Great skin is always in—but it takes on special importance during fall and winter. Cooler air and plummeting temperatures inevitably lead to the potential for a drier complexion. If you’re prone to dehydration and lackluster skin during the final few months of the year, it’s important to swap your usual products for formulas designed specifically to combat the harsh effects of the seasons. We’ve rounded up a few of the best heavy-duty moisturizers that handle it all. Whether your primary concern is aging, sun damage, or excess dryness, you’ll find the right choice in this mix.
ASYSTEM Daily Defense Moisturizer + SPF
Sun protection is vital at any time of year—yep, even during the cooler months. As long as the sun is out, you need sunscreen to protect your skin from the ravages of potent ultraviolet rays, which can cause everything from fine lines and wrinkles to cancer. A broad-spectrum product that combats both UVA and UVB rays is best, as it does a more adequate job of protecting your complexion from those effects. ASYSTEM Daily Defense Moisturizer + SPF is enriched with skin-nourishing vitamins B, C, and E, which work in harmony to strengthen, hydrate, and soothe skin while preventing premature signs of aging. The lightweight formula is an ideal choice for everyday use.
Geologie Lightweight SPF Dry Skin Moisturizer
If your skin is on the dry side, you still need to wear SPF, but you also need a formula that locks in moisture when it matters the most. Don’t be fooled by the name, though: the Geologie Lightweight SPF Dry Skin Moisturizer is about as potent as a light moisturizer can be. It contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and argan oil to keep your skin supple throughout the season. It’s also enriched with ocean-safe SPF, so you never have to worry about your skin care products harming fragile coral reefs if you happen to be hitting the beach during fall or winter.
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+
For budget skin care that doesn’t sacrifice quality and intensity, don’t look beyond Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+. This deeply effective emulsion is ideal for active people who need something that won’t budge while they’re breaking a sweat. The oil-free formula is designed to resist water and sweat, so you can pound the pavement on those brisk and sunny mornings or hit the courts for a brisk game of fall tennis without worrying about your skin. The skin-friendly formula is also non-comedogenic, protecting your complexion from troublesome breakouts.
Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20
There’s a reason Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 has so many believers: it’s a powerful product that delivers on all fronts. The formula is designed to prevent sun damage and minimize the ravages associated with exposure to pollution and blue light. It’s also enriched with moisturizing blue algae extract, a vitamin E-packed powerhouse known for soothing the skin. Sea parsley boosts the complexion’s appearance, while vitamin A provides a powerful antioxidant punch that protects your skin from free radicals.
Mantl Age Defense Moisturizer
If you want to combat the visible signs of aging, the Mantl Age Defense Moisturizer is a solid starting point. Tested by dermatologists, this lightweight product deeply hydrates with moisturizing squalene oil, which locks water into your skin so you reap the benefits all day long. Niacinamide prevents against moisture loss and protects your skin from damaging environmental factors, while gentle willow herb extract minimizes oiliness. The formula packs a punch, keeping your skin soft while protecting it from fine lines and wrinkles.
The Nue Co Barrier Culture Moisturizer
Truly parched skin can be difficult to manage without a helping hand. It’s not enough to use any old face lotion, either. You need something that’s up to the challenge, like The Nue Co Barrier Culture Moisturizer. It’s made with a potent blend of squalene, niacinamide, ceramides, and probiotics. They all work in tandem to deliver deep hydration while plumping, smoothing, and firming your skin at the same time. It’s that type of one-two punch that keeps your skin in great condition throughout fall and winter.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalene
When you want something richer than a lotion, look to Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalene. Fragrance-free and made with a nourishing cocktail of squalene, glycerin, and glacial glycoprotein, it’s a moisturizing, softening, balancing blend that keeps your skin as supple and silky soft as you’ve always dreamed—but never imagined it could possibly be during the coolest months of the year. A little bit goes a long way, making it the perfect choice if your skin is chronically dry.
The right products can make all the difference to your routine, especially when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Swapping your everyday moisturizer for something more emollient will help your skin stand up to the cold far more effectively.