This Derm-Approved Skin-Care Brand Will Keep Your Skin Hydrated All Day Long

It happens every year like clockwork. Temps begin to plummet and humidity takes a backseat — and subsequently, skin starts to suffer. Suddenly limbs become dry, flaky, and completely devoid of moisture due to the seasonal changes that seem to occur overnight. But what if you could ease your skin into winter effortlessly, sans the dreaded transitional phase? Well, friends, CeraVe’s moisturisers are here to help you do just that.

Packed with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, these foolproof formulas with three essential ceramides, protect the skin barrier and keep your skin happy all day — and all season — long. But don’t just take our word for it. All of CeraVe products are developed with dermatologists, so you can trust these pro-approved formulas will take great care of your skin. With the cold-weather months rapidly approaching, we tapped board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexis Granite, MD, for her expert insight on the science behind CeraVe’s products, why they’re so great for dry skin — and how to seamlessly work them into your routine.

What should a good moisturiser contain?

Knowing which ingredients to look for on the back of a label will help you to find skin-care products that *really* work. With that in mind, we asked Granite to share the must-have ingredients you should be keeping an eye out for when shopping for moisturiser. Her advice? “Moisturisers should ideally contain a mixture of emollients like ceramides and humectants such as hyaluronic acid.”

Lo and behold, all of CeraVe’s products contain three essential ceramides, and many of them include skin-care saviours like hyaluronic acid. So why is HA such a wonder ingredient? “Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse, capable of holding over 1000 times its weight in water. [It helps] the skin hold on to vital moisture,” Granite explains.

And what about those natural emollients? “Ceramides are lipids found naturally in the skin and help make up the glue which holds skin cells together,” says Granite. “Applying ceramides to the skin helps reinforce the skin barrier and lock in hydration,” she tells us.

Try CeraVe Moisturising Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid

If you prefer lightweight lotions to rich creams and butters, but don’t want to sacrifice any hard-working ingredients, look no further than CeraVe’s Moisturising Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid. The silky smooth, fast-absorbing formula glides onto skin, sinks in right away, and never leaves any sticky residue behind.

How do CeraVe moisturisers prevent dryness and dehydration?

Dryness and dehydration are key winter concerns. But how do CeraVe’s formulas help banish that icky feeling of tightness that you can get from having the central heat on all day? Granite tells us that the ceramides in the brand’s Moisturising Cream work to “restore and maintain the skin barrier” all while preventing the kind of “moisture loss which may lead to skin dryness and dehydration.” Meanwhile, our friend hyaluronic acid boosts skin moisture levels. But that’s not all. As Granite explains, incorporating these ingredients through CeraVe’s patented MVE technology ensures that they’re released slowly and continuously throughout the day. “These formulas allow for 24-hour hydration, making it the ideal choice for skin that is prone to dryness and dehydration,” she says.

Try CeraVe Moisturising Cream

A finely-tuned balance of hyaluronic acid and ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II make this rich cream ultra-nourishing without a hint of greasiness. Thanks to CeraVe’s genius MVE delivery technology, this moisturiser doesn’t just hydrate instantly but keeps skin feeling conditioned and cared for all the way to the next application. A magnificent multi-tasker — it’s rich enough for your body but light enough to be used on the face, too.

What consistency of moisturiser should I be looking for to help with dry skin?

Consistency is key when it comes to moisturiser, and in more ways than one. Naturally, you want a moisturiser that works day-in-day-out, but Granite also advises paying close attention to the texture of the formula. “When looking for products that work better for dry skin, creams are often preferable to lotions [because] they have a thicker, heavier consistency and tend to be formulated with a higher oil to water ratio,” says Granite. This creates an emollient, protective barrier that prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin’s surface and helps to soothe and prevent excessively dry, cracked skin.”

But that doesn’t mean a cream is optimal for everyone. Granite says those with normal to oily skin may find that lighter lotions work best. And if you find your skin fluctuates depending on the season, she explains there’s room for both a lotion and a cream in your skin-care toolkit. “Some people prefer a more lightweight lotion in warmer months and the CeraVe range includes both moisturising creams and lotions, so you can find the right product for you.”

Try CeraVe Smoothing Cream

Designed to help smooth and soften, this heavy-duty formula is great for those with rough or bumpy skin on the body. Free from harsh physical exfoliants, the formula uses active ingredients such as salicylic acid and lactic acid to gently exfoliate. Meanwhile, glycerin, shea butter, and CeraVe’s essential ceramides all provide both instant and long-lasting hydration.

What makes the CeraVe moisturisers so great for sensitive skin?

Winter can usher in a season of increased skin sensitivity as a result of all the wear and tear from elements like wind. Luckily, CeraVe’s moisturisers can help with these concerns and a whole host of others. Granite tells us that the products “are all fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so they’re gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types, but are still incredibly hard-working.” That doesn’t mean the moisturisers can only be used by those with specific skin concerns, though. As Granite notes: “I love that CeraVe products can be used by everyone in the family, including young children.” Sharing is caring, after all.

How can I maximise my moisturiser’s effectiveness?

CeraVe products are formulated with such effective ingredients that you don’t have to do much to see them working at their best. With that said, there are some things you can do to take your skin’s hydration to the next level. “For optimal results the best time to apply moisturiser is immediately after cleansing your face or body, whilst the skin is still damp. Gently pat the skin dry and then apply your moisturiser. This allows hydration to be locked in and maximises the moisturiser’s effects.” She also notes that “giving products time to work is essential.”