13 Serums, Creams And Masks That Will Save Your Skin This Winter
The skin barrier has been a huge focus in the skincare world over the past few years, and for good reason—keeping it in tip-top shape is the cornerstone of a radiant complexion.
The outermost layer of your skin is like a brick wall, where cells are held together by lipids. Its job is to seal in moisture and keeps bacteria, allergens and irritants out. When the mortar between those bricks weakens (because of, say, exposure to harsh weather, fragrance, over-exfoliation or even stress), the bad stuff can seep in, leading to dry skin, increased sensitivity, redness, itching and burning, as well as a lacklustre complexion.
The quickest way to stronger skin? Restoring those essential mortar-like lipids with gentle ingredients that soothe, repair and strengthen, like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane. Scroll on for our favourite reparative skincare products to get you through winter.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Pillow Pads, $55 for 60 pads
These genius hydrating pads are soaked in an essence formulated with ceramides, squalane and soothing colloidal oatmeal. Apply them before your moisturizer to dial up your hydration levels in one swipe.
Vichy Minéral 89 100H Moisture Boosting Rich Fragrance-Free Cream, $48
Packed with the brand’s signature mineral-rich thermal water, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this moisturizer locks in hydration for up to 100 hours.
CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion, $27
This winter-friendly take on the brand’s beloved moisturizing cream contains the original formula’s ultra-effective blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and petrolatum to hydrate and protect, as well as shea butter and five percent urea for even more hydration.
Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser, $41
This gel-to-foam cleanser contains ceramides and ectoin, a molecule that forms a protective shield on the skin and prevents essential lipids from getting washed away with your makeup at the end of the day.
Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue, $94
Whether you’re feeling the effects of too much retinol or too-little moisture, this rich overnight treatment helps build a stronger barrier while you sleep thanks to a blend of squalane and ectoin. The cocoon-like texture is ideal for the cold winter months and the formula can be used every day.
Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash, $26
Every shower routine can benefit from an oil-based body wash. This one is formulated with a blend of oils, squalane and glycerin and suds up into a silky foam.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream-Infused Mask, $22
Need to hit reset? This sheet mask is soaked in an ultra-soothing cream treatment that penetrates deep into the skin. It’s so gentle that it can be used on even the most irritated spots without causing further damage.
Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream, $104
Formulated with cica and barrier-strenghtening ceramides, this restorative formula is a cold weather staple. It soothes red, irritated skin instantly and helps build tolerance over time.
Omy Lab Hydrating Body Cream, $30
The newest addition to Quebec-based Omy Lab's bodycare line, this deeply hydrating cocktail of hyaluronic acid, shea butter and ceramides restores and strengthens skin.
Rhode Barrier Butter, $55
This rich cream from Hailey Bieber's skincare brand is all about sealing in moisture. The thick, balm-like consistency forms a protective barrier on the skin to increase the repairing benefits of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and murumuru butter.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Ultra Repair Serum, $59
Inspired by La Roche-Posay’s beloved Cicaplast balm, this deeply repairing serum’s star ingredient is vitamin B5, which attracts and holds moisture to promote a healthy skin barrier.
Avène Tolérance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream, $44
Formulated for reactive and sensitive skin types, this soothing cream is manufactured in sterile conditions to avoid contact with any potential irritants. It contains D-Sensinose, an ingredient that blocks sensory neurons to relieve tingling, itching and discomfort while it works to repair a damaged skin barrier.
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Andréanne Dion is the senior editor, style, beauty and travel at Chatelaine. She is also a contributing editor at FASHION and Hello! Canada.
