Hydrate your face without the risk of breakouts with these dermatologist-recommended moisturizers.
The cold winter air calls for warm layers like scarves, sweaters and thermals on your body and, similarly, thick, heavy-duty moisturizers on your face. Easy, right?
Well, for oily and combination skin types, it can be a bit more complicated. Using heavy moisturizers can cause clogged pores, irritation and sensitivity. What to do?
I reached out to two top New York-based dermatologists (who are very used to dry, biting winter weather) for help. Each recommended their favorite moisturizers that are both seriously hydrating and safe for acne-prone skin. Here are their suggestions.
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream ($12 at drugstores). Dr. Jeannette Graf, director of dermatology at Omni Aesthetic MD, says this moisturizer has a soothing oat complex, “plus, ceramides and glycerin for long-lasting moisturization. It’s intensive, yet also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.”
Avene Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream ($28 at aveneusa.com). “Not only do I recommend it to help soothe and heal cuts, scrapes and cracked skin, but this cream also helps to restore and protect your skin (especially in the winter),” Graf says. “It’s hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won’t irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin.”
Garnier Skinactive Moisture Bomb Antioxidant Super Moisturizer ($15 at Ulta). “This moisturizer is a silky, cream-gel formula that has hydrating hyaluronic acid and lots of antioxidants,” Graf says. “It helps protect your skin’s moisture barrier against free radicals and bacteria.”
Glytone Hydrating Lotion ($24 at amazon.com). Made especially for combination and oily skin types, “this option doesn’t add any oils to your skin,” Graf says. “The ingredients include allantoin for soothing and glycerin to increase moisture.”
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Concentrate ($25 at drugstores). “(This) over-the-counter hyaluronic-acid-based moisturizer is incredibly hydrating but light on the skin. It’s never greasy and won’t cause breakouts,” says Dr. Jeremy Fenton, of Schweiger Dermatology Group.
Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer ($23 at olay.com). “It’s not only hydrating, but it’s also oil-free,” Graf says. “It also has moisturizing vitamins B3 and B5, as well as protective antioxidants vitamins C and E for free-radical protection.”