Forget those gels and light creams you relied on during the warmer months—what your skin needs now is a powerful, deeply hydrating face moisturizer that can stand up to the cold, dry air. Whether you’re struggling with dehydration, flaky patches or a dull complexion, incorporating a good face moisturizer into your routine is key to keeping your skin supple and happy all season long.

Why Your Skin Needs Extra Care During the Winter Months

Winter brings more than just cozy sweaters and festive drinks; it also means dealing with dry, cold air that strips moisture from your skin. Indoor heating and hot showers only add to the problem, leaving your skin feeling tight, irritated, and flaky. This is why your skincare routine needs to shift with the seasons, focusing on replenishing lost moisture and protecting the skin’s barrier.

Related: Transitioning Your Skincare from Summer to Winter

When choosing a face moisturizer, look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids. These key players help lock in hydration and prevent water loss, ensuring your skin stays soft and plump, no matter how cold it gets outside.

From rich creams to lightweight formulas with a serious hydration punch, here’s a list of the best face moisturizers for dry skin that will have you ready to face the winter elements. If you’re looking for winter skincare products specific to dry skin, these cult favourites will not disappoint.

1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Let’s start with a classic. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is a tried-and-true staple in many skincare routines, especially when the winter months leave your skin feeling parched.

Infused with prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, and niacinamide, this moisturizer delivers intense hydration and restores the skin’s barrier—exactly what your skin needs to fight harsh winter conditions. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it works perfectly for sensitive skin types.

2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

When it comes to affordability without sacrificing effectiveness, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream continues to be a go-to for dry skin. Formulated with essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this cream locks in moisture and reinforces the skin’s natural barrier, making it an ideal pick for cold-weather months.

It’s thick without being greasy, and it’s great for both day and night use. Consider this one of the best face moisturizers for those with severely dry skin during the winter.

It is also great for the entire body and perfect for skin of all ages. It is a household staple for my family, including my toddler who suffers from eczema.

3. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

If you’re looking to splurge a little on a high-end face moisturizer, Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream is worth the investment. The rich, whipped formula provides a boost of long-lasting hydration, thanks to its blend of six rare African oils and ceramides.

It’s lightweight, despite its heavy feel, and absorbs perfectly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. With its powerhouse of hydrating ingredients, this is a product that you’ll want to reach for again and again.

4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

If you prefer a lighter texture but still need intense hydration, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel is a great option. This moisturizer uses hyaluronic acid to attract moisture to the skin, giving it a plump, hydrated feel that lasts all day. The gel consistency is perfect for layering under makeup without any pilling or oiliness.

This gel is an excellent choice for combating winter dryness without reaching for a heavy cream. Despite its lightweight feel, this gel still deserves its place as one of the best and most versatile moisturizers for dry skin.

5. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Winter skin troubles call for the big guns, and First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream doesn’t disappoint. Rich in colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin, this cream provides immediate relief to dry skin and helps soothe irritation.

It’s safe for even the most sensitive skin types, making it a fantastic addition to your winter skincare arsenal. Whether you’re dealing with eczema or just want an extra boost of moisture, this cream delivers.

6. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

If you’re looking to combine intense hydration with additional skin benefits, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is a great choice. Packed with hyaluronic acid, amino peptides, and niacinamide, this moisturizer plumps the skin, smooths fine lines, and boosts moisture retention.

Its rich formula melts into the skin without leaving a greasy finish, making it perfect for winter use when your skin needs extra nourishment.

7. Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream

Avène is known for its soothing formulas, and the Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream is no exception. Infused with thermal spring water, this cream provides long-lasting hydration while calming sensitive or irritated skin.

The creamy texture makes it an excellent option for those battling flaky, rough patches caused by winter’s harsh conditions. This cream is ideal for anyone looking for a product that targets dry skin while reducing redness and discomfort.

8. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

A cult favourite for a reason, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream delivers lasting hydration even in extreme weather conditions. It’s lightweight yet deeply moisturizing, with ingredients like squalane and glacial glycoprotein to strengthen the skin’s barrier and retain moisture.

This moisturizer works wonders on all skin types, but it’s especially effective on dry, dehydrated skin during the colder months.

9. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

For an indulgent experience, Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream is a luxurious option that delivers a beautiful, dewy glow. Crafted with Japanese purple rice, algae, and hyaluronic acid, this cream nourishes and locks in moisture, leaving your skin soft, plump, and luminous.

Its velvety texture makes it ideal for nighttime use or as a base under makeup for a winter glow. It’s a standout among those who want to spend a few extra dollars to elevate their skincare routine.

10. Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

For serious hydration, Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream is a heavy-duty option that rescues even the driest skin. Its thick, rich formula is packed with natural ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and pansy extract, which help soothe and protect dry, cracked skin.

While it’s on the heavier side, it’s perfect for those struggling with extreme dryness and flakiness in the winter months. A favourite among beauty lovers, this cream is a lifesaver and works well to revive dry elbows, hands and feet, too! You have to love a versatile product.

This winter, don’t let the dry air dull your glow. With moisturizers specially formulated for stubborn, dry skin in your skincare arsenal, you’ll be smooth, hydrated, and radiant throughout the season. From lightweight gels to rich creams, these are by far some of the best face moisturizers in the game. They aim to ensure that your skin stays nourished, even when the temperatures are less than ideal.

Whether you’re dealing with a bit of dryness or more severe winter-induced irritation, investing in a high-quality face moisturizer is the secret to maintaining a healthy glow.

This post was all about the best face moisturizers for dry skin in winter.

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Over the past year, I have focused on staying consistent and nursing my skin back to “health”. I’ve tried several vitamin C-based products and I think I have finally found my startling lineup.

While I tried a range of products, I was intentional about finding products that were affordable and sustainable. A high price tag doesn’t necessarily equal results.

Here are the three skincare products that I have been obsessing over this year.

Garnier Pinea-C Serum Cream

This one has been in heavy rotation since I received it in a PR mailer a couple of years ago. Aside from containing vitamin C and pineapple extract, this serum also doubles as a sunscreen and moisturizer containing SPF 30. It blends seamlessly into the skin and doesn’t leave a white cast – a major plus for melanated girls like myself.

Bonus points for multipurpose products!

Mighty Patch Pimple Patches

I received these pimple patches in a PR package a few months ago and I can honestly say: I understand the hype. They work great overnight to essentially suck the gunk out of active breakouts and help to avoid picking. While I don’t have regular breakouts, I have acne-prone skin that likes to surprise me from time to time.

I’ve used these patches a handful of times over the past few months and highly recommend them. While they are seemingly popular and often sold out, Ulta and Amazon.ca frequently stock them.

The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution

This is my go-to vitamin C serum lately. It is lightweight, doesn’t sting, and absorbs well into the skin. It is however quite strong and is to be applied only once a day, my preference being at night.

Prior to this one, I was using Ascorbic Acid 8% and Alpha Arbutin 2% but recently found out that it was discontinued. Truth be told, the earlier version of the Ascorbic Acid is not nearly as good at the Ascorbic Acid 15%. I’ve tried a number of The Ordinary vitamin C serums but none come close to the results this one provides. I’ve seen a significant improvement in the appearance of my acne scars.

That’s it for the skincare products that are in my current arsenal and are on heavy rotation! I share products that I’m testing out over on my Instagram stories so make sure to follow me to get in on the conversation.

The post Three Skincare Products That I’m Currently Loving appeared first on Told By Jo.

Regardless of your skin type, most people tend to gravitate towards lighter products during the warmer months. When winter comes around, it might be time to bring in layers that will protect your skin.

Winter months can be harsh and the elements are not friendly. While I have visibly oily skin, during the colder months it quickly becomes dry and flakey. In this post, I’ll be sharing how I rotate my skincare products to accommodate the frigid, Canadian winters.

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With that being said, I hope you found this post to be helpful as we’re transitioning between seasons. Skincare really is a game of trial and error!

Once you find a routine that works for you, keep at it and tweak only when necessary. Getting caught up in buying every new product that hits the shelves can be so easy!

The post Transitioning Your Skincare Routine from Summer to Winter appeared first on Told By Jo.

Thankfully, more brands have gone back to the drawing board with melanin in mind. I have ro

What I’m Wearing: Dress // Shoes // Sunglasses

Black skin not only burns in the sun but we are susceptible to skin cancer too. The misconception there lies within the assumption that melanin-rich skin has a natural defence against the sun. A built-in barrier so to speak. Like many others, I was well into my adult years when I learned just how important SPF was.

Once I came to this realization, I came across another hurdle. The majority of sunscreen brands are not dark-skin friendly. The grey/blue cast that they leave behind might deter Black women from adding SPF into their daily skincare routine.

A few brands (not many) have introduced sunscreen formulas that go on sheer on darker skin in recent years. This is encouraged me to test out as many sunscreens as I can get my hands on and share the ones that work well.

Dark-Skin Friendly Sunscreens for Every Budget

I’ve rounded up five affordable sunscreens that are dark-skin friendly. Next time you come across any of them in your local drugstore, pick one up and try it out!

Black Girl Sunscreen

This one is hands down the G.O.A.T. of dark-skin-friendly sunscreens. It goes without saying that if you are lucky enough to get your hands on this one as it always sells out.

Banana Boat Kids Tear Free Sunscreen

This sunscreen has the highest SPF in this roundup and has quickly become my favourite. Also, 240ml of product? This is such a steal. It is a good option for the entire family and works for the whole body.

I have started using this one on my face and love that it doesn’t sting my eyes (kid-friendly!) like most.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydro Water Gel Sunscreen

I admit I was skeptical about trying this sunscreen out but I’m so happy that I bought it! It has the texture of a gel moisturizer and reminds me of the Clinique Moisturizing Gel. It leaves a beautiful glow that makes my skin look and feel so supple. A really great option for oily-skinned girls.

La Roche-Posay Ultra Fluid Invisible Finish

La Roche-Posay has a great line of skincare products so this is another good option! It goes on sheer (almost invisible) so you can feel comfortable not wearing makeup to cover up any discolouration.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch

I was initially worried that this one would be pasty since it is thicker and has a higher SPF than the Hydro Boost formula. Happy to say that I was wrong. I do have to say that the consistency is a bit heavy for the summer so I would personally keep this as a fall/winter option.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Supergoop! has been doing wonders in the world of inclusivity with suncare products. I have tried and loved both the Play! and Unseen sunscreens.

Both are equally great but I prefer Play! as it can be used for the whole body.

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This post was all about dark skin-friendly sunscreen.

Related: The Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

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Over the years I’ve learned that oily skin is definitely manageable if you have the right skin care routine. Had you told me in my teenage years that I would one day have great skin, free of dark spots and excess oil, I’d have laughed you off. I have always struggled with oily skin as well as hyperpigmentation, which is the darkening of skin due to an increased production of melanin.

This meant that every time I got a pimple or a breakout, a dark spot would be left in its place once it had healed. Sixteen year old me didn’t have a clue what a skin care routine was and I’d use any soap I could find in the shower on my face. My skin was crying for help and I had no idea.

Since I had extremely oily skin, I was prone to constant breakouts. As I grew older and entered adulthood, my breakouts were few and far in between but the scars and marks that remained reminded me of my teenage struggle. It wasn’t until well into my 20s that I decided I wanted to take better care of my oily skin and invest in myself.

With trial and error, many failed attempts, and lots of money spent, I’ve finally found products and a skincare routine that have worked extremely well. They have helped me control my oily skin, fade dark spots, and increase hydration.

My Current Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

If you’ve stumbled upon this post you’ve either suffered from your fair share of oily skin, hyperpigmentation, dull skin or you’re wanting to find a great skin care routine. You want figure out how to get healthy skin and create a beauty routine that allows you to improve your oily skin and feel confident rocking your bare face. This has been my favourite skin care routine for oily skin thus far and has been a game changer for me.

How to Rejuvenate Dull Skin

I stopped using physical exfoliants, which are products such as cleaners and scrubs with grainy, exfoliating particles that essentially vigorously scrub away dead skin cells. I can almost guarantee that you can remember the peach scrub by St. Ives that was all the rage back in the day. You have no idea how glad I am to have moved from that phase to a more intentional and “adult like” beauty routine. 

Instead, I introduced glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliant, into my beauty routine and I saw a major difference in my skin. I quickly realized that one of the major contributors to glowing skin is acids. Glycolic acid’s claim to fame is effectively removing the outer layer of dead skin cells and revealing brighter skin, without the irritating factor of physically scraping the skin away. 

The two favourites that I’ve been alternating between are Pixi’s Glow Tonic and The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid Toning Solution.

If you haven’t started using Vitamin C in your skin care routine, you’re missing out on so many great benefits. It prevents melanin production which in turn helps to lighten dark spots, even out skin tone and provide the skin with an all around glow. Even if you don’t suffer from hyperpigmentation, it’s a great skin booster and gives you an overall brighter complexion.

I use a very inexpensive Vitamin C Suspension from The Ordinary, a long with their Alpha Arbutin, both formulated to help reduce the appearance of dark spots. The newest addition to the party is the Ascobic Acid + Alpha Arbutin which I use one a day in the morning, followed by moisturizer and a good sunscreen.

How to Keep Oily Skin Hydrated

Let me start off my saying that I’m not the only person that suffers from oily skin and used to believe that depriving your skin of moisture would help to dry it out and reduce oil production. If you’re under that impression today you’re sadly mistaken, believe me, I learned the hard way. By restricting your skin of adequate moisture, it responds by over compensating and producing access oil in an attempt to hydrate itself. 

Many skin problems (other than chronic conditions) are caused by dehydration. It was crazy for me to think that, much less believe, that moisturizing my skin regularly and giving it water as a nutrient would drastically reduce its oil production. This isn’t to say that my skin isn’t oily anymore, you can’t change that genetic makeup, but it does mean that I don’t have to blot my face ten times a day and overload on the pressed powder. 

My favourite hydrating serum has been hyaluronic acid, I use the one from The Ordinary which costs a little over $6 and works extremely well. Hyaluronic is a substance that is naturally produced by the body and aids in retaining water in the skin and drawing in moisture. Along with Hyaluronic acid, I recently had the chance to try the new Olay Serum Sticks and I’ve been really enjoying it. 

Because it is a stick formula, I apply it right after my toner but before any other products to prevent it from “pilling”. I really love the cooling effect that the serum stick offers, that I haven’t seen any other serums do, and the fact that it compliments the rest of my skin care routine nicely. The formula allows for a hydrating and nourishing base without any access oils. This is an amazing summer staple.

Sunscreen for Oily Acne-Prone Skin

Believe it or not, I didn’t start wearing sunscreen on my face until earlier this year. Yeah crazy, I know. Growing up, there wasn’t much hype about wearing sunscreen on your face daily, especially as a black woman, except when I was younger and would go to the beach or spend the day playing in the sun at overnight camp. Even at that, there was very little to no education about why we needed to use it and how important it was.

Wearing sunscreen on my face as an adult means so much more now. Our skin cells respond to the suns rays by producing more melanin as a defence mechanism. As someone who is actively working at reducing the appearance of dark spots and acne scarring, this is the last thing I want to do.

If you are someone that uses chemical exfoliants that contain AHAs such as Glycolic Acid or Ascorbic Acid, you’ll want to ensure that you’re wearing sunscreen daily as the skin fresh skin becomes extra sensitive to sun exposure. You don’t want all your hard work and amazing products to have been for nothing. 

I keep it super simple with my sunscreen and get the highest SPF that I can find for the face, without spending a fortune. Some of my favourite sunscreens are drugstore brands like Equate and Neutrogena. Having a basic sun protector is definitely better than having nothing at all so go cheap if you need to.

RELATED: How to Transition Your Skin Care Routine From Summer to Winter

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