How to Shop for Cold Weather Skincare Like a Derm

“This light eye cream absorbs nicely into the thin skin around the eyes and does not clog pores,” says Dr. Downie. “It decreases hyperpigmentation gradually and is a product that I recommend consistently. It works on all skin types to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” Because the formula is so lightweight, it will work on people who are prone to milia (those pesky little bumps that can crop up around your eye area).

Dr. Downie also notes that she has reviewed the clinical studies of this eye cream and it is proven to build and improve the skin’s moisture barrier over time to ensure that the skin around your eyes isn’t too sensitive or thin.

This hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer has five different types of HA blended into it. “I use this almost daily, as does my daughter and many of my patients,” says Dr. Downie. “It is non-irritating, does not clog pores, and will not break you out. It is a great moisturizer that does not leave you with a glossy sheen—it’s very matte.” Dr. Downie also recommends this to her male patients as a post-shave hydration product because it can help to reduce irritation caused by the razor.

This product is typically available at your dermatologist’s office, but if an in-person visit isn’t in the cards, look for it at an authorized retailer, like Dermstore.

More appropriate for mature skin types, this moisturizing compound contains biomimetic peptides to help maintain the protective barrier of the skin. It’s long lasting, anti-aging, and non-comedogenic. Dr. Downie adds that it melts evenly into all skin tones, including darker tones, and has a matte finish even though it’s deeply hydrating.

This tinted moisturizer comes in four neutral shades which are intended to match all skin tones. “It is made up of prebiotics and probiotics, [as well as] ginseng, which is supposed to be a stress adaptor,” says Dr. Downie. She really loves this tinted moisturizer because its patented technology prevents it from settling into fine lines around the face. It effortlessly blends into the skin to even out your complexion for a gorgeously smooth base.

Don’t forget that you need sunscreen in the winter time too. Just because the skies are gray and overcast doesn’t mean that you’re not being exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays. “I like [this broad-spectrum product] for patients who have drier skin and lighter complexions since it can leave a slight white cast,” says Dr. Downie. “It’s non-irritating so you can apply it in unconventional places: smooth it on the lips, on your hair part, or the tops of your ears. It’s gentle enough to use on those delicate areas.”

Thanks to cucumber and olive extract, this mask hydrates and soothes the skin, which is especially important for acne-prone types and people who have conditions that leave their skin inflamed (like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea). “Many of my patients pick at their acne, so this can calm things down and they do not get too inflamed,” says Dr. Downie. She notes that it can be used on sensitive skin and absolutely must be used with sunscreen. A total pro tip: Dr. Downie recommends dotting it on a particularly mean bug bite because it does such a good job of reducing inflammation.

This mask’s hero ingredient is manuka honey, which is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and can be antibacterial. It also contains prickly pear extract which is a known antioxidant, as well as turmeric, which is another anti-inflammatory. This is a powerful hydrator that can be used for both sensitive and acne-prone skin. Dr. Downie likes that this mask can be used anywhere you’re breaking out, including your back, chest, neck, or just about anywhere else you’re experiencing acne.