These Are the Moisturizers Dermatologists Actually Use to Hydrate Their Winter Skin

We hit up our trusted dermatologists to handle our everyday skin issues, but have you ever wondered what products they turn to for their own personal skincare woes? As pros who provide treatments and test countless products, they’re a treasure trove of skincare secrets and informed recommendations. So we asked nine top dermatologists which moisturizers they swear by to tackle dry winter skin. Here’s what they had to say. (Photo via Getty)

Caren Campbell: “I love Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($17) because it has a high SPF, contains soy — which naturally helps to even out dark spots over time — and prevents fine lines all while moisturizing the skin. As a resident-in-training on a budget, it was affordable and effective. I’ve been using it for over five years.”

Michelle Henry: “I absolutely love CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($16) and have been using it for years — I’ve been using it for so long that it’s hard to remember a time that I wasn’t. It keeps my skin looking healthy and feeling supple and very soft. I find that this cream lasts throughout the day and gets better with consistent use.”

Sejal Shah: “One moisturizer that I always come back to is EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($32). It keeps my skin soft, and gives me an overall brighter, smoother complexion. I’ve been using it for seven or eight years.”

Neal Schultz: “Garnier SkinActive Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream Anti-Aging ($13) is my go-to. My patients love it, it gives great results, includes broad spectrum sun protection, and is very reasonably priced. It wins all around.”

S. Manjula Jegasothy: “I have been using NeoCutis Bio-Cream Bio-Restorative Skin Cream ($160) for 10-12 years. As I travel often, I need a reparative night cream that keeps my skin hydrated when I’m facing a variety of climates and humidity levels in a short time span. This cream has an elegant cosmetic texture that I enjoy. It’s so soothing that it doubles as my eye cream when I travel!”

Anthony Rossi: “Since I have dry skin and I consistently use a prescription retinoid, I use Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Moisturizer ($16) — and have been for over five years. Even though it’s designed as a body moisturizer, I love it because it protects irritated skin and is designed for patients with eczema. Even after using a retinoid in the winter months, this moisturizer provides great hydration and a protective barrier.”

Gary Goldfaden: “I have been using REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream ($45) for quite a few years. I appreciate that it's reparative and hydrating while still feeling lightweight on the skin. This moisturizer hydrates and calms the skin with calendula oil, combats redness with Roman chamomile, and [soothes] discomfort due to dryness.”

Shari Marchbein: “I’ve been using Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 50 ($16) for close to a decade. I suffer from both adult acne and eczema, so I love that it is lightweight enough to wear under makeup to prevent daily sun damage and is oil-free so as to not worsen my acne, but it’s still moisturizing enough to help prevent dry skin.”

Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip: “My favorite is HydroPeptide Nimni Cream ($110). I call it my “dream cream” because it goes to work while you sleep to turn on collagen production so you wake up with plump, radiant skin. What’s amazing about this cream is that it causes minimal irritation, unlike prescription-strength retinoid creams. I have been amazed with the improvements I’ve seen after using it for just over one year.”