’Tis the Season for Hydrated Skin

Local experts share their recommendations for keeping skin moisturized during the winter months.

Itching, redness, burning, and cracking are all uncomfortable warning signs of dry skin—a fact of life come winter in Boston.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. For tips on keeping faces and hands hydrated and healthy during the dark, cold months, we chatted with two dermatologists: Dr. Victor Neel of Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dr. Kay Kane of Boston Children’s Hospital, who both recommend moisturizers with petrolatum.

“What you don’t want is to use anything that has a color or fragrance,” Kane says, as added fragrances or scents can cause further skin irritation.

“Most people moisturize incorrectly—when their skin feels dry they put moisturizer on,” Neel says. “The most effective way to prevent moisture loss is to apply when skin is wet.”

For products that fit the bill, we asked a few local spa pros and shop owners for their favorite moisturizers—see below for their recommendations. Happy (hydrated) holidays!