8 Must-Have Products Dermatologists Recommend to Battle Dry Skin This Winter

As the cold weather sets in, it’s easy to notice how the drop in temperature and humidity can affect our skin. Dr. Nicole Lee, MD MPH FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology, explains to Mytour that 'As temperatures drop and humidity decreases, skin can begin to crack from moisture loss, making it more vulnerable to inflammation and irritation from external elements.'

While we often feel dryness on our face first, other areas like our hands and legs suffer too. Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare, shares, 'Chapped lips, cracked hands, and tight skin are also common as the combination of cold air and indoor heating strips moisture from the skin.'

While both outdoor and indoor conditions may not be ideal for your skin, it's not too late to prepare for winter by adjusting your skincare routine to prevent dryness and flakiness. Dr. Shirazi suggests that focusing on hydration and protecting the skin barrier is key. Incorporating a gentle yet hydrating cleanser and a nourishing moisturizer—preferably one with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin—will help keep moisture locked in and your skin protected throughout the cold months.

To help you tackle the dry, chilly weather, we've compiled a list of 8 dermatologist-approved products, including personal recommendations from Dr. Lee and Dr. Shirazi, that will keep your skin nourished, smooth, and radiant. Discover top picks like facial cleansers, hydrating serums, and moisturizing creams from trusted brands such as CeraVe, Neutrogena, and Vichy, starting as low as $6.

Dermatologist-Recommended Skincare Solutions for Winter

• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $16 (originally $18)
• Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster, $40
• La Roche-Posay Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream, $20
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer, $21 (originally $23)
• Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly, $6
• La Roche-Posay Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil, $18
• Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, $54
• Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Toner, $22

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

A moisturizing facial cleanser like this one from CeraVe, which boasts over 94,500 five-star reviews, is an excellent addition to your skincare regimen this fall and winter, according to Dr. Shirazi. “This is a mild, non-foaming cleanser enriched with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture while cleansing,” she explains. Aside from skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, it is also free from parabens and fragrances. Additionally, due to its smooth, lotion-like texture, this non-foaming cleanser is ideal for those with eczema or sensitive skin types.

Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster

After cleansing your face, consider applying a hydrating serum to give your skin an extra boost of moisture. Dr. Shirazi highly recommends the Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster, noting its nourishing ingredients and versatile formula. “This serum is infused with hyaluronic acid and Vichy’s volcanic water to hydrate, firm, and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier,” she explains. “It’s lightweight, non-sticky, and perfect for layering under your moisturizer.” Additionally, it is oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free, ensuring you’re using something gentle and safe for your skin.

La Roche-Posay Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

Dry skin isn't just limited to our faces; it can also affect our hands and other parts of the body, especially with the onset of cold weather. Dr. Shirazi recommends this rich moisturizing cream from La Roche-Posay for full-body care. “This thick, emollient body cream is perfect for dry, eczema-prone skin and contains nourishing ingredients like niacinamide and shea butter to soothe and hydrate,” Dr. Shirazi explains. It also includes a blend of skin-restoring ingredients, such as glycerin, ceramide-3, niacinamide, shea butter, and La Roche-Posay’s Prebiotic Thermal Water to support the skin's barrier function.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer

For a moisturizer that offers intensive hydration without leaving a greasy or sticky finish, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel moisturizer is a top choice, according to Dr. Shirazi. “This lightweight gel moisturizer is enriched with hyaluronic acid, providing deep hydration without the heaviness,” she says. Unlike typical lotions or creams, this gel formula absorbs instantly into the skin. Beyond hyaluronic acid, it also contains amino acids and electrolytes to help repair your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Plus, it’s free from parabens, phthalates, fragrances, and dyes.

Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly

The iconic Vaseline, a staple in many households for generations, remains as popular as ever. Dr. Shirazi recommends it for those with dry skin. “[It’s] an affordable, simple solution for locking in moisture on dry, cracked areas like your lips and hands,” she explains. “It creates a protective barrier that helps seal in moisture.” Made from mineral oils and waxes, this thick ointment is ideal for treating dry lips, cracked heels, hands, and more. It can also assist in the healing of minor cuts, burns, and scrapes.

These are just a handful of dermatologist-recommended products that you can add to your winter skincare routine. For even more expert-selected picks and top-rated products, keep exploring on Amazon.

La Roche-Posay Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil

Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream

Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Toner