It’s officially that time of the year when my skin gets a bad case of winter-itis. The air outside is dry, the indoor heating is completely devoid of moisture — there’s simply no escape. As a result, the skin on my body is left parched, flaky, and tight, all of which are telltale signs of dryness and dehydration. At this stage, my skin tends to guzzle up body lotions, serums, and body oils, so much so that they don’t leave my body nourished at all. Recently, however, I picked up a tub of Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream at the drugstore, sheerly because of its size at first: At the rate I was slathering on other moisturizing products, the large 16-ounce jar for less than $20 enticed me. Lo and behold, after just two days of using it, I was blown away by how soft, supple, and deeply moisturized my skin felt, which is something I clearly can’t say for all products.
I’ve only been using the cream for a few weeks, but I’m confident that my dry skin is now under control, especially because the results just keep getting better and better. Below are three reasons why.
1. IT CONTAINS PROVEN MOISTURIZING INGREDIENTS
In Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream — which just so happens to be the #1 selling moisturizing cream in the U.S. — you’ll find hero ingredients like niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (vitamin B5), glycerin, and soothing sweet almond oil, all of which are mainstays in dermatologist offices. I’m no derm, but I can surmise that’s exactly why I experienced immediate and intense hydration and relief as soon as I rubbed the cream into my skin, with results that don’t wear off. Being that the ingredients come recommended by top dermatologists, it makes sense that the formula is clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin, something that most people definitely experience in the wintertime, including me.
2. IT REPAIRS THE SKIN BARRIER
Dry winter air compromises the skin barrier (aka its outermost layer), leaving it vulnerable to redness, irritation, and even moisture loss. That means you can slather on all the moisturizing ingredients in the world, but if they don’t have barrier-building ingredients, your efforts will be futile. Dimethicone and other protective ingredients in Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream act as a down puffer for your skin, shielding it against the harsh conditions, keeping moisture in, and restoring the resilience of skin. My skin definitely feels less chapped and inflamed when I put this on, and the cracked patches on my hands healed after just a few days, which I definitely attribute to the barrier support benefits.
3. IT’S IDEAL FOR ALL-OVER AND TARGETED AREAS
This cream is sumptuously thick and cushiony — one of the many reasons I adore it. As for how I personally use it in my routine: I apply it head-to-toe after showering while my skin is still damp, and it leaves my limbs noticeably moisturized and velvety all day, sans any greasy film. (I can actually put on jeans immediately after without them getting glued down by this cream, which is a big bonus in my book.)
It’s also ideal for touch-ups throughout the day — for instance, softening rough, ashy spots like knees, elbows, and legs. And because it’s fragrance-free, it doesn’t mess with my sensitive skin, even in areas where it’s particularly cracked and dry. Suffice it to say, if you’re someone with chronically dry skin — whether it be just during the winter or all year round — definitely give Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream a go. You won’t be disappointed.
