Fall and winter may be the coziest times of the year, but all that indoor heat and cold air outside can seriously dry out your complexion. To help you prep your skin for the colder months, there are several ingredients we recommend incorporating into your skincare routine.  Such ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and occlusives, are known to help improve the skin’s moisture barrier. Below, we asked our expert, Dr. Elizabeth Mullans, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, Texas, what she thinks are the best ingredients to include in your fall and winter skincare regimens. 

Humectants

Humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, pull moisture from the air into your skin. “To help soothe skin in the winter, ensure you moisturize with an unscented cream that is free of additives, fragrance and perfumes,” says Dr. Mullans. “Something lighter, like a serum, is ideal for your face, while a lotion or cream is better for your body.”

We recommend the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, which is fragrance-free and contains 1.5% hyaluronic acid. For the body, reach for the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body Lotion, which combines glycerin and shea butter to nourish and rebalance the skin’s lipids. 

Occlusives

“Thick, heavy skincare products hold moisture in and create a barrier for your skin,” Dr. Mullans says. The SkinCeuticals Hydra Balm contains petrolatum, an occlusive, to relieve dry, cracked skin on the face and body, plus aloe and squalane. An occlusive helps seal in the moisture that humectant products attract.

Ceramides

“Most people should use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser or face wash, such as the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser,” Dr. Mullans says. This cleanser is non-comedogenic and free of drying soaps and parabens, plus it contains ceramides to help improve the skin’s natural  moisture barrier.

Niacinamide 

Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, may help improve the skin’s barrier, leading to more moisturized skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help target uneven skin tone. We love it in the Vichy Minéral 89 Prebiotic, a milky, hydrating serum with mineral-rich thermal water. 

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

Read More:

Why Exfoliating in Winter Is So Important, According to an Expert

5 Ingredient Combinations to Try for Healthier, More Hydrated Skin This Winter

Skin Sleuth: What Are Ceramides?