The Best Redness-Reducing Skincare Products For Winter
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The winter season is upon us, but with holiday cheer also comes moisture-free air and aggressive temperature drops. This lethal combination can cause skin wreckage such as redness, itching, and flaking. According to Healthline, everyone is susceptible to these not-so-attractive winter air side effects, but those most prone include anyone with a history of eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin.
So, what causes skin redness? The skin's outermost layer is made up of lipids, including ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids. The level of lipids can be reduced due to outside elements, such as dehydration, which allows irritants to enter the skin, resulting in added redness. Luckily, lipids can be easily replenished by directly hydrating the skin, per Science Becomes Her.
New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Gervaise Gerstner told Vogue in 2018 that you can winter redness by avoiding ingredients like alcohol in your skincare products. Instead of using harsh, alcohol-based options, check out our list of winter-approved serums, toners, and moisturizers.
The best hydrating products for big spenders
You don't need a small fortune to fight winter dryness — but it certainly helps. As New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman told Byrdie in 2020, "an expensive moisturizer will usually have a higher concentration of the 'good' ingredients." These products also tend to be more forgiving to all skin types, as they don't contain added fragrances.
One of these high-end moisturizers is May Lindstrom's The Blue Cocoon Solid Oil Facial Concentrate ($180), pictured above. According to both Repeller and Who What Wear, with just a pea-sized amount, this magical balm can visibly soothe skin after just one use. These quick results are likely due to the balm's main ingredient of blue tansy, which is known for battling inflammation.
Another splurge-if-you-can recommendation from Who What Wear is the& iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ ($155). This serum's primary ingredients include vitamin C, vitamin E, and olive leaf, which work together to shield the skin from UV rays and pollutants. For our last lavish moisturizing option, celebrity aesthetician Vicki Morav recommends MBR's Modukine Serum ($218). Luckily, this product goes a long way. "This is a healing and anti-inflammatory serum that soothes and heals the most irritated skin," Morav said to The Strategist. The serum's anti-inflammatory oils and hyaluronic acid are key when it comes to repairing lipid barriers.
Mid-priced moisturizers to heal dry skin
If you want to splurge on your skincare products but not necessarily break the bank, we have just the soothing treatments. Makeup Sessions suggests turning to all-natural Australian skin-care brand Jurlique — specifically, the Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Soothing Moisturizing Cream ($43). The aptly-named moisturizer uses calendula flower to save skin from redness, dryness, and flaking.
Who What Wear's nomination for a slightly more affordable way to battle winter dryness is the O'o Hawaii Brilliant Feather Beauty Balm ($65), pictured above. This balm uses natural Hawaiian ingredients to repair damaged cells, cannabis oil to reduce redness, and tamanu, babassu, and marula oil for hydration. Hey, it's cheaper than flying to Hawaii for a facial!
Finally, Who What Wear and Repeller agree that Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Cream ($49) is the number-one pick if you're looking for immediate results. The cream's secret weapon is& Centella Asiatica (a.k.a. tiger grass), an herb native to the Asian wetlands. The plant's medicinal qualities include soothing skin ailments such as inflammation, redness, or blemishes.
The best deals on winter redness-reducing products
If you're balling on a budget, look no further than these incredible products, which will heal your skin without mutilating your bank account. The Strategist and Repeller recommend using The Ordinary Azelaic Acid ($7.90). This product not only fights redness but also helps with issues like hyperpigmentation and acne. Skin Wellness Dermatology founder Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a fan, telling The Strategist that the acid "helps to improve brightness and reduce the appearance of blemishes and also acts as an antioxidant."
If dryness is your number-one issue, The Strategist swears by No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream ($18.99), which uses vitamin C and vitamin E to soothe irritated skin. Aesthetician Candace Marino told The Strategist, "This will address dryness and dehydration and help to calm irritated and red complexions."
And our final pick for staying ahead of winter dryness in this economy is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cream ($17.54). Dr. David Lortscher, co-founder and CEO at Curology, told The Strategist that he likes the gel cream for its hydrating benefits from the hyaluronic acid. Its fragrance-free and non-comedogenic ingredient list makes this cream the perfect option for anyone with sensitive skin.
Need more proof that a dewy glow isn't exclusively for the summer months? Buy yourself an early holiday gift and see for yourself.