Winter is officially in full swing, meaning chilling temperatures have become the norm. Dry skin, chapped lips and itchy scalps are likely the bane of your existence during this frigid time, but it doesn't have to be like that.
TODAY and TODAY with Hoda & Jenna tapped board-certified dermatologists Dr. Debra Wattenberg and Dendy Engelman to share winter skin care "plans" that will help you soothe these skin care woes as fast as possible. From your hair to your hands, Wattenberg and Engelman have protective and budget-friendly picks for everyone during this time of year.
Shop TODAY also consulted other top dermatologists for recommendations to help you get through the rest of the season. From anti-dandruff shampoo and hand creams to facial cleansers, body lotions and scalp scrubs, these products will help you endure this cold stretch and remedy any skin care problems you might encounter.
To shop this article by category, click on the links below. Or, keep reading to see all 56 picks.
- Winter skin care routine seen on TODAY
- Winter skin care routine seen on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna
- More dermatologist-approved winter skin care products
- Winter skin care for your lips
- Winter skin care for your body
- Winter skin care for your face
- Winter skin care for your hands
- Winter skin care for your scalp
Winter skin care routine seen on TODAY
For your hands
If you've been washing your hands frequently (as you should!), Wattenberg has a few tips and tricks for preventing them from becoming dry and cracked. She suggests using a moisturizing cleanser and drying your hands with a paper towel rather than an air dryer, then following up with a cream-based moisturizer immediately after drying. While you're outside, wear gloves to keep your hands protected; if you're cleaning indoors, Wattenberg suggests also wearing gloves. Below are a few products she recommends to keep your hands moisturized this season.
Dove Deep Moisture Hand Wash
According to the brand, this hand wash is made with a gentle formulation of cleansers, as well as a combination of skin nutrients and moisturizers that help keep your hands soft and hydrated.
NatraCure Moisturizing Gel Gloves
Looking for an overnight solution? These gloves can be worn up to three times per week to help lock in moisture. The brand also says the gloves are enriched with jojoba oil, mineral oil and olive oil to help make your skin softer.
Aveeno Repairing CICA Hand Mask
Aveeno says this CICA mask, which "comes from the French word 'Cicatrisation,'" is formulated to provide intense nourishment to your hands and help balance your skin's natural barrier.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
This drugstore find has Wattenberg's approval. It's fragrance-free, gentle enough for daily use and, according to the brand, provides enough moisture to last 48 hours.
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
This concentrated hand cream is formulated with glycerin, which the brand says helps to protect the skin and lock in moisture.
For your skin
Dealing with breakouts? Masks and scarves can exacerbate acne, so Wattenberg recommends making a few adjustments to your skin care routine. During this time of year, cut back on products formulated with drying ingredients (such as retinol, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid) and add products to your routine that include hyaluronic acid and other hydrating agents. The skin cycling method — which involves alternating your products — is effective for this season.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
This cleanser can be used daily on sensitive skin to help remove makeup and dirt. Key ingredients include La Roche-Posay's Prebiotic Thermal Water, ceramide-3 and niacinamide, which work to leave skin feeling "hydrated," according to the brand.
Isdin Micellar Solution
Want a beauty product that does double duty during this time of year? This micellar water can be used in the morning as a cleanser and at night as a makeup remover, confirms the brand.
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
This hydrating serum can be used to treat a number of skin care concerns in addition to dryness, such as fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture, says the brand.
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For your lips
Since the skin on your lips is already thin and lacks oil glands, dry lips can be aggravated by the use of lipstick, toothpaste and mouthwash during this time of year. Here are some of Wattenberg's picks for combatting this issue.
Skinfix Barrier+ Lip Repair Balm
Formulated with coconut oil and jojoba oil, this treatment can help soothe dry lips and can even be used over lipstick, according to the brand.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Balm can be used on the face, body, hands and lips in order to treat dry skin, the brand says. It's suitable for sensitive skin and has even been pediatrician tested for use on babies as little as 2-weeks-old, according to the brand.
Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment
To treat cracked or dry lips, try this ointment. The convenient squeeze bottle makes it easy to apply and its smaller size means you can keep it on-hand at all times.
For your body
The best time to apply your moisturizer, according to Wattenberg? Right after you get out of the shower. Opt for moisturizers that contain ingredients like ammonium lactate or hyaluronic acid, and avoid those with fragrances.
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Formulated with 12% lactic acid, this lotion not only hydrates skin, but it gently exfoliates it, too. The brand says it has a non-greasy feel and can be used on the face, hands or body.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizing Body Cream
This cream is suitable for daily use and is formulated with skin-loving ingredients like shea butter and niacinamide.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream
Prefer a lighter feel? Try this gel cream that Wattenberg recommends. Since it is made with hyaluronic acid, the brand says it helps to hydrate the skin and allow it to retain moisture.
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For your hair
Many of us deal with a dry, itchy scalp during this time of year. Don't skip washing your hair, though. Wattenberg says your scalp can benefit from a "good wash" and recommends investing in a dandruff shampoo to help tackle this issue at hand (just leave it on for about five minutes before rinsing it out). Another tip? Avoid over-processing, coloring and heat styling your hair.
Nizoral AD Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This shampoo can be used up to twice per week to treat dandruff. According to the brand, it is safe to use on color-treated and chemically processed hair.
Selsun Blue Itchy Dry Scalp Shampoo
If you're looking for a daily solution, this shampoo from Selsun Blue can help keep things under control. It is made with ingredients such as selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc and salicylic acid, which help to keep dandruff at bay, the brand says.
Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This tried-and-true brand is another pick Wattenberg says can help prevent a dry, itchy scalp this winter. With regular use, the brand says it can help relieve itchiness, dryness and reduce visible dandruff flakes.
Winter skin care routine seen on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna
For your face and hair
Flower Beauty Petal Pout Lip Scrub
One skin care myth you might have been lead to believe? That your lips do not have any oil glands. Instead, Engelman says there are simply less oil glands on your lips than the rest of your body, which makes them more susceptible to dryness. She recommends using this lip scrub to remove dry skin and hydrate your lips during the colder months, since it is made with "nutrient-rich" oils.
Dove Beauty DermaCare Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
While your hat may help to keep you warm over the course of the next few months, Engelman says that hats and heat are "a recipe for increased dandruff." Opting for an anti-dandruff shampoo like this Dove pick can help to not only alleviate dandruff, but reduce symptoms of a dry, itchy scalp, too. Plus, Engelman says it has a mild, pH-balanced formula that is gentle on the hair.
Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Engelman also recommends this tried-and-true formula for treating dandruff. According to the brand, it can help provide relief from dryness, itch and flakes associated with dandruff.
Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel
While you may be bundling up with scarves, gloves and more to keep warm, your face will likely be exposed to the harsh winter winds and temperatures. To help lock moisture in, Engelman suggests switching to a thicker face product like this dry skin gel from Bio-Oil, which is made from oils and humectants that hydrate the skin (it can also be used on your lips and cuticles). Plus, since it is noncomedogenic, Engelman says it won't clog your pores.
For your body
Cetaphil Healing Ointment
If you've ever felt like the skin on your elbows or knees "belong on a lizard and not your body," Engelman says you should try this ointment. It is fragrance-free and formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E and petrolatum that can help soothe and heal dry skin.
Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
You're likely familiar with retinol's anti-aging benefits for your face, but how about the benefits it has on your body? Engelman suggests using this overnight lotion to treat "crepey" or sagging skin all over. It is made with an exfoliating retinol peptide complex that Engelman says supports the skin's renewal process.
Good Juju Moisturizing Shave Bar
The key to preventing your skin from getting dry? Taking shorter showers, according to Engelman. To help cut down on an often time-consuming part of your shower routine, she suggests using this shave bar, which is made with ingredients such as jojoba seed oil and snow mushroom extract, that both moisturize the skin and help reduce redness and irritation.
More dermatologist-approved winter skin care products
TODAY tapped board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry earlier this year to share some tips, tricks and products for combating dry skin this winter. From shampoo to a foot peel, these picks can help keep you moisturized from head to toe.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Henry recommends using a cream-based moisturizer for cleansing both your body and face during the winter. When choosing a cleanser, she suggests picking products that are fragrance free and gentle for the skin. This cleanser from CeraVe is a gentle cleansing lotion that is packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
Another cleanser that Henry recommends is this face wash from La Roche-Posay, which is suitable for normal to dry sensitive skin. It's infused with prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3 and glycerin and can even be used to remove face and eye makeup.
Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash
When it comes to your body, a moisturizing wash like this one from Dove can do the trick. Henry says she also likes the bar version for dry skin.
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Henry says focusing on building your skin barrier with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane and glycerin is also key during this time of year. She loves this serum from L'Oreal, which features a high concentration of hyaluronic acid but won't break the bank.
Clinique Moisture Surge
This is another hyaluronic acid-packed pick that Henry recommends. It is also formulated with aloe and, according to the brand, provides 100 hours of hydration.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream
If you prefer fragrance-free moisturizers, this cream from Kiehl's is rich and also safe for sensitive skin. It's formulated with squalane, glacial glycoprotein and glycerin to help hydrate skin.
Canopy Humidifier
If you want overnight hydration, Henry says a humidifier can help. When you keep the humidity at an ideal level (about 40-60%), the humidifier can also help protect and restore your skin. She loves this model from Canopy since it can fit right on your nightstand and uses a special technology to prevent it from spreading allergy-triggering particles. You can also add essential oils to the mix for an aromatherapy effect.
Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Pure Enrichment's humidifier is another model Henry recommends for its ultrasonic capabilities. It's a bestseller that can run for up to 25 hours at a time.
Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer
When it comes to your post-shower routine, there's one thing you might not be doing — applying your moisturizer while your skin is still wet. Henry says applying your moisturizer while your skin is still damp will help prevent it from drying out, since it will seal moisture into skin. Curel's moisturizer is designed to be applied to wet skin and lock in moisture.
Cantu Pure Cocoa Butter Hydrating Raw Blend
Cantu is another brand that Henry recommends when it comes to moisturizers, since their lotions are packed with moisture-enhancing ingredients such as shea butter and mango butter.
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La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+
La Roche-Posay's Lipikar Balm is formulated with prebiotoics that promote the skin's microbiome, which Henry says makes it "great for eczema-prone skin." Other standout ingredients include shea butter, glycerin and niacinamide.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
For deeper hydration, Henry recommends layering your moisturizer with an ointment like Aquaphor. It can also be used to hydrate chapped lips.
Burt's Bees Moisturizing Lip Balm
When it comes to your pout, Henry says you should always carry a lip balm with you. "Lips do not have oil glands and are very susceptible to dehydration," she said. Lip balms are often affordable and provide relief and hydration to parched lips almost instantly. Investing in lip scrubs and lip masks can also help get rid of dry skin.
Baby Foot Original Exfoliation Foot Peel
Just because you're tucking your feet away into boots and sneakers around this time of year doesn't mean you should forget about them. Your feet can become dry and crack when it gets cold out, and Henry says exfoliating often and using an effective moisturizer can only go so far to help. She loves foot peels, since they help slough off layers of dry, dead skin and leave you with feet that are "baby-soft."
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish Exfoliator
Just like with your feet, exfoliating can help remove dead and dry skin on your body, as well as remove product residue like thick creams and lotions. Henry loves this brown sugar scrub from Fresh since it helps to exfoliate without damaging the skin and is made with jojoba oil.
Buf-Puf
Henry used the Buf-Puf as a young girl and says it remains a favorite to this day. You can use it up to twice a day while you shower.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Don't leave your locks out of the picture! The right products can help protect your hair from breakage as a result of dry winter air. Henry loves using Olaplex No. 3 as a pre-shampoo treatment during the winter.
Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
After shampooing, Henry loves using Olaplex No. 5 as a conditioner. It helps to repair hair and add some shine.
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Lush Retread Conditioner
While they're known for their bath bombs, Lush also makes a great conditioner, according to Henry.
Moroccanoil Pure Argan Oil
Oils can also help your hair beat winter woes. Moroccanoil's argan oil is one Henry recommends.
Winter skin care for your lips
Soap & Glory Treat My Lips Sugar Melting Exfoliating Balm
Just like facial skin, the skin on your lips needs regular exfoliation to stay smooth, especially during the cooler months. "I tell my clients to exfoliate their lips two to three times a week and apply a lip balm constantly," celebrity aesthetician and dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar explained.
The skin care pro likes that it contains hydrating shea butter, vitamin E and a fine sugar crystal that dissolves into a lip balm as it exfoliates.
It Cosmetics Je Ne Sais Quoi Hydrating Lip Balm Treatment
Lips often get dry and chapped in the winter months — and for a good reason. "Our lips naturally do not have sebaceous (oil) glands, so unlike most skin on the rest of the body, they can't produce the protective oils to keep themselves moisturized," Dr. Tiffany Libby told Shop TODAY.
The New York-based dermatologist swears by this lip balm that is formulated with shea butter, hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil. She also said it keeps her pucker hydrated for hours on end.
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
Wind and indoor heating can dry out your lips a lot, so we tend to primarily focus on moisturizing our lips in winter. However, protecting them against the sun year-round is just as important! "Lips experience the same ultraviolet damage as the surrounding face. UV damaged lips over time look smaller, less well defined and scaly, and can be prone to skin cancer," Dr. Robert Anolik, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, said.
The dermatologist suggests looking for a lip balm with sunscreen like this fragrant one from Sun Bum. "It offers sun protection and the soothing benefits of coconut," he said.
Winter skin care for your body
Now Solutions Grapeseed Oil
Who doesn’t love a hot shower when it’s cold? Sadly, scalding hot water isn't great for your skin and can dry it out in a jiffy. "Stripping the skin of its natural moisture barrier can lead to uncomfortable dry itchy skin," Aguilar said.
If you simply can't give up warm (not scalding!) water, Aguilar says creating an artificial barrier for your skin can help. "Lather this grapeseed oil all over your body prior to jumping in the shower. Avoid applying it to your feet to prevent a slippery surface. Then follow with a hydrating body wash such as a creamy or oil cleanser," she said.
Cetaphil Intensive Healing Lotion
Libby says the key to hydrated skin is ceramides, and this lotion has plenty of them. "Ceramides are the natural lipids that help our skin barrier stay intact and healthy and allow it to hold onto moisture," she said. "This is my favorite wintertime body product."
The affordable lotion offers intensive hydration to dry skin with the help of ceramides and powerful humectants like glycerin and vitamins B5 and E. "It absorbs quickly into the skin and instantly leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated," the dermatologist raved.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Dry skin requires regular attention but reapplying lotion isn't always practical. Luckily, this moisturizer provides 24-hour hydration and a gentle, non-irritating formula. "This cream not only hydrates but also restores the skin barrier with hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides," Dr. Sejal Shah of New York City's SmarterSkin Dermatology told us.
The best part? It's perfect for both the face and body. "While I do love it for the body, it is noncomedogenic and oil-free so it can even be used on the face," Shah said.
Winter skin care for your face
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Adjusting your face wash when the temperature drops isn't a bad idea, especially because winter skin is a lot more sensitive. "Winter is a season to switch to gentler, more hydrating cleansers to avoid stripping away natural oils that are essential for your skin’s health," Libby said.
She often recommends Cetaphil's Gentle Cleanser as a daily cleanser and suggests cutting back on harsher exfoliating options during the drier winter months. "This gentle, soap-free cleanser was developed specifically for sensitive skin types and hydrates skin as it cleanses," she said.
Avène Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum
Cold, dry air and indoor heat tend to sap skin of essential moisture but adding a hydrating nightly serum into your routine can make a big difference. Avène's Rehydrating Serum lends skin 24-hour hydration and targets skin cells to lock in moisture.
"This intensely hydrating serum contains a lipid trio that helps restore the skin barrier and prevent future water loss," Shah said.
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Winter skin care for your hands
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
While regularly washing your hands during a pandemic is a good thing, it can still do a number on your skin. Anolik recommends opting for an ointment-style cream. "This hydrating cream from Neutrogena feels like an ointment, but is also light enough to rub in before heading out for the day without leaving your hands feeling greasy," he said.
The moisturizing lotion works its magic with the help of glycerin and tackles dry, rough skin with ease. The 2-ounce tube might seem small, but a little dab goes a long way, and the results last quite a while.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment For Dry & Cracked Skin
There's dry skin and then there's really dry, cracked skin — and the latter is pretty common in winter. Aquaphor's healing ointment is designed for sensitive skin and is formulated with 41% petrolatum, which helps to gently heal cracks and dry spots. It's free of fragrances, preservatives and dyes and can be used on multiple areas, including hands, feet and lips.
"It's a thicker product that's well-suited for dry hands, especially in the evening, and enriched with soothing lanolin for further hydration," Anolik said.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
“Not surprisingly, exposed areas are the hardest hit in winter, which when compounded by the wash/dry cycle of hand washing, means hands get wrecked in winter,” Dr. Bobby Buka, co-founder of The Dermatology Specialists, which is based in New York City.
The dermatologist swears by this intensely hydrating cream from First Aid Beauty that can be used on both the face and body. This rich moisturizer offers long-lasting hydration with the help of shea butter and soothes tired skin with the help of colloidal oatmeal and allantoin.
Winter skin care for your scalp
R+Co Crown Scalp Scrub
You might not think your scalp needs exfoliation, but it does, especially when dandruff and dry skin build up in the winter. This vegan scalp scrub tackles buildup and oil with ease and leaves hair feeling clear and nourished.
"It's packed with salicylic acid and assists in the breakdown of dry scales on the scalp," Anolik said. Other star ingredients include exfoliating Ecuadorian Ivory Palm Seed Powder and mineral-rich kaolin clay.
