Keep Your Skin Soft, Hydrated, and Happy All Season Long.
Winter can be a magical time, but it’s no friend to your skin. Between cold winds, indoor heating, and the general lack of humidity, your skin and lips can quickly turn dry, flaky, red, and downright miserable. In fact, it can get so bad that you might start to feel like a shriveled-up prune.
Your only salvation when your skin starts to show signs of winter irritation is to turn to moisturizing balms for dry skin.
Moisturizing balms are the true heroes of winter skincare. These rich, hydrating powerhouses swoop in to save your skin, delivering deep moisture, providing much-needed protection, and restoring your complexion’s healthy, hydrated glow.
In this article, we will take a look at the eight must-have balms that will keep your skin soft, happy, and winter-proof all season long.
What Exactly Are Skincare Balms? Your Winter Skin’s Best Friend
Skincare balms are ultra-rich, water-free (usually but not always) moisturizers packed with nourishing ingredients like natural oils, butter, and waxes. Their thick texture makes them ideal for locking in moisture and creating a protective barrier against harsh winter elements.
Unlike lighter lotions, balms are designed to tackle tough dryness, heal cracked skin, and soothe irritation. Perfect for faces, hands, lips, and even elbows, they’re a one-stop solution for keeping your skin hydrated, soft, and happy when the temperature drops.
Winter Skin Struggles? Moisturizing Balms to the Rescue!
Winter wreaks havoc on your skin, leaving it dry and desperate for hydration. Thankfully, moisturizing balms are here to save the day! These rich, nourishing formulas lock in moisture, repair damage, and protect your skin from the harsh winter elements.
Let’s explore the best balms to keep your skin soft and glowing all season long.
1. The All-Around Hero: Eight Saints Cloud Whip Face Cream
When it comes to multitasking hydration, the Cloud Whip Face Cream by Eight Saints is a true winter champion. Packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, this balm doesn’t just moisturize—it brightens, protects, and repairs. Its whipped, lightweight texture feels luxurious without being heavy, making it perfect for morning and night.
Why it’s a winter savior:
- Brightens dull, winter-worn skin with Vitamin C.
- Provides long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
- Feels like a soft cloud on your face—who doesn’t want that?
Use Eight Saints Cloud Whip Face Cream after cleansing to lock in moisture. Don’t forget your neck!
2. The Overnight Wonder: Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
When the weather outside is frightful, let your skin repair itself overnight. Laneige’s Cica Sleeping Mask is a game-changer for dry and sensitive skin. It’s infused with Forest Yeast, an ingredient that helps strengthen your skin’s barrier while you sleep.
Why it’s a winter savior:
- Soothes irritation caused by cold winds and dryness.
- Deeply hydrates while you rest, so you wake up with plump, smooth skin.
- Fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive types.
Generously slather it on as the last step in your nighttime routine.
3. The Hand Protector: Burt’s Bees Hand Salve
Your hands work hard during the winter, battling freezing air, frequent washing, and harsh sanitizers. Burt’s Bees Hand Salve is the pocket-sized solution to keep them soft and supple. Made with beeswax, olive oil, and rosemary, it creates a protective barrier against the elements.
Why it’s a winter savior:
- Instantly relieves cracked, chapped hands.
- Non-greasy, so you won’t leave smudges on your phone.
- Smells earthy and natural, adding a little aromatherapy to your day.
Keep a Burt’s Bees Hand Salve in your bag and another by your sink for quick reapplication.
4. The Luxury Pick: La Mer Creme de la Mer
For those who want to treat themselves (and their skin), La Mer Creme de la Mer is the gold standard of winter hydration. This ultra-rich balm is infused with the brand’s legendary Miracle Broth, known for its ability to heal and restore even the driest skin.
Why it’s a winter savior:
- It provides an intense moisture boost for areas that need extra TLC.
- Soothes redness and irritation caused by the cold.
- The balm doubles as a lip balm for extra versatility.
Use sparingly—it’s potent and pricey! A little goes a long way.
5. The Lip Lifesaver: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Chapped lips don’t stand a chance against the cult-favorite Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. This balm hydrates and smooths even the driest, flakiest lips overnight.
Why it’s a winter savior:
- Leaves lips soft, plump, and kissable by morning.
- Formulated with vitamin c, coconut oil, shea & murumuru seed butter.
- A tiny jar lasts forever, making it worth every penny.
Use it during the day for an extra layer of protection against cold winds.
6. The Multi-Tasker: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
If there’s one balm everyone should have in their winter skincare arsenal, it’s Aquaphor Healing Ointment. This dermatologist-approved classic works wonders on cracked heels, dry elbows, windburned cheeks, and even eczema-prone skin.
Why it’s a winter savior:
- Soothes and protects almost every part of your body.
- Creates a moisture barrier that locks hydration in and cold out.
- Affordable, versatile, and easily available.
Mix it with your regular moisturizer for an extra hydration boost.
7. The Body Quencher: Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
While we tend to focus on our face and hands, winter dryness can wreak havoc on your entire body. The Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream is a rich, fast-absorbing balm that delivers long-lasting hydration where you need it most.
Why it’s a winter savior:
- Relieves itchy, flaky skin almost instantly.
- Non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, so you can dress right after.
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin but tough on winter dryness.
Apply right after a shower when your skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.
8. The On-the-Go Balm: Glossier Balm Dotcom
For those who love a touch of fun with their functionality, Glossier Balm Dotcom is the perfect winter companion. This multipurpose balm can be used on lips, cuticles, dry patches—pretty much anywhere. Plus, it comes in a variety of flavors and tints to match your mood.
Why it’s a winter savior:
- Compact and easy to take with you wherever you go.
- Adds a hint of color while hydrating.
- Packed with antioxidants and emollients for soft, smooth skin.
Keep one in your coat pocket for quick touch-ups on cold days.
Winter Skin Tips to Pair with Your Balms
Using the right balm is only part of the solution. To keep your skin healthy all winter, combine your favorite products with smart habits:
- Stay hydrated: Focus on drinking plenty of water to help your skin stay moisturized from the inside out.
- Invest in a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can prevent your skin from drying out indoors. Check out Vicks Warm Mist Vaporizer.
- Avoid hot showers: As tempting as they are, hot water strips your skin of its natural oils. Stick to lukewarm water to keep your skin clean and happy.
- Layer your skincare: Start with a hydrating serum, follow with a moisturizer, and finish with a balm for extra protection.
Who Can Benefit from Face Balm? Everyone!
Face balms are often associated with wintertime dry skin, but they’re not just for those battling flakiness during harsh weather. A high-quality balm with nourishing ingredients can work wonders for any skin type year-round. Whether your skin is oily, sensitive, aging, or blemish-prone, there’s a reason to make face balm a staple in your routine.
Let’s break it down by skin type:
Sensitive Skin
Caring for sensitive skin can feel like a constant uphill battle. It’s true, that many products irritate more than they help. That’s where a well-crafted face balm shines. With natural, gentle ingredients like plant-based oils and botanicals, balms soothe irritation while deeply nourishing your skin.
Look for balms rich in vitamins and minerals, as these help calm inflammation and restore balance without causing flare-ups.
Oily Skin
Think oily skin and balms don’t mix? Think again. Oily skin is often a sign of dehydration—your sebaceous glands overcompensate by producing excess oil which leads to breakouts.
Using an oil-free, drying product only makes this worse. A plant-based balm can hydrate your skin and balance moisture levels, stopping that overproduction of oil in its tracks.
Key ingredients like olive oil absorb excess oil in shiny areas while delivering hydration where you need it most.
Blemish-Prone Skin
Who doesn’t fear an acne breakout? If you struggle with breakouts, harsh acne treatments can sometimes do more harm than good. Enter the face balm.
Gentle, natural balms help soothe irritation, and hydrate your skin, while supporting its natural barrier, reducing the chances of future breakouts. In fact, the right balm can even help repair damage from past blemishes, giving your skin a chance to heal and stay clear.
Aging Skin
Aging brings many changes to your skin, especially during the harsh winter season—less collagen, slower cell turnover, and drier texture. A balm packed with antioxidants and regenerative plant botanicals can combat these changes.
Look for ingredients like spirulina or St. John’s Wort to encourage cell renewal, plump fine lines, and restore a youthful glow. The result? Skin that looks and feels revitalized.
Sun-Damaged Skin
Overdid it in the sun when you hit the slopes? Your cheeks might be rosy red from your outdoor excursion but they will quickly start to feel tight and dry out. A face balm can be your skin’s best friend. After too much exposure, your regular products may sting or feel uncomfortable.
A soothing balm provides instant relief to wintertime dryness, replenishing hydration and calming irritation. Plus, it helps repair your skin’s barrier and promotes healing for healthier, happier skin.
No matter your skin type or challenge, face balms are a versatile, skincare powerhouse that are a must-have during the winter months.
Your Winter Skin MVPs
Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, uncomfortable skin. With the right moisturizing balms, you can keep your skin soft, smooth, and glowing no matter how cold it gets outside. From luxurious splurges like La Mer to trusty classics like Aquaphor, there’s a balm on this list for every budget and need.
So go ahead—treat your skin to the TLC that your skin and lips deserve. After all, winter is tough, but your skin doesn’t have to be. Grab your favorite balm, bundle up, and enjoy the season without fearing dryness or irritation.
