These Super-Soothers Will Be Your Skin Barrier’s BFF

While the winter season always marks the arrival of some of our all-time favorite seasonal trends (ahem, berry lips and holiday eye shadow, anyone?), it also means it’s time to show our skin’s moisture barrier some extra TLC.

Don’t get us wrong: maintaining a healthy skin barrier should be a priority all year long, but it’s crucial to incorporate extra support in the colder months. Because cold air holds less moisture and indoor heat only makes the air drier, your skin is more susceptible to moisture loss, dullness, and irritation.

Whether you’re dealing with a damaged skin barrier or aiming to keep it happy and hydrated during the dry winter months, incorporating the right products is crucial. Take a look at our favorite barrier-boosting products for every step of your routine, from first-step cleansers to soothing targeted solutions.

Cleansing

BeautyStat Microbiome Barrier Repair Purifying Cleanser, $29

This gentle foaming cleanser not only removes makeup, SPF, and residue, but it also contains micro-sized particles of pure silver to protect and balance the skin’s microbiome long after you’ve rinsed it off. The result: clean, hydrated skin without that dry, tight feeling.

Repair & Hydration

Embryolisse Cicalisse, $16

If your skin is especially going through it this winter, reach for this skincare staple, stat. This multi-purpose balm helps restore damaged skin, soothe the epidermis, and even ease the discomfort associated with irritated lips and razor burn with ingredients like acetic acid and plant-based butter.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Rich Barrier Moisturizer, $58

Packed with three molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and ceramides and glycerin to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, this popular formula is a hydration powerhouse. The application is also an absolute dream, as it instantly absorbs into the skin with zero grease.

Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream, $65

No matter your skin type, this luxurious (and cruelty-free) moisturizer will be your skin barrier’s BFF. The skin-strengthening formulation supports healthy barrier function and replenishes lipids with a powerful blend of skin-loving ceramides, vitamin F, and pomegranate sterols. (Bonus: the subtle cherry fragrance is ah-maz-ing.)

Strengthening & Nourishing

PSA Visible Improvement: Peptides & Niacinamide Serum, $43

If rich moisturizers tend to leave your skin feeling heavy, this lightweight serum offers all the benefits without the risk of breakouts. It contains a powerful blend of peptides and niacinamide to stimulate collagen production and improve barrier function, while beta-glucan and panthenol keep skin looking happy, healthy, and hydrated.

Superegg Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum, $72

PSA: moisture shields aren’t just reserved for dense creams and moisturizers. This vegan treatment serum includes nutrient-rich botanicals, a synergistic blend of pre/pro/postbiotics, and biome-boosting actives to boost skin elasticity and form a protective moisture shield for whatever comes your way this winter.

Intensive Treatments

Pretti5 Ceramides+++ Hydrating Treatment Mask, $54

With antioxidant-rich centella asiatica and plant-based squalane, this soothing treatment is a savior for all who experience dryness and dullness. The secret to this treatment mask’s hydrating powers: a blend of varying sizes of hyaluronic acid that penetrate and hydrate different levels of skin for a silky, moisturized finish.

Targeted Solutions

NudeStix Dewy Barrier Hydrating Stick, $34

Think of this pocket-portable hydrating stick as an on-call drink of water for your skin. Powered by soothing ceramides, gentle bakuchiol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C, just a simple swipe allows you to hydrate, plump, and brighten from anywhere and everywhere.

Hourglass Equilibrium Intensive Hydrating Eye Balm, $82

For those of us who struggle with skin barrier issues and getting out of bed when the temperatures start to dip, this powerful eye balm offers solutions in both areas. It pulls double duty to renew the skin barrier and instantly hydrate, plump, and protect the extra-delicate skin around the eyes for up to eight hours.