Dry January isn’t just for your bar cart – it’s also the time to treat dehydrated, winter-worn skin. When cold, dry air tests your skin’s limits, you need expert-approved ingredients estheticians trust. Here’s what the pros recommend and why they’re essential for your winter skin care routine: 

Ceramides

During winter, your skin’s protective barrier takes a beating – that’s where ceramides come in. These essential lipids play a crucial role in maintaining the skin barrier for a radiant, resilient complexion. They help lock in moisture, protect against environmental stressors and promote a softer, smoother skin appearance. This ingredient is essential for anyone experiencing dryness, sensitivity or flakiness.

Try it in: barrier fix daily hydrator, a clinical moisturizing treatment to calm reactive skin

Hyaluronic acid

Cold weather can strip moisture from your skin, leaving it parched and tight. Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains water like a magnet, binding moisture to surface layers. It’s perfect for hydrating even the thirstiest complexions (without feeling heavy). 

Try it in: vc10 daily glow, a glow-getting serum with triple-sourced antioxidant 10% vitamin C

Lactic acid

Dull, uneven skin can become more noticeable in winter due to slower cell turnover. Lactic acid dissolves dead skin cells while also delivering hydration. Its large molecule size penetrates slowly for gentle, mid-depth exfoliation. Acting as a humectant, it hydrates, smoothes roughness and improves clarity. 

Try it in: daily meds, an acne clearing serum with medicinal beta + alpha hydroxy acids

Jojoba oil

Dry, itchy, flaky skin calls for a nourishing oil. An emollient, smoothing, softening natural oil like jojoba oil is a great lightweight (yet deeply moisturizing) choice for the winter months. This body-loving, decadent oil nourishes body skin and smoothes the driest of areas – like elbows and knees. 

Try it in: dewluxe for body, a lightweight body oil for dewy hydration neck-to-toes

Niacinamide 

Redness, irritation and uneven tone can be exacerbated in cold, dry air. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, helps improve the appearance of environmental damage, problem pores, uneven tone, lines and dullness. This ingredient is perfect for sensitive skin prone to winter irritation. 

Try it in: oxygen boost barrier treatment, a skin supplement to amplify cellular respiration + purify skin

Squalane

Winter skin needs deep hydration that doesn’t feel heavy or sticky – that’s where squalane shines. This plant-based natural moisturizing agent works on top of and below the skin barrier to lubricate cells and encourage turnover so roughness improves. It’s ideal for maintaining soft, supple skin in harsh winter. 

Try it in: lip clinic hydrating serum, a barrier lip treatment to indulge dry lips 

Winter doesn’t have to mean compromised skin. Incorporate these esthetician-recommended ingredients into your winter routine for a healthy complexion that glows.