In short: a good moisturizer for dry skin in winter combines three kinds of ingredients: ones that draw water into the skin, ones that soften it, and ones that help hold that water in. Choose a richer cream than you use in summer, apply it to slightly damp skin straight after cleansing, and add a balm on very dry patches.
Keep washing water lukewarm and keep using sunscreen. This guide explains how to choose a moisturizer for dry skin and which Repêchage options suit which need.
Why skin gets drier in winter
In winter the air holds less moisture, and heaters and hot showers dry it further. Skin loses water to the air more easily, and the outer layer can feel tight, rough or flaky. In much of north India, the drop in humidity between October and February is easy to feel on the face, hands and heels.
Repêchage Hydra Dew Pure Facial Moisturizer
Dry or dehydrated?
- Dry skin makes less oil. It tends to feel tight and rough all year, and it often looks flaky in winter.
- Dehydrated skin lacks water. Any skin type can be dehydrated, including oily skin, and it often shows as dullness and fine, crisscross lines that come and go.
Many people are both in winter. A good winter routine adds water back with a mist or serum, then uses a moisturizer to soften the skin and help keep that water in.
What to look for in a moisturizer for dry skin
- Humectants such as hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin and sodium PCA draw water into the outer layer of the skin.
- Emollients such as squalane and plant oils soften rough skin and help it feel smooth.
- Richer textures such as creams and balms help reduce water loss from the surface, which matters most in dry air.
- Few irritants. If your skin is dry and sensitive, a fragrance-free formula is a sensible choice.
Cream, lotion or balm?
| Texture | Best for |
|---|---|
| Light cream or lotion | Normal or combination skin in winter, and dry skin in the day under makeup |
| Richer cream | Dry skin, mornings and nights through winter |
| Balm | Very dry patches such as cheeks, around the nose, elbows, hands and heels, or as an overnight layer |
Repêchage moisturizers for dry skin
- Dry, compromised skin:Hydra Dew Pure Facial Moisturizer is a fragrance-free daily cream with mastic oil, Laminaria digitata seaweed, aloe vera, camellia seed oil and squalane. Use it morning and night, on its own or over a serum. At night you can switch to the Hydra Dew Pure Night Cream, with sodium hyaluronate and camellia japonica seed oil.
- Very dry patches:Hydra Dew Pure Elixir Balm is a rich balm for extra dry areas on the face, neck, elbows, knees and feet. Massage a small amount in wherever needed.
- Dry skin that wants a lighter feel:Hydro-Complex PFS Cream for Dry Skin is a whipped cream built on Repêchage's seaweed filtrate, made to absorb quickly without a heavy feel. It can be layered over C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate.
- Dry, mature skin:Vita Cura Triple Firming Cream is a rich daily cream for mature, dry skin, used on the face and throat twice a day.
- Dry and sensitive skin:Hydra 4 Day Protection Cream for Sensitive Skin is a lightweight, non-greasy cream with seaweed extracts and olive oil.
Browse them together in the Dry and Dehydrated Skin collection.
Repêchage Hydra Dew Pure Night Cream
How to apply moisturizer in winter
- Cleanse with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser that does not leave skin tight, such as Hydra Dew Pure Gentle Foaming Cleanser.
- Mist with a hydrating spray such as Algo Mist, so the skin is slightly damp.
- Apply your serum, if you use one.
- Apply the moisturizer within a minute or two, while the skin is still slightly damp, with upward and outward strokes on the face and downward strokes on the neck.
- In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Winter sun still causes tanning and dark spots.
Winter habits that help dry skin
- Keep showers short and warm rather than hot.
- Moisturize your hands after washing them; a hand cream such as Sea Spa Hand Cream is easy to keep on your desk.
- Moisturize your body straight after a shower with a cream such as Seaweed Body Cream.
- Exfoliate gently and less often; scrubbing dry, flaky skin can make it more irritated.
- If you use a heater, a bowl of water or a humidifier in the room can make the air less dry.
For a full evening routine, see our night skin care routine, and for dry skin from the Hydra Dew Pure range, our guide to the Hydra Dew Pure home regimen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best moisturizer for dry skin in winter?
One that combines water-attracting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid with softening ones such as squalane or plant oils, in a cream rich enough for dry air. The right one depends on whether your skin is also sensitive, mature or prone to breakouts.
Should I use a different moisturizer in winter?
Many people with dry or normal skin move to a richer cream in winter, or add a balm at night. If your summer moisturizer still feels comfortable all day, you do not need to change it.
Is it better to apply moisturizer on wet or dry skin?
On slightly damp skin, within a minute or two of cleansing or misting. That helps hold the water in your skin.
How often should I moisturize dry skin in winter?
At least morning and night, and again during the day on any patches that feel tight. Hands usually need it after every wash.
Can oily skin be dry in winter?
Oily skin can become dehydrated in winter. A light, non-greasy moisturizer and a hydrating mist or serum usually help.
Do I need sunscreen in winter?
Yes. Winter sun still causes tanning and dark spots. Finish every morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Can I use a balm on my face?
Yes, on very dry patches or as a thin final layer at night. Hydra Dew Pure Elixir Balm is made for extra dry areas, including the face and neck.
Why is my skin still dry after moisturizing?
Common reasons are hot water, a harsh cleanser, applying moisturizer to completely dry skin, or a formula that is too light for winter. Adjust one thing at a time, and ask for a consultation if dryness, itching or redness continues.
Sources and further reading
Further reading from dermatology organizations and published research:
