We adore wintertime for cozying up next to the fire, sipping on warm cups of cocoa and watching the never-ending stream of Hallmark holiday movies. The dry, itchy skin that accompanies the season, however, not so much. Which is why we rounded up 12 of the best winter moisturizers—from hydrating shampoos and soothing scalp treatments to nourishing foot and hand creams—so that you and your skin can get through the cold weather unscathed.
12 Head-to-Toe Winter Moisturizers to Hydrate Dry, Thirsty Skin
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Scalp
1. a Balancing Shampoo
Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Shampoo
Think of this as the bougie gal’s version of dandruff shampoo. Packed with hair-healthy ingredients (i.e. biotin, salicylic acid and caffeine), this luxurious shampoo exfoliates your dry, irritated scalp, while rejuvenating your follicles, leaving you with happy, hydrated tresses.
2. a Nourishing Treatment
Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment
The next step to keeping a flakey, itchy scalp at bay? A soothing, moisture-packed treatment. We love this pre-shampoo serum from Moroccanoil because it gently exfoliates the scalp using salicylic acid, while argan and geranium oil boost moisture and repair the skin barrier.
3. a Repairing Face Cream
First Aid Ultra Repair Cream
If you’re trying to keep your complexion free of dry patches this winter, moisturizing with a regular lotion simply won’t cut it. Instead, turn to this ultra-rich cream that is clinically proven to quench thirsty, sensitized skin. With colloidal oatmeal, ceramides and glycerin, it provides immediate relief for your parched skin, while also protecting it from environmental damage.
4. a Spf That Doubles As Moisturizer
Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50
Although your cold weather plans may not involve any poolside parties or days spent lounging around in the sun, SPF is still a must. Give your skin an extra boost of hydration and UV protection with this moisturizer-sunscreen hybrid that packs a healthy dose of antioxidants, shea butter and niacinamide—all on top of broad spectrum SPF 50.
5. a Hydrating Lip Balm
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
When outside temps begin to take a nosedive and your lips are cracked and peeling as a result, smooth on this nourishing combo of shea butter and murumuru seed oil to seal in the hydration. It may be called Summer Fridays, but we promise this lip balm is a year-round must-have.
6. a Lip Mask Packed With Vitamins And Antioxidants
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Infused with antioxidants like vitamin C and loaded with Laneige’s special moisture wrap technology, this lip mask will keep your pout smooth, supple and extra-hydrated all winter long. Simply slather it on before bed each night and wake up with softer lips come morning.
7. an Exfoliating Scrub
Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub
Although scrubbing dry limbs may not sound like the most appealing part of your skincare regimen, exfoliating is an essential part of keeping flaky skin at bay. We suggest trying Ouai's Scalp and Body Scrub, which is wonderful at sloughing away dead skin cells without being too abrasive. The combination of probiotic-packed sugar crystals and moisturizing coconut oil is even gentle enough to use on your scalp.
8. an All-over Hydrating Lotion
Necessaire The Body Lotion
It goes without saying that a good body lotion is an absolute must for making it through colder months. Necessaire’s cult-favorite lotion is one of our faves and it comes packed with niacinamide, vitamins A, C and E, omegas 6 and 9, plus a luxurious blend of marula and meadowfoam oil. The formula is also fragrance-free, non-irritating, pH-balanced, making it an ideal choice for sensitive, weather-worn skin.
9. a Heavy-duty Moisturizer For Dry Elbows And Knees
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
Take our advice and do NOT forget about giving your knees and elbows some extra TLC this winter. The all-natural formula features rosemary, sunflower seed and sweet almond oil and has a thicker consistency that’s perfect for those drier areas (i.e., knuckles and knees) that are prone to cracking and irritation.
10. a Luscious Hand Cream
54 Thrones Butter
From texting and typing out emails to cooking up your favorite holiday snacks, your hands put in a lot of work throughout the day. Keep them happy and hydrated with moisturizing ingredients such as squalene, grape seed oil and two different types of shea butter.
11. a Multi-purpose Balm
Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm
When it comes to peeling, cracked, and in worst case scenarios, bloody cuticles, using any old lotion or oil simply won’t cut it. Your nail beds need a heavy-duty balm with healing properties. This one from Lanolips always gets the job done, softening rough skin and sealing in moisture wherever you apply it. Use it on cuticles, heels or dry lips for protection against the elements.
12. a Luxurious Foot Cream
L’Occitane Foot Cream
Formulated with arnica, which is known for its skin healing properties, plus shea butter, lavender essential oils, coconut oil and honey, this is the cream your sore feet and cracked heels are in desperate need of. Not only does it deeply hydrate and nourish your skin, it does it without leaving a sticky, slippery residue behind.