9 Must-Have Winter Skin Care Products For 2020-21

While we’re huge fans of the holiday season, the festive time of year is not without its downsides. The cold weather that comes with winter can bring about a whole new set of skin care concerns. One of the most common is dry skin. Cold winter air lacks moisture, and that can lead to your skin feeling drier than usual during this spirited time of year. Pair the dry outside air with even drier indoor air (thanks to indoor heating), and your skin may feel completely parched. Luckily, all you need to do is have a few skin care products handy to keep your visage hydrated. Follow along as we share the nine best products for your winter skin care routine.

WINTER SKIN CARE PRODUCT #1: CHARCOAL MASK

It’s not news that dullness is a side effect of dry skin. Harsh environmental factors like pollution and UV rays can damage skin, leaving your complexion looking dull and tired. One of the best ways to help draw out the buildup of impurities is to use a clarifying face mask. Look for one that’s formulated with charcoal, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox and Brighten Face Mask, which can help reduce the appearance of dull skin and even out skin tone. Immediately, your face looks brighter and has a radiant glow. Apply an even layer onto clean, dry skin, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use three times a week for best results.

Editor’s note: Speaking of masks, learn about 9 Face Mask Hacks That’ll Make Your Skin Care Routine More Fun.

WINTER SKIN CARE PRODUCT #2: MOISTURIZER FORMULATED WITH HYALURONIC ACID

Moisturizer is a crucial step in any skin care routine, no matter what time of year it is. That said, winter is the perfect time to up your hydration game by switching to an offering formulated for extra dry skin. When your visage becomes extra dry, it has a very fragile moisture barrier that can be easily damaged. Your face consequently loses its ability to retain moisture, becoming easily dehydrated with a tight and uncomfortable feel. This is where the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin can pick up the slack. This option is formulated with aloe vera water and hyaluronic acid for a face cream that provides moisture that goes the distance.

WINTER SKIN CARE PRODUCT #3: FACE SERUM

Another fabulous way to provide your skin with moisture is to rely on a face serum. This beauty staple is a lightweight moisturizer that can tackle various skin care concerns with ease. Since winter and dry skin go hand-in-hand, you may want to up the ante with a serum that’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. This formula helps to immediately replenish skin with hydration for visibly plumped and youthful-looking skin. Not to mention, it can minimize the appearance of wrinkles in just two weeks. Smooth two to three drops onto your face and neck morning and night.

WINTER SKIN CARE PRODUCT #4: FACE SCRUB

It might seem counterintuitive to use a face scrub on your dry winter skin, but gentle exfoliation will buff away dull, dead skin cells. It will also allow your moisturizer to work more effectively. Use an offering that’s gentle and nourishing, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub. This pick is formulated with three types of sugar, finely crushed cocoa, luxurious coconut oil, and rich cocoa butter. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the surface of skin and gently polishes away the appearance of dullness. Smooth a small amount of the product with dry fingers onto clean, dry skin. Massage it all over your face with wet fingers, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Bonus: You can also use this face scrub on your lips!

Editor’s note: If you’re down to upgrade your makeup routine with a little lip exfoliation, we have all the answers. Visit our article, How To Use a Lip Scrub To Exfoliate Your Pout, for easier lipstick application.

WINTER SKIN CARE PRODUCT #5: CICA CREAM

If you’ve been thinking about adding an anti-aging product or two to your regimen, a cica cream won’t disappoint. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Cicacream Face Moisturizer Pro Retinol & Centella Asiatica is a lightweight, protective cream formulated with Pro Retinol and centella asiatica. It works to strengthen and repair the skin barrier while leaving you with a softer, smoother, more supple visage. This moisturizer also goes the extra mile to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. Every morning and night, smooth the cream over your entire face until fully absorbed.

WINTER SKIN CARE PRODUCT #6: A NOURISHING ALL-OVER BALM

As we mentioned, keeping a healthy-looking complexion during the wintertime is all about hydration. Using an oil-infused, all-over balm, like the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey All Over Balm - Face, Neck, Chest and Hands can suit your needs. This offering contains manuka honey extract and nurturing oils that wraps skin in soothing moisture for a youthful glow. As the name suggests, this balm can be used to keep your neck, chest, and hands hydrated. Now that’s what we call a win-win. Smooth an even layer onto clean, dry skin in the morning and evening.

WINTER SKIN CARE PRODUCT #7: MOISTURIZING SELF-TANNER

There’s no rule saying that you can’t rock golden color in the dead of winter. Keeping a subtle, bronzed-glow all year round comes down to adding a self-tanner to your routine. Even better, using self-tanner can also be another way to keep your skin moisturized. Find a formula that provides hydration and buildable color, like the L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk Medium.

Follow these steps for using any self-tanner:

Step 1: Prep. Cleanse and exfoliate skin.

Step 2: Apply. Smooth a light-layer of self-tanner lotion onto clean skin. Use sparingly around your ankles, knees, and elbows.

Step 3: Clean up. Wash your hands thoroughly after use to prevent the self-tanner from transferring onto your clothes.

Step 4: Wait. Let your skin dry before putting on clothes.

Step 5: Repeat. Use daily until you reach your desired level of tan. Apply it one to two times a week to help maintain your color.

WINTER SKIN CARE PRODUCT #8: MOISTURIZER WITH SPF

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should skimp on sun protection. You should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day—even when it’s cloudy out. If you prefer to cut down on the steps in your routine, look for a moisturizer formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30.

Of course, wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen (or moisturizer with SPF) every day shouldn’t be your only line of defense. Additionally, you should limit your amount of time in the sun (especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which are the sun’s peak hours) and seek shade. It’s also smart to cover up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Editor’s note: If you’re hitting the slopes this winter, you’ll need to revamp your skin care routine. Here’s The Ultimate Skin Care Routine For Your Next Ski Trip—and yes, it does include sun protection.

WINTER SKIN CARE PRODUCT #9: NIGHT CREAM

While moisturizers are always a must, there’s another formula that should be a permanent fixture in your routine—night creams. They work wonders to boost your skin with moisture as you get beauty sleep. Since you don't have to worry about finding a moisturizer that absorbs quickly and doesn't leave behind shine, you're free to load up on moisture at night. The L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Night Balm is a luxurious, hydrating balm moisturizer that melts onto skin for lasting non-greasy, non-sticky hydration. Every evening, after cleansing, apply the balm to your skin before going to bed.

Next: Upgrade your winter skin routine even further with the help of a humidifier. Click over to your article, How Using a Humidifier Can Benefit Your Skin, for the details.