10 Ingredients to Look For in Your Winter Skin Care, According to the Experts

"Ceramides are naturally occurring molecules in skin. Skin care companies have been able to synthesize them in products to help replenish skin's natural barrier function and protect it from the harshness (including dehydrators like wind, cold, and indoor heat) of Winter." — Elizabeth Tanzi, MD; founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care

Expert Pick: Epionce Medical Barrier Cream ($24)

"Urea helps to exfoliate dead skin and hydrate deeper skin layers at the same time. It can be produced very inexpensively, which means you don't need to pay a lot for it in a fancy cream." — Tanzi

Expert Pick: Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Creme ($5)

"Many people tend to gravitate toward heavier moisturizers during the Winter, but they can clog pores and cause breakouts for someone with oily skin. Unless skin is dry, you'll want to stick with an oil-free option to help keep skin clear and free of congestion." — Shani Darden, esthetician; founder of Shani Darden Skin Care

Expert Pick: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Oil-Free Moisturizer ($78)

"Hyaluronic acid is an amazing ingredient that has the capacity to hold impressive amounts of moisture and deliver it to skin without over-hydrating. It also gives skin a plump, more youthful appearance!" — Darden

Expert Pick: Garnier SkinActive Miracle Anti-Fatigue Wake-Up Hydra-Gel Moisturizer ($17)

"Humectants are ingredients that hold water onto and within the skin. Opposite of desiccants (which remove water from something, like salt), these molecules are hydrophilic, meaning they love water and attract water from around them. Among them are hyaluronic acid, urea, and glycerin. Many botanicals and oils can also have humectant properties, with the added benefit of improving skin barrier function, as well." — Carl Thornfeldt, MD

Expert Pick: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream ($5)

"In Winter, skin tends to be more dry and damaged (and therefore more open to environmental insults and inflammation), so it's important to look for soothing ingredients that help reduce skin sensitivity and irritation. Among the most proven is colloidal oatmeal, an active ingredient that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, provides hydration, and can help normalize the pH of the skin." — Thornfeldt

Expert Picks: Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream ($12) and Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream ($12)

"In Winter months, you'll want to look for smoothing ingredients that reduce skin roughness and conform to the skin contours, filling in fractures and fissures. Silicones are among the most active and have a semiocclusive effect. They remain on the surface of the skin, forming a permeable barrier. Among them are dimethicone and polysiloxanes, which have conditioning properties and are safe to use on the skin." — Thornfeldt

Expert Pick: Vaniply Ointment and Vani Moisturizing Skin Cream ($7)

"It's no secret that Winter can be drying. Trade your lotion in for a cream (they're typically designed for more heavy-duty moisture restoration and are more occlusive in nature to lock in moisture) and keep it next to your sinks so you can reapply after washing hands. Wear white cotton gloves over a lipid-rich hand cream while you sleep to help restore the skin barrier and give over-washed hands a rest." — Sherry Ingraham, MD

Expert Picks: Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream ($18) and Aveeno Skin Relief Hand Cream ($8)

"Replacing lipids washed away after bathing or washing your face is critical to restore the skin barrier, especially in Winter, so look for products that contain lipids, such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acid." — Ingraham

Expert Pick: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 ($125)

"Sebum is another important lipid that is secreted by our oil (sebaceous gland) that is in the dermis (deep skin layer). Jojoba oil extracts mimic the same qualities of sebum, thus providing hydration, and, together with ceramides, serves as a barrier to protect us from the elements." — Daniel Foitl, MD

Expert Pick: Aquation Moisturizing Cream ($8)