We begin searching for the best skincare for dry skin when there’s a nip in the air. But why does dry skin occur, what can we do to prevent it, and what are the best skincare products in the market? We have curated a guide on a regular cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising regime with the right products that give our face the care and protection it deserves.
The market is flooded with skincare products and finding the right one is near-impossible!
‘Dry skin is often a sign of a damaged skin barrier, which can lead to dry, itchy, or flaky skin’, Dr. Mina Amin, MD, FAAD, a Los-Angeles board-certified dermatologist, tells GQ. ‘The most common reason for dry skin is when the skin isn’t receiving enough moisture. This could be the cause of many factors, such as aging, changing weather, frequent hand washing, or skin conditions.’
One of the most underrated things in winter is an effective skincare routine. A good skincare regimen is as essential as wrapping ourselves in outerwear to keep warm. The dry, cold air can leave our skin parched, flaky, and cracked in no time. Fortunately, keeping our skin healthy during the winters doesn’t require too much effort if we use the right skincare products.
With McKinsey estimating that by 2027, the beauty industry will record $580 billion of retail sales, the market is flooded with skincare products and finding the right one to combat dry skin in winters is near-impossible. So we curated a list of the best skincare products to keep skin healthy and hydrated.
Why Winter Dryness Strikes
We’ve all been there—waking up to a winter morning only to feel our skin tight, flaky, and in desperate need of moisture. It’s the season when our skin’s natural glow seems to disappear, replaced by dry patches and irritation. As much as we enjoy the holiday festivities and cozy layers, winter can wreak havoc on our skin, leaving it dull and parched. But don’t worry—there are simple ways to restore our skin’s radiance, and it all starts with understanding why winter dryness strikes in the first place.
Winter weather brings more than just chilly temperatures and festive cheer; it also introduces a few challenges for our skin. The cold air outside combined with the indoor heating systems we rely on strips moisture from the skin’s surface. When the temperature drops, the air becomes drier, and low humidity levels reduce the amount of water in the environment, which means there’s less moisture for our skin to absorb. As a result, the outer layer of our skin becomes less effective at holding onto water, causing it to feel dry, tight, and irritated.
The lack of moisture in the air during winter makes it essential to take extra care of our skin during these cold months. While moisturisers are our first line of defence, they aren’t the only solution. We must first identify which part of the body needs hydration the most i.e. under-eyes, lips, neck or legs, and then take proactive steps to ensure it stays nourished and glowing all winter long.
We must take proactive steps to ensure skin stays nourished and glowing all winter long.
Humidifiers Prevent Skin From Drying
Indoor heating systems are a lifesaver during winter but they come with a hidden downside—they dry out the air inside our homes. As we crank up the heat to stay warm, the moisture in the air decreases, leaving our skin more vulnerable to dehydration. Dry air pulls moisture from our skin, leading to irritation, tightness, and in some cases, exacerbating skin conditions like eczema. This makes it even more important to add moisture back into the air, which is where humidifiers come in. By releasing water vapour into the air, humidifiers help maintain a balance of moisture that can soothe skin and prevent it from drying out.
To get the most out of our humidifier, we should place it in rooms that are most affected by the dry air—like our bedroom or living room—where we spend a significant amount of time. Running a humidifier overnight can help restore moisture to our skin while we sleep, ensuring we wake up with smooth, hydrated skin. If you don’t have a humidifier, consider using a bowl of water near a radiator to add moisture to the air. That said, investing in a humidifier is an easy, effective way to fight winter dryness and keep our skin feeling fresh and nourished throughout the season.
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Top Skincare Products To Nourish Dry Skin In Winter
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Multi-Recovery Complex
Is your face feeling dry and parched? Estée Lauder, which began in 1946 as a homemade skincare business based on the premise that every woman can be beautiful, has increased emphasis on specialized skincare. Its hero product, Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Multi-Recovery Complex, is a deep, fast-penetrating face serum with the brand’s patented 1-in-60 million Tripeptide-32. Using it every night before bed ensures that facial skin looks younger, hydrated, radiant and toned. The power of seven serums delivers moisture to plump dry lines; in three weeks, lines appear reduced; skin feels firm and elasticity improves. There is barrier repair in just two hours; 72-hour hydration with Hyaluronic Acid; and skin looks hydrated and glowing with eight- hour anti-oxidant protection. What’s more, pores diminish over time and skin looks youthful with an oil-free texture.
Shiseido Uplifting and Firming Cream
Few know that Japan’s family-owned business pharmacy transformed into the global beauty giant Shiseido that operates worldwide. The purpose-driven luxury beauty brand that took into consideration Japan’s culture and heritage and created new value is acclaimed for its rich, sculpting anti aging Uplifting and Firming Cream which visibly lifts skin and reveals a dramatically firmer, revitalised complexion. This scientifically advanced moisturiser helps offset the effects of aging. Skin feels firm and sculpted with renewed fullness and bounce. The product’s hero ingredient, KURENAI-TruLift Complex, and ReNeura Technology++™, strengthens skin’s natural support and improves the appearance of facial contours and definition. VP8, a combination of five antioxidant ingredients, provides added protection. Regular usage will lead to youthful-looking skin as the skin appears brighter and subsequently there is visible improvement in the appearance.
Fenty Treatz Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oil
Your lips can get chapped and dry in winter! LVMH-owned Fenty Beauty by Rihanna redefines the beauty industry with light-as-air formulas that can be layered. The beauty brand’s hero product, a lip oil that instantly hydrates and strengthens lips’ moisture barrier, keeps lips hydrated, smooth and flake-free. This non-sticky lip oil keeps lips’ moisture barrier on lock for fuller-looking lips. Its antioxidant-rich formula defends lips against environmental stressors, instantly conditions and softens lips, nourishes dry, chapped lips and plumps with hydration. The Jojoba Seed and Rosehip Fruit Oils bind moisture to lips while it’s a treat to use with its clear, non-sticky formula. Fenty Treatz Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oil is also vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and earth-conscious.
Givenchy Skin Ressource Rich Cream
Maison Givenchy has recently given its skincare line an upgrade with Skin Ressource. This rich cream, with a soothing scent, melts into the skin to envelop it in an intensive 72-hour moisturisation. Its rich texture soothes and nourishes even the driest, dehydrated skin so that it becomes nourished and plumped and also reinforces the cutaneous barrier as well as preserving skin from the negative effects of stress. Visibly released from stress, skin radiates with a natural glow. With 96 per cent ingredients from natural origin, including the potent Beauty Moss Complex®, Givenchy Skin Ressource Rich Cream delivers profound moisture and nurturing care, deeply de-stressing every layer of your skin.
Lancôme Absolue Rose 80 Moisturizing Emulsion
A lightweight formula, Lancôme Absolue Rose 80 Moisturizing Emulsion is infused with rosewater and rose extracts that helps skin look hydrated, youthful and fresh. Formulated with rose water and rose extracts within a lightweight, milky formula that absorbs quickly, this formula combines Rose Damascena Water, Rose Damascena Oil and Perpetual Rose Extract with Niacinamide, Pro-Xylan and LHA to help accelerate skin surface cell renewal and help hydrate, soothe, refresh and brighten skin. In just a month, this emulsion improves skin texture, radiance, firmness, fine lines, elasticity and pores and should be used in your skincare regime after cleansing, toning and applying serum or perhaps when you’re looking for a little boost.
Jamaican Mango And Lime
Hand processed from pure wildcrafted and organic Jamaican castor beans, the fast-absorbing castor oil cleanses the scalp of parasites and toxins that damage hair and slow growth. The oil has a high concentration of fatty acid and essential nutrients, which deeply moisturise and strengthen hair. Its emollient properties hydrate and soften dry, rough skin while natural anti-inflammatory compounds alleviate irritation and promote even skin tone. This dual-purpose oil is ideal for those seeking both hair and skin care solutions in one versatile product.
Lancôme Absolue L’Extrait Elixir Eye Treatment
A lightweight eye cream that helps reduce wrinkles and visible upper eyelid sagging while visibly improving skin smoothness around the eye contour, Absolue L’Extrait Elixir Eye Treatment helps to revitalize the eye contour for visibly re energized looking eyes. Crafted for the delicate eye contour, this luxurious eye cream is infused with Lancome’s latest innovative rose discovery: The Absolue Blackbiosis™ , The Absolue Perpetual Rose Extract ™, Proxylane and LHA. The formula melts into skin upon application for a luminous infusion of freshness, within hours improving skin elasticity and tonicity, while moisturizing the eye area. In about eight weeks, crow’s feet wrinkles and under- eye wrinkles appear reduced, visible upper eye-lid sagging is improved, and skin is smoother.
Mitchell USA Anti-Aging Neck Therapy Cream
Many men believe that skincare is for women and that using moisturizers would make them appear less masculine. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Moisturizers are essential for everyone, regardless of gender and Mitchell USA Anti-Aging Neck Therapy Cream is designed specifically to address the unique skin care needs of men. Formulated with potent ingredients, including peptides and hyaluronic acid, this neck cream for men helps improve skin elasticity and hydration, reducing fine lines and sagging. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly, providing moisture without feeling greasy, which is appealing to men who prefer a straightforward skincare routine. Additionally, the inclusion of antioxidants protects skin from environmental stressors, resulting in youthful, resilient skin on the neck.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toning Solution
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toning Solution is a daily surface exfoliator that smooths skin texture, evens tone, and boosts luminosity. This serum for textured skin works by exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, which helps to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. As a result, it smooths the skin’s surface, reducing the appearance of rough patches and uneven texture. Regular use of this glycolic acid solution can lead to a brighter, more refined complexion, making it an ideal choice for those dealing with textured skin. Additionally, the formula is enriched with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, Tasmanian pepperberry, and ginseng root, which help to calm the skin and reduce irritation that can sometimes accompany exfoliation. By incorporating The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution into a skincare routine, users can achieve smoother, more even-toned skin.
Why Sunscreen Is Necessary In Winter
It’s easy to assume that sunscreen is only necessary during sunny summer months, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Winter sun can harm our skin, especially when it reflects off snow or ice. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach our skin on cloudy days. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation, even in colder weather, can cause skin damage, premature ageing, and increase the risk of skin cancer. That’s why sunscreen should remain a key part of your daily skincare routine, regardless of the temperature or the presence of sunshine.
For winter, choose a lightweight, hydrating sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for formulas that not only protect but also moisturise, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep your skin hydrated during the colder months. A sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is ideal, and it should be reapplied every two hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Don’t let the winter chill fool you—shielding skin from harmful UV rays year-round is a must for maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF50 combines broad-spectrum sun protection with its signature hyaluronic acid-infused formula, to deliver intense hydration while shielding our skin from UV rays. Clinique Pep-Start™ Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50 has a 100 percent mineral formula that protects skin against UVA and UVB rays with a powerhouse SPF 50. And Shiseido’s sunscreen is a water-resistant gel with special WetForce technology for non-greasy wear. The soothing gel consistency also works on calming irritated and inflamed skin.
FAQs On Dry Skin Syndrome:
What causes dry skin?
Dry skin can be caused by several factors, including cold weather, low humidity, hot showers, harsh soaps, and certain skin conditions like eczema. Aging and dehydration can also contribute to dryness.
How can I hydrate my skin effectively?
To hydrate your skin, use moisturisers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. Drink plenty of water, and apply moisturiser immediately after showering to lock in moisture.
What are the best products for dry skin?
Look for gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers, oils, and creams. Products with ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and aloe vera are particularly effective for soothing and hydrating dry skin.
How often should I moisturise my skin?
For best results, moisturise your skin at least twice a day, especially after washing your hands or showering. If your skin feels particularly dry, apply moisturiser more frequently.
Can diet help improve dry skin?
Yes, a diet rich in healthy fats, like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds, can improve skin hydration. Drinking enough water and avoiding caffeine or alcohol is beneficial for keeping skin moisturised.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
