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How Do I Choose the Best Face Cream for Winter?

Amber Eberle
Amber Eberle

During the winter months, many places experience cold weather that can affect the look and feel of the skin on the face. To protect and moisturize skin, the light products used during warmer months should usually be swapped for a richer, thicker facial cream. The best face cream for winter should keep skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and flaky. When choosing a facial product for cold weather, skin type should be considered. Sun protection is also important, even in the winter time, and any face cream purchased should have some form of sunscreen.

Skin type typically plays an important role in choosing a face cream for winter. Oily or normal skin has different care requirements than dry skin, and the kind of cream selected should work well with the skin's specific needs. For instance, dry skin is usually affected by drops in temperature before other skin types. Therefore, this kind of skin typically requires a deeply moisturizing face cream for winter, in order to prevent the skin from becoming dry and flaky.

A face cream for winter.
A face cream for winter.

Normal skin generally does not tend to be as impacted by winter weather as dry skin does, but this type does require regular moisturizing when the air is cold. The best face cream for winter use, for this skin type, is one that is slightly thicker and more nourishing than that which is used during the rest of the year. Oily skin can also experience dry patches during winter weather, and a light yet hydrating face cream should be used on a regular basis to avoid this.

Face cream for winter should keep skin hydrated.
Face cream for winter should keep skin hydrated.

The sun can be damaging to the skin even in the winter months when the temperatures are low. The best face creams contain a sunscreen, which protects the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays. A cream with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 should be selected, but a higher SPF will provide even more protection. Many face creams that are thick and rich enough for winter also offer sun protection.

A good hydrating lotion or cream should prevent skin from becoming flaky or irritated during the winter months.
A good hydrating lotion or cream should prevent skin from becoming flaky or irritated during the winter months.

A variety of nourishing face creams that contain beneficial ingredients can be purchased. These include formulas that are designed to combat fine lines and wrinkles, as well as gentle creams for sensitive skin. The best winter face cream is one that addresses the skin's needs while fitting in with the user's current skin care routine.

Discussion Comments

burcidi

Has anyone tried vitamin E face cream? It's supposed to be very good. I think it's just face cream with vitamin E oil.

I use vitamin E oil at home to fade blemishes and scars. I never thought about using it as a winter face moisturizer though. Vitamin E oil is kind of sticky but this must not be an issue with vitamin E cream.

The other cream I want to try is cream with coconut oil. Coconut oil is another great natural moisturizer. It's good for hair and skin.

bear78

I have very dry skin, so in winter, I basically use the thickest, most moisturizing face cream I can find. Since the past few years, I've been using an organic shea butter face cream which works great. Shea butter also helps prevent wrinkles.

SarahGen

I have oily skin. Despite this, my face does become dry and irritated in winter, especially when I have to be outside in the cold a lot. I can't use oily, heavy face creams because my skin is also acne prone. I will break out if I use the wrong face cream. I generally use water based, gel moisturizers throughout the year. In winter, I make sure that my face moisturizer also has glycerin.

Glycerin is a great ingredient that creates a barrier on skin and prevents skin from drying out. It's perfect for winter, but the skin needs to be hydrated first. So what I do is that I apply a gel moisturizer first and then follow up with a glycerin moisturizer to lock in moisture. Since I've started doing this, my skin stays hydrated, soft and supple in winter.

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    • A face cream for winter.
      By: picsfive
      A face cream for winter.
    • Face cream for winter should keep skin hydrated.
      By: goodluz
      Face cream for winter should keep skin hydrated.
    • A good hydrating lotion or cream should prevent skin from becoming flaky or irritated during the winter months.
      By: Africa Studio
      A good hydrating lotion or cream should prevent skin from becoming flaky or irritated during the winter months.
    • All skin care creams should be selected based on skin type, whether it's dry, normal, or oily.
      By: gosphotodesign
      All skin care creams should be selected based on skin type, whether it's dry, normal, or oily.
    • Fireplaces and other types of heating systems can further dry skin during the winter.
      By: nyul
      Fireplaces and other types of heating systems can further dry skin during the winter.
    • Skin type plays a role in the best face cream for winter.
      By: Alliance
      Skin type plays a role in the best face cream for winter.
    • Some face creams are designed to reduce the irritation caused by shaving.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      Some face creams are designed to reduce the irritation caused by shaving.