone out, regardless of your zip code.
After years of trial and error, I’ve learned that winter is the season when I have to lean into my skincare routine far more intentionally than the rest of the year. Lightweight products that work beautifully in spring and summer just don’t cut it once winter hits. This is when I focus on layering in hydration, prioritizing moisture retention, and supporting my skin barrier so it can actually hold on to the hydration I’m giving it.
To help repair winter skin, restore moisture, and maintain that soft, healthy glow, we rounded up the best products for dry skin in winter you can confidently rely on, from head to toe.
This edit focuses on products that do the heavy lifting: deeply hydrating serums that plump and soothe, moisturizing body scrubs that gently exfoliate without stripping, and barrier-supporting essentials that seal in moisture. Together, these products help keep skin feeling comfortable, nourished, and moisturized all season long, so even in winter, your skin still looks and feels its best.
Why Does Dry Skin Happen During Winter?
When the seasons change from fall to winter, the effect it has on the skin becomes apparent. The harsh weather conditions we endure can take a toll on our skin (more than we probably realize), and the aftermath is skin that’s unlike our usual complexion. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), the factors below play a key role in experiencing dry skin during winter:
- Your Environment: AAD states that when “outdoor temperatures fall, the air holds less moisture…leading to excessively dry skin.”
- Indoor Heating: We’re all guilty of blasting the heater when it’s cold, but indoor heat strips moisture from the air, leaving your skin dry and irritated.
- Hot Water: Hot showers or baths can strip your skin of its natural oils and further dry it out, though we know those spark so much joy in the winter.
How to Combat Dry Skin in the Winter
Moving on to the key question: How do you address dry skin? Knowing how to counteract the effects of winter weather starts by listening to your body and understanding your skin type. This means that if you have oily skin, try going for less heavy yet equally nourishing products. Similarly, if you have dry skin, opt for something a bit thicker and more hydrating. In addition to listening to your skin needs, the AAD suggests the following tips in order to lessen the severity of dry skin during the winter:
- Hydrate: The key to supple, healthy skin starts with staying hydrated, so remember to sip water throughout the day to support your skin barrier.
- Limit Indoor Heating: Winter heaters can dry out your skin, so keep the thermostat moderate and use a humidifier to combat dryness.
- Moisturize: To lock in moisture and fight dryness, apply moisturizer immediately after washing, as recommended by the AAD.
- Use Gentle Beauty Products: Ease into winter by swapping in moisturizers, serums, and nourishing treatments to keep skin hydrated.
- Seek a Dermatologist: If dry skin persists, the AAD recommends seeing a dermatologist for proper treatment.
By incorporating these tips into your beauty regimen, you can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy throughout the winter season. Below you’ll find products that will help your winter skincare journey, from our favorite moisturizers to serums and body scrubs.
Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin
Just because warm weather has disappeared doesn’t mean dewy skin has to go away with it. Investing in a great moisturizer is key to combating dry skin.
The holy grail of moisturizers, this repair cream will save your skin from any signs of dryness, irritation, or flakiness from the winter weather. It’s an editor-favorite and a must-have in our skincare regimens.
This ultra-rich skin barrier works for all skin types and plumps the skin in order to protect the hydration barrier.
An award-winning moisturizer, this instantly relieves dry and distressed skin. Plus, this is a great option if you experience eczema or excessive dryness.
This dermatologist tested cream supports up to 120 hours of hydration. It’s effective for both normal and dry skin.
Formulated with avocado oil, this eye cream hydrates, smooths, and de-puffs the under eye area so that you can start your day feeling (and looking) as bright as possible.
If there’s one thing you try from Hailey Bieber’s skincare line, it’s this product. Use this as a base layer before applying oils and serums, and your skin will be looking oh-so-glowy.
Best Cleansers for Dry Skin
Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin of moisture. A few favorites below.
Don’t skip this step in your skincare routine: Add this calming exfoliator to your regimen for smooth and soft skin.
This sulfate-free, velvety milk cleanser washes skin and removes makeup seamlessly. It will keep your skin hydrated even on those especially cold and dry days.
This cleanser removes dirt and makeup and reduces redness without stripping lipids from the skin. It also targets fine lines and wrinkles.
Made for dry skin, this cleanser removes makeup and dirt while reinforcing the skin barrier.
Serums for Dry Skin
Opt for a hydrating serum packed with ingredients that lock in moisture. These are our favorites, tested and loved.
If you’re looking for a serum that won’t feel heavy underneath all the skincare products you use, this one is just for you. It replenishes your skin, but is extremely lightweight.
This skincare serum is an investment, but the long-term benefits surely make this product worth the hype.
This serum soothes discomfort and reduces redness while also protecting the skin barrier. Plus, it targets uneven textures.
This lightweight, watery serum is infused with three types of Hyaluronic Acid to sooth and calm irritated skin, particularly redness from dryness.
This is by far The Ordinary’s most loved hydration serum. It provides instant and long-term hydration to give way to smoother and healthy-looking skin.
This lightweight serum helps improve uneven tone and promote a radiant, healthy complexion.
Best Body Oils, Scrubs, and Moisturizers for Dry Skin
Cold weather is the perfect excuse to cozy up in your favorite layers, and the same goes for your skincare! Winter is the ideal time to embrace a nourishing body care routine that keeps your skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. After your shower, treat your skin by generously applying your favorite lotion or oil so it absorbs the rich, moisturizing ingredients, leaving you feeling comfortable and glowing all day.
On the pricer side for a body lotion, this moisture-rich cream contains high-quality ingredients to soothe rough, dry, and tight skin.
A super affordable but effective product, this dry skin gel is clinically proven to treat the signs and symptoms of dry skin for all skin types.
If you’re a bath lover, these dissolvable bath drops are formulated with a blend of softening oils to leave your skin feeling silky and luminous.
This antioxidant-rich body wash will detoxify your skin while also leaving it nourished, smooth, and soft.
There’s a reason everyone loves CeraVe—it’s just that good. This moisturizer replenishes the skin barrier with ceramides while providing 24-hour moisture and shine.
This skin oil locks in moisture post shower without clogging the skin’s pores. It is formulated with sensitivity—and without any unnatural fragrance.
Suitable for adults, kids, and babies, this oil can be used on skin and body and targets dryness and discomfort with care.
This brush’s soft bristles are ideal for thoroughly exfoliating while still respecting the skin’s barrier and being kind on dry or irritated skin.
This bestselling shower oil is infused with the smell of almond, softening and cleansing the skin even during a cold, long winter.
Infused with seaweed extracts and niacinamide, this fast-absorbing body lotion deeply hydrates the skin down to a soft finish.
Make Up & Sunscreen
Choosing the right makeup in winter can make a big difference in keeping your skin looking fresh and radiant. Look for products that not only meet your skin’s needs but also highlight your natural features and inner glow. Many of our favorites below are hydrating, lightweight, and creamy, with the added bonus of SPF to protect your skin while keeping it soft and luminous all season long.
If you’re looking for a hydrating foundation that won’t flake on dry spots, this skin tint is your best bet. It’s buildable and lightweight and boosts moisture levels by up to 52 percent for an everyday dewy look.
Replace your old concealer with this super hydrating option that glides like a serum but has buildable coverage power.
This viral beauty item is the only blush you need to have in your makeup bag. It has a weightless cream formula that instantly plumps and hydrates your skin with a subtle pop of color.
It’s called a miracle balm for a reason. This makeup product is versatile, light-reflecting, and can be worn alone or on top of your foundation.
Does this product even need an introduction? This sheer highlighter will illuminate your skin for a dewy complexion all day long.
To finish off any makeup look, use this daily lip balm that is proven to visibly plump, smooth, and reduce lip lines—all while locking in moisture.
It’s no secret that this lip mask is a fan-favorite. It’s thick, nourishing, and will have your lips feeling baby soft in the morning.
This complexion stick blurs imperfections and evens skin tone. It’s not foundation or concealer, but it will quickly replace both in your makeup bag.
Medium coverage and breathable, this foundation will settle in seamlessly with your skin to blur imperfections and make your face glassy smooth.
Infused with with 100 percent mineral SPF 30, this light coverage tinted sunscreen is breathable and buildable, giving your face all the protection it needs for the day ahead.
This refillable container is your done-in-one moisturizer: it hydrates, brightens, smooths, and protects the face.
This is a serum, moisturizer, and SPF packed into one tiny package. It hydrates, brightens, and protects your skin from sun damage.
This oil free sunscreen protects against harmful UV rays while also doubling as a face primer for the rest of your makeup routine!
With a non-sticky finish and no sunscreen test, this is the only lip balm you’ll need to protect yourself from the sun.
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Alina Orozco, Commerce Editor
Alina Orozco is the Commerce Editor at The Everymom, where she combines her editorial experience with a love for finding products that make everyday life easier, and more stylish. To The Everymom, Alina brings over 10+ years of editorial publishing and digital storytelling experience as well as snippets of her real life mom style, making fashion trends accessible and fun for every mom. She now lives in a cozy beach town in Southern California with her husband and their two boys, but she’ll always be a Philly girl at heart.
Products included in graphics linked within article.
