YYou’ve made it through the holiday rush, and now the name of the winter game is simply survive and progress. From way-too-early sunsets to frigid temperatures, the season isn’t for the faint of heart, but you’re no rookie and you’ve come up with quite a few hacks to help you get through it.
To keep your toes cozy, have your favorite slippers ready. For hibernation-level sleep, place a weighted blanket on your bed. To avoid a sore throat, dust off your humidifier. And to protect your skin from any type of winter weather (plus all the dry indoor heating and extra hot showers)? You call in the experts.
According to board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAADtaking care of your skin during winter is crucial to your overall health – and like your other seasonal tips, it doesn’t have to be complicated. “Skin care can be simple And smart. It doesn’t take much effort or time to take care of your skin,” she says. It’s about understanding which are the best winter skincare products to use and which ones to avoid. Moisturizing with cleansers, serums, balms and creams is essential all year round, but especially in winter, when cold, dry air draws moisture from your skin. “Your skin is your first line of defense against anything on the outside,” she says.
To help strengthen that line of defense and give your skin barrier a boost this season, Dr. Nazarian recommends five of the very best winter skincare products – and in the spirit of finding hacks, they’re all available at QVC. Here’s what she has to say about them, and why you should consider adding them to your winter essentials lineup.
Shop essential winter skincare products
StriVectin Gentle Daily Purifying Cleanser – $29.00
Dr.’s first step Nazarian when it comes to supporting your skin this winter? “Choose the right cleaner!” Made with soothing green tea extract, glycerin, and a beta-hydroxy chemical exfoliant called salicylic acid, this gel-to-foam formula is a welcome addition to any daily routine.
ELEMIS Pro Collagen Ultra Rich Marine Cream – $140.00
Once the cleaning agent box is checked, Dr. Nazarian turns to the MVP of winter skin care: a hydrating moisturizer. “Because the air contains less moisture during the cold seasons, it draws moisture from our skin to compensate,” she says. “Even heaters and radiators can dry the air and reduce skin hydration.”
Made with cocoa seed butter, says Dr. Nazarian says this thick moisturizer is effective at locking in hydration and specifically recommends it for normal to dry skin types. Massage your cleansed face with a pea-sized amount every morning to stay hydrated all day long.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum – $72.00
“Dry skin needs both humectants and emollients,” says Dr. Nazarian. “A good humectant is hyaluronic acid, which draws water into the skin. Barrier-restoring creams, such as those containing ceramides, can be applied afterwards.”
This lightweight and absorbent serum is formulated with both hyaluronic acid And ceramides, making it a good choice for the cold weather season, she says. Apply one pump to your face and neck twice a day and say hello to the winter glow.
TATCHA Serum Stick & Touch-Up Balm – $49.00
From your eyelids to your chin, the winter elements have an unfriendly way of finding your most sensitive spots. Of squalane and green tea extract, this serum stick provides targeted hydration where you need it most. Bonus: The stick applicator makes it ideal for on-the-go hydration all winter long.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream – $38.00
The colloidal oatmeal in this super-hydrating moisturizer is a “fantastic ingredient” that has been used for years to help soothe dry and sensitive skin, says Dr. Nazarian. Combined with squalane, allantoinceramides and glycerin, this head-to-toe soothing cream packs a punch when it comes to improving dry skin. “Overall my favorite of the bunch,” she says. So stock up, stock up on foam, and consider your face saved this winter.