Best moisturizer for open pores and dry skin

Not all moisturizers are created equal. If you have dry skin, you probably know this. While some formulas are made to be light, the best moisturizers for dry skin need to be able to take on the harshest of conditions: subzero temperatures, overactive radiators, and genetics that refuse to make your complexion look dewy no matter how much lemon water you chug. That can lead to itchy or irritated skin if left unchecked.

You don’t have to have capital-D dry skin to experience dryness, either. “All skin types can be prone to dryness at some point,” says Melanie Palm, MD, a dermatologist in San Diego. “If you typically have normal or oily skin but experience periods of dryness from time to time, it’s likely due to external conditions like climate changes, washing with hot water, or using certain products or ingredients that cause your skin to dry out.”

Sound familiar? In that case you’ll want a facial moisturizer that works overtime with hydrating ingredients or moisture-retaining lipids. Still, that's a huge list of options to narrow down, so here’s a helpful place to start.

How to choose the best face moisturizer for dry skin

First up: To find the right formula, you’ll need to know whether your skin is dry or dehydrated. It’s actually easier to determine than it sounds. Is your face prone to breakouts, and does it usually feel oily (especially in your T-zone) but look dull and tight in certain spots (like your cheeks)? It’s likely your skin is dehydrated, meaning it needs more hydration (water) and is still producing oil. 

Meanwhile, if you’re experiencing itchiness or irritation, scaliness, flaking, rough texture, and redness, says Dr. Palm, those are classic signs of dry skin, something people with eczema or psoriasis know well. 

This will help you figure out what kind of consistency you’ll need in a face moisturizer. “Even if you don’t typically suffer from dry skin, your regimen might still benefit from just adding a heavier moisturizer during the colder months,” Dr. Palm says. Oily but dehydrated types can stick with a lighter gel-cream or lotion. (And before you ask, yes: Oily skin types still need a moisturizer in their skin-care routine.)

Next up: Check the ingredients. “Those prone to dry skin might consider switching out their usual skin-care products for formulations containing glycerin, ceramides, triglycerides, free fatty acids, squalane, and hyaluronic acid,” she says. “All have hydrating properties to help combat dryness during the winter.” Not all moisturizing ingredients are created equal: Humectants (such glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe) attract and retain water, whereas emollients and occlusives (which include squalane and ceramides) fortify skin’s moisture barrier to prevent water loss—keeping it inside the skin.

If you’re extremely sensitive, avoid potential irritants like alcohol, which can dry out your skin further, and opt for paraben- and fragrance-free formulas. Also a good idea: If you’re wearing it for daytime, pair your pick with at least SPF 30, which is the minimum sunscreen protection recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. (The sun can exacerbate already-dry skin.)

That’s obviously a lot to consider when you’re standing in an aisle full of face creams, so let us do the heavy lifting for you. We asked Glamour staffers to share which moisturizers they pile in their carts and stock their top shelves with. Consider this our hydration Haul of Fame.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

As much as we love cozying up with a warm beverage and donning our cutest sweaters, the arrival of colder temps can do a number on skin, especially if you experience dryness or redness year-round. However, incorporating the right face moisturizers into your skin-care routine can help minimize flaking and irritation, creating a healthy glow with or without makeup. And, thankfully, we had expert help finding out what to look for when it comes to the best moisturizer for all skin types, but specifically for those with dry skin.

"People prone to dry skin should look for moisturizers that contain ingredients that prevent water loss and repair the skin's moisture barrier," aesthetician (and founder of her own skin-care range) Skin-care expert and esthetician Renée Rouleau tells Allure. "This is important year-round, but especially during the harsh winter months when dry skin can be even more sensitive." (For the record, these creams will work for not only sensitive skin but acne-prone skin, too.)

However, once you've found your go-to hydrator, you may find that making small adjustments to your daily routine — such as using all fragrance-free products or incorporating a shea butter or emollient that absorbs quickly — can make a world of difference. "If you struggle with redness or irritation, it's important to be thoughtful about how you are cleansing your skin," says New York City-based board-certified plastic surgeon Adam Kolker, MD, who recommends patients use "cool water or lukewarm water" to avoid exacerbating any dry patches or redness.

As for how to make the most of your product? Another expert tip is to layer them in order of lightest to heaviest in texture. "A serum and a cream have different functions, and therefore [different] molecule sizes," explains New York City board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. "A serum placed on top of a moisturizer will not allow the serum to be fully absorbed since the smaller molecules cannot penetrate the larger ones. Start the products with the lightest consistency like toner, followed by serums and ampoules. Next, are any prescription topical treatments, lotions, creams, and finally sunscreen."

Ready to ramp up your hydration game this season? The below 17 editor- and dermatologist-favorited moisturizers for dry skin are a good place to start.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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