Just as you put away shorts and swimsuits to prepare for sweater weather, your skin also deserves a little preparation in time for the winter. Plunging temperatures and elements like harsh winds and dry air can leave your skin dryer than usual, parched and in need of extra hydration. But not all moisturizers will work on all skin types.
The worst overall moisturizers for ALL skin types contain harsh ingredients like drying alcohols or fragrances that can cause sensitive skin to become irritated. But the worst moisturizer for YOU is the one that does not suit your skin type and is therefore going to only cause more damage than it’s worth. If, for example, you are using a moisturizer that is heavy and contains many oils on already oily skin, you could cause breakouts. If your skin is naturally dry and you use a formula that’s too thin, like most gel-based moisturizers, you won’t give it the moisture it needs and you may still see signs of dryness like peeling skin.
You need a moisturizer that appeals to your individual skin needs. According to one dermatologist, these are the best anti-aging moisturizers for skin over 40 this winter.
For Dry Skin: Cetaphil DAM Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion
If you have dry skin, some of the ingredients that Dermatologist Dr. Aanchal recommends incorporating into your routine include shea butter, cocoa butter, glycerin, ceramides, and oils. One product she recommends for both dry and sensitive skin is Cetaphil DAM Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion. This moisturizer contains nine hydrating ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E and vitamin B3. It’s also free of fragrances and helps defend against five signs of skin sensitivity, including dryness and redness. Dr. Aanchal recommends applying all moisturizers to damp skin.
For Oily Skin: Dot & Key Cica Calming Skin Renewing Night Gel
Oily skin benefits from ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, zinc PCA, allantoin, and pantothenol, according to Dr. Aanchal. Dot & Key Cica Calming Skin Renewing Night Gel is one of her top picks for oily skin because it’s a lightweight gel moisturizer with cica to treat acne, and calming, soothing moisturizing ingredients such as niacinamide, green tea, and hyaluronic acid.
3. For Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost
A moisturizer for acne-prone skin needs to be lightweight and contain ingredients that can sooth dry skin that also breaks out easily. Neutrogena Hydro Boost is one of Dr. Aanchal’s choices. This water-based gel moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and it’s completely oil-free and non-comedogenic, so the formula won’t clog pores.
4. For Sensitive Skin: Formula RX Barrier Relief Lightweight Moisturizer
Sensitive skin can become easily irritated and it can feel like so many moisturizers work against your skin, leaving it red, itchy, and dry. Dr. Aanchal picks Formula RX Barrier Relief Lightweight Moisturizer as an example of a great moisturizer for sensitive skin. It contains soothing colloidal oat and allantoin, hyaluronic acid, a ceramide complex, and niacinamide. It’s vegan, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.
