Dermatologists Reveal Their Favorite Moisturizers for Every Skin Concern
With colder weather setting in, we thought we’d connect with several top dermatologists and ask what hydrators they’re stocking. Whether you’re fighting flakes or trying to balance an oily skin type, you’ll find a formula to reignite that glow.
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Normal Skin
“Right now, I am obsessed with Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 ($125; skinceuticals.com). On normal or dry skin, it improves the skin barrier and gives it that extra boost of hydration it needs. A dime-size dab gives my entire face a soft, slightly plumper surface. I’ll even put a little on my brow bones for a highlighted effect.”—Annie Chiu, L.A.-based dermatologist
Dry Skin
“Since I still use my retinoid anti-wrinkle cream every night, my skin can get extremely dry in the winter. So I use Cetaphil RestoraDerm ($17; drugstore.com). It’s a body moisturizer, but I use it on my face! It's made with ceramides and filaggrin; filagrin is a skin protein that’s impaired in people who have eczema. Using this cream helps prevent my skin from over drying and doesn't clog pores.”—Anthony Rossi, N.Y.C.-based dermatologist
Mature Skin
“My favorite night cream right now is Dr. Brandt's DNA night cream ($135; sephora.com). It contains moisture-trapping ceramides, plus plankton extract, which neutralizes free radicals. This concoction stimulates circulation and cell turnover, so my skin looks brighter in the morning and feels healthier. I first use a serum and then layer this rich cream on top. I also make sure to coat my entire neck."—Dr. Whitney Bowe, Westchester, N.Y.-based dermatologist
Sensitive Skin
“Cetaphil moisturizing cream ($16; ulta.com) has been a longtime favorite of mine, especially during the colder months. It's fragrance free. The formula is rich, yet absorbs easily and is not greasy. It contains sweet almond oil to hydrate skin and the moisturizing effect lasts all day.”—Rosemarie Ingleton, N.Y.C.-based dermatologist
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Oily Skin
“SkinMedica's new HA5 formula (Ha5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $178; skinmedica.com) contains a combination of grape flower stem cells, hyaluronic acid and peptides in light feeling lotion. It is a great layering product that provides anti-aging and anti-inflammatory ingredients plus hyaluronic acid, which acts like a sponge to hold in moisture. Unlike many other versions of hyaluronic acid, this proprietary version also stimulates your body’s own production of more hyaluronic acid. The cream hydrates but leaves a dry silky feel. I apply this before sunscreen in the morning You can also apply it before using a retinoid at night to reduce irritancy."—Heidi Waldorf, N.Y.C.-based dermatologist
Combination Skin
“I love Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream ($7; target.com). It’s great for combination skin. The gel is moisturizing but not too oily. I find that in the winter it works well around the mouth and chin area, which can often get chapped. You can easily apply foundation and sunscreen on top without feeling like you are wearing too much.”—Kavita Mariwalla, Long Island, N.Y.-based dermatologist
Winter-Worn Skin
“My new favorite winter moisturizer is Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil ($46; sephora.com), made with camellia oil. It saves my skin when I go skiing. It's lightweight and feels soft, not greasy. You can try adding a drop to your regular moisturizer or, if you have very dry skin, use it straight from the bottle.”—Jessica Wu, L.A.-based dermatologist.
