Moisturizers I Love For A Flake-Free Winter

As the House of Stark would say, "Winter is Coming." Okay, maybe that Game of Thrones reference is a little outdated, but winter is coming, and so is dry skin season. I'm sure Sansa Stark and her perfectly porcelain complexion didn't know a thing about dry, flaky skin, but I'm no Sansa, and fortunately, I don't have to fight for the throne. I'm just fighting for healthy skin. Is that too much to ask for? These are my favorite winter weapons against my scaly skin.

Cetaphil moisturizing cream

The Cetaphil daily facial cleanser lives on my bathroom sink. There’s probably a permanent ring indent where it sits. Right next to it is their moisturizing cream. Dermatologist-tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin, Cetaphil is a staple in my home.

Invented in 1947 by an American pharmacist, Cetaphil uses the same formula that it did the day it was put into production. And as the “sensitive skin experts,” Cetaphil really has its formula down pat. The boast-worthy ingredients are glycerin, vitamin B3, and vitamin B5. Glycerin helps the skin by pulling water from the air to keep the skin hydrated and supple. Vitamin B3 supports the skin’s natural defenses, protects against environmental stressors, and improves dry and sensitive skin. And vitamin B5 calms inflammation and keeps skin soft and smooth. Other ingredients include vitamin E, sweet almond oil, and sunflower oil.

Cetaphil is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic. With 75 years of proof and customer reviews, from cleansers to creams, I trust anything that this company puts on the market.

CeraVe psoriasis moisturizing cream

Right after Cetaphil is CeraVe. Developed with the help of dermatologists, CeraVe products were explicitly created with skin conditions in mind. CeraVe’s claim to fame is in their use of ceramides. Ceramides are fatty molecules that are found in skin cells. They make up approximately 40% of a person's outer skin layer. Ceramides help retain skin moisture and maintain a healthy skin barrier, preventing germs from entering the body. This, coupled with their patented “MVE technology” that gradually releases their ceramide-enriched formula over an extended period of time, helps replenish, relieve, and revive your skin.

CeraVe offers various solutions for various skin concerns, from cleansers to moisturizers, face to body, adult to baby. They even have products specifically formulated for psoriasis-inflicted skin. Their psoriasis moisturizing xream comes in a great pump bottle and contains 2% salicylic acid, which helps reduce scaling, redness, and dry, flaky skin. They even tossed in a little lactic acid for gentle exfoliation and niacinamide to help calm skin. CeraVe won’t clog your pores, irritate your skin, or leave a funky smell behind.

Curél hydra therapy wet skin moisturizer

Curél hydra therapy wet skin moisturizer was created to be applied to wet skin right after showering. Ideal for dry to extra-dry skin, the open pores in your post-shower skin are optimal for capturing hydration.

Curél’s unique formula works with water to soak into the deepest layers of the skin and provide hydration directly to the source. Hydra therapy wet skin moisturizers absorb instantly and do not leave behind a heavy, greasy feel—just towel dry as usual and voilà, hydrated skin. Ingredients include glycerin, vitamin B, shea butter, citrus oil, and eucalyptus leaf extract.

We also love that Curél is dermatologist-recommended and has the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Approval.

Psoriasis honey skin-renewing cream

Although a bit pricier, I love the products produced by Psoriasis Honey. The name says it all, right?

Psoriasis honey landed on their magical mixture after “hundreds of experiments and many variations tested by friends and family.” This mixture contains 1.8% salicylic acid (their key ingredient and the one that helps shed psoriasis scales from the skin) along with grapeseed oil, honey, aloe vera, beeswax, and more. In a world of a million ingredient labels, it’s nice to see a product that lists less than fifteen, most of which I can pronounce. All ingredients produce and protect the skin's moisture and aid in the regenerative process.

Psoriasis honey cream can be applied anywhere on the skin but can also be used as a mask if applied in a thicker capacity and for twenty minutes.

The honey skin-renewing cream is backed up by the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Shea moisture African black soap soothing body lotion

I swear by shea moisture’s African black soap and moisturizer. My shower shelves are stocked with everything from body bars to body conditioners that leave my skin clean and smooth. I know that sounds like an advertisement, but I’m serious. I love the stuff. Google it, and you’ll find five-star reviews from thousands of customers across the board. Many of them are people who have been struggling to find products to soothe their psoriasis or eczema.

African black soap is made from cocoa pods, coconut oil, palm/palm kernel oil, shea butter, and plantain bark. It’s typically made in West African countries, but different regions of Africa have different formulations. Shea moisture’s brand of black soap contains African black soap and organic shea butter, which helps hydrate and calm dry and irritated skin, and oats and aloe vera, which help soothe. It also includes coconut and olive oil, cocoa butter, aloe, oat, and jojoba seeds. The product does not contain parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, or sulfates. And none of our furry friends were hurt in the process of making it. You’re welcome, Fluffy.

What are your favorite products to use for your psoriasis?