BeautyHack Editors' Choice: 20 Best Face Creams for Winter

Features of winter cosmetics (for dry and oily skin)

The main stress for the skin in cold weather is constant transitions from heat to cold with an amplitude of tens of degrees. As a result, the tone and elasticity of the epidermis sharply decreases. Therefore, winter cosmetics differ from summer ones primarily in the percentage of water, fats, regenerating, softening ingredients.

Winter creams:

• 70% consist of vegetable oils that prevent drying out, cracking, chapping;
• include silicone and polymer compounds to create the thinnest film on the surface of the face (sometimes mineral oils are used for this purpose);
• contain allantoin, panthenol, which stimulate regenerative processes;
• contain more glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which are responsible for moisture;
• contain a minimal amount of water (when the liquid freezes, the liquid crystallizes, microcracks appear, and there is a risk of infection).

You can determine your skin type using a simple paper towel test.

In extreme cold, the activity of the sebaceous glands weakens. Oily skin tolerates frost most easily, normal skin becomes drier, dry skin becomes painfully sensitive.

For oily skin, it is permissible to use medium-fat formulations with extracts of aloe, sage, and vitamin C - they optimize lipid balance. A popular product for oily skin is Uriage cream.

For dry skin, products with a high content of oils (up to 75%) and a mild hypoallergenic effect are recommended (the susceptibility of this skin type becomes critical in cold weather).

Moisturizing gels, lotions, masks are best used separately - in the morning or evening after washing. Nutritious fatty formulations - apply 30-40 minutes before going outside.

What is combination skin?

Taking care of combination skin is more difficult than oily or dry skin. This is due to the fact that owners of this type have different areas of the face that behave differently. On one of them, subcutaneous fat accumulates, sebum is released in large quantities (T-zone), and on the other, dryness and tightness are felt (cheeks).

The main features of the combined dermis are the following:

• sebum secretion in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), as well as enlarged pores;
• regular appearance of rashes, blackheads;
• a feeling of tightness, dryness and flaking on the cheeks.

The rating of winter creams for oily skin can be found here.

Which company is better?

The best manufacturers of skincare cosmetics are:

• L'Oreal (France);
• Revlon (USA);
• Lancome (France);
• Clinique (USA);
• Olay (USA);
• Esthetic House (South Korea);
• Elizabeth Arden (USA);
• Neutrogena (USA);
• CeraVe (USA);
• Missha (South Korea);
• Biotherm (France);
• L'Occitane (France).

To summarize, if you have any doubts about your skin needs, you should contact a qualified specialist who will identify the problems and help you choose a quality product.

And if you have experience using winter face creams described in the rating, or a more interesting option, share your opinion in the comments.

How to choose a winter care cream

If in summer the number one task is to actively moisturize the skin, then in winter nutrition and protection come first. Face cream for the winter should:

• enrich the skin with vitamins;
• restore skin and promote renewal;

  
  Should your skin be nourished or moisturized in winter?

• restore water and fat balance;
• strengthen the barrier.

To find a suitable product, we carefully study the composition of winter cream and pay attention to its texture.

Winter creams are richer and denser in texture. © Getty Images

Compound

In your winter product, look for at least one of these ingredients (preferably 2-5):

• vitamins , , D, , F - they nourish the skin and make it more resilient;
• collagen, elastin - the aging process begins with a deficiency of these fibers, the skin becomes faded, loses turgor, and wrinkles appear on it;
• microelements magnesium, calcium, zinc - they ensure the active functioning of cells;
• oils, fats, ceramides - create a protective shell, smooth, soften the skin, make it more elastic;
• plant extracts - saturate the skin with moisture and nutrients;
• panthenol, allantoin - soften and soothe.

Tips for choosing

Many people ask the question - which cream is better, nourishing or moisturizing?

The fact is that in winter the skin needs both. Morning care should be aimed at nutrition, evening care - at hydration. Therefore, it is best to have two tools, each of which will perform its own tasks.

This scheme is due to the fact that moisturizer and frost do not combine well, because at low temperatures moisture freezes. Of course, cosmetics applied to the face will not freeze, but the residues that have not had time to be absorbed will begin to act as a conductor of cold, irritating and injuring. But at night, in a room with dry, warm air, hydration is exactly what the face needs.

Where to buy and how much does it cost?

You can purchase facial care cosmetics at a specialized/branded point of sale or order online in an online store.

With the first option, you have the opportunity to use the help of sales consultants, try testers and immediately make a purchase on the spot.

The second option is good because there is no need to go anywhere and walk for a long time between shelves, trying to find a product from a certain manufacturer or the right price category. In addition, online stores often have a wider assortment, budget new items often appear, promotions are held and there are good discounts that not only compensate for delivery costs, but also allow you to save money. If necessary, you can read the description and reviews, find inexpensive and popular models.

The price of facial cosmetics varies depending on the set and concentration of active ingredients. The more difficult it is to obtain and stabilize a particular substance, the more expensive the final product. The price tag is also affected by brand recognition and the cost of importing foreign goods into the country (state duty).

Main characteristics