Skincare Tips and Advice

2024-03-19

Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe creates skincare products to help you achieve healthy skin at every age and stage of life. However, as your skin changes, knowing how to care for it can be difficult. Fortunately, you're not alone. With tips, advice and helpful information on how to understand your skin’s needs, you can get answers to your most important questions and make more informed decisions about your skincare.

OVERVIEW

As you age, your skin ages with you. And this includes the skin not just on your face, but below your neck, too. One of the best ways to support your skin as it ages is with the right body care routine. For adults with mature skin, it's important to focus on moisturizers, which can hydrate your skin and help it retain water. But that's not all moisturizers do: The right body lotion or cream can also supply your skin with targeted anti-aging ingredients, soothe your skin , and help support its natural protective barrier. In this skincare guide, we're breaking down what you should know when it comes to choosing a moisturizer for mature skin. We'll explain what mature skin is, the common signs of mature skin to look for, and the types of body moisturizers that can help support smooth, soft-feeling skin.

What Happens To Your Skin As You Age?

Before choosing a moisturizer for mature skin, it’s essential to first understand how your skin changes over time. Here are some of the structural changes that occur as you age:

FACTS ABOUT MOISTURIZING MATURE SKIN

A daily moisturizing routine is especially important for mature skin, which naturally becomes thinner and drier over time.

As skin becomes thinner and drier, you may also notice visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, dryness, and sagging.

CeraVe body moisturizers are developed with dermatologists, gentle on skin, fragrance-free, and intensely hydrating. They’re formulated with beneficial ingredients (like ceramides) and are a great option for mature skin.

For best results, body moisturizers should be applied to clean, damp skin daily—this helps hydrate your skin and helps prevent water loss from the skin’s surface.

Remember: Moisturizing and sun protection are two separate skincare steps. It's essential to also apply (and reapply) a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily—in addition to using other sun protection measures—to help protect mature skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Less Collagen and Elastin: There’s a decrease in several components that your skin needs to remain firm, smooth, and plump over time (such as collagen and elastin).

Decrease in Sebum Production: As you age, your skin produces less sebum, an oily substance that helps the skin retain moisture. This can leave mature skin looking and feeling drier.

Compromised Skin Barrier: Research shows that your skin’s protective barrier (the outermost layer of your skin) may become thinner with age.1 A weakened skin barrier can make it harder for your skin to keep moisture in and potential irritants out.

These internal changes can also be influenced by a person's lifestyle, environment, and overall health. For example, dryness in mature skin may be worsened by cleansers or other products, low humidity, and other behavioral or environmental factors over time. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), certain medications and medical conditions may also contribute to dry, itchy skin in older adults.2

What Is Mature Skin?

In skincare, the term “mature skin” is used to describe skin that's showing natural signs of aging. Some common signs of aging include dryness, skin discoloration (also known as “dark spots” or “age spots”), uneven texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and loose or sagging skin. Research also shows that, because the skin becomes thinner with age, mature skin may have more visible veins and can be more prone to bruising.2

As mentioned above, mature skin can lose moisture easily, which is why older adults often experience dry, flaky, and itchy skin on their face or body. It may also appear scaly, flaky, or ashy in appearance. There's no particular age in which your skin is considered “mature”—signs of aging can develop due to many intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and environment. According to the Cleveland Clinic, although signs of aging can begin as early as 25, people generally seek out anti-aging skincare products between the ages of 40 and 55.3

Choosing a Body Moisturizer for Mature Skin

Body moisturizers can offer several benefits for mature skin. For example, CeraVe's body moisturizers—which are formulated with three essential ceramides and other beneficial ingredients—can help maintain and restore your skin's protective barrier. Our moisturizers are developed with dermatologists to deliver long-lasting hydration and help the skin retain moisture. Keeping your skin properly hydrated can help improve the appearance of dry, aging skin on your body and give it a more radiant, youthful-looking appearance.

But before you slather on any body lotion, there are a few factors to consider. Keep reading to discover CeraVe’s top tips and steps for choosing a body moisturizer for aging skin.

Step 1: Find the ideal moisturizer type for mature skin

There are nearly endless body moisturizer options to choose from—including body lotions, ointments, creams, and oils. Finding the right one for your skin's needs is largely a matter of personal preference. However, if you have mature skin, you may want to reach for a thicker formula like a body cream or ointment—especially if you have very dry, itchy, or flaky skin. These formulas often include a higher oil-to-water ratio than lotions, and therefore, can be more intensely hydrating for dry mature skin.

Note: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends skipping body oils if you’re an older adult, as these slippery formulas may increase the risk of falls.2

Step 2: Understand your skin type

Everyone's skin matures over time, and this is true regardless of your skin type, whether it's dry, oily, normal, combination, or sensitive. Mature skin is not considered a skin type in itself, so it's important to choose a moisturizer that's suitable for both mature skin and your actual skin type. It's also worth considering if your skin type has changed over time since skin can become drier with age. Reading the product label carefully can help you determine whether a particular moisturizer is suitable for your skin.

Step 3: Look for beneficial ingredients for mature skin

CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist-recommended body moisturizer and skincare brand in the USA. Our moisturizers include carefully-selected ingredients that are backed by science. For example, you'll find ceramides in all of our moisturizers—these lipids are naturally occurring in skin, where they function like the glue that holds your skin cells together.

Adopting a regular skincare routine can help support your skin’s natural moisture barrier, which, as we learned above, may weaken with age. Other helpful ingredients to look for in CeraVe’s moisturizers include dimethicone, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Many of our moisturizers also contain
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OVERVIEW

If you deal with dry skin, you're likely no stranger to ashy-looking, rough patches—especially around your knees and elbows. You may even moisturize these areas daily with little to no improvement. So, what causes those frustrating dry patches on your knees and elbows, and what can you do to improve their appearance? In this skincare guide, we'll be breaking down some possible causes of dry knees and elbows and explaining why moisturizer on its own may not always be enough to address this skin concern. Read on to discover the skincare practices, product recommendations, and skincare tips that can help you improve the appearance of scaly, flaky elbows and knees.

FACTS ABOUT DRY SKIN ON THE KNEES AND ELBOWS

Fact #1: The knees and elbows are two common places where people can experience dryness and rough skin texture.

Fact #2: Rough, dry patches on the knees and elbows can be caused by both internal and external factors, such as genetics, age, dry climates, and improper skincare.

Fact #3: When the outer layer of your skin thickens, it’s sometimes referred to as hyperkeratosis. This skin condition can occur anywhere on the body (including the knees and elbows) and is often the result of friction or the use of harsh soaps.

Fact #4: Dry patches on the knees and elbows can usually be managed at home with a gentle yet effective skincare routine that includes regularly using moisturizers (such as creams, lotion, and ointments).

Understanding Dry Skin on the Knees and Elbows

If you look at your elbows and knees, you'll probably notice that the skin in this area has some visible differences when compared to the rest of your body. For starters, the skin on your elbows and knees generally looks and feels thicker with more visible lines and folds—and there's a good reason for this.

This skin is designed to constantly bend and stretch as your joints in these areas move with you throughout the day. Your knees and elbows also rub against your clothing all day long, which can cause friction. That's why the skin there is thicker—it's designed to withstand all of this movement and friction.

Why Do I Have Rough Skin on My Knees and Elbows?

There are several factors that can contribute to dry, rough patches on your elbows and knees. Some of these dry skin triggers are within your control (such as your daily skincare routine), while others may be tied to internal factors (such as genetics) . Here are a few causes of rough, dry elbows and knees:

Low Humidity: Dry air can make it harder for your skin to retain moisture, which could contribute to dry, flaky, or itchy skin.

Cold Temperatures: Harsh winter weather, including cold temperatures and windy air, may worsen dryness.

Age: As you age, your skin’s ability to hold on to moisture naturally diminishes, which can lead to drier skin all over the body.

Genetics: Some people are more likely to experience dry skin due to a genetic predisposition or a dry skin condition (such as eczema).

Dead Skin Cell Buildup: When dead skin cells build up on the skin’s surface, it can cause the skin to have a rough, uneven texture and an ashy, flaky appearance.

Skin Barrier Disruption: If your skin’s natural moisture barrier isn’t functioning properly, it may not retain moisture as well (this is known as transepidermal water loss, or TEWL).

8 Tips for Rough Patches on the Knees and Elbows

One of the best ways to help soften dry skin on your elbows and knees is with a well-rounded skincare regimen that considers the causes of your dryness. The right routine can help you prevent dry patches by reducing TEWL, while simultaneously softening existing rough spots . Read on for a breakdown of the steps you can follow to help improve the appearance of rough elbows and knees.

1. Choose a body moisturizer with humectants

Humectants are a type of moisturizing ingredient that helps attract moisture to your skin's surface. We recommend looking for body moisturizers that contain proven humectant ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and glycerin. One body moisturizer to consider adding to your dry skin routine is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Formulated with ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizing cream is designed to help restore the look and feel of smooth, supple, and healthy-looking skin.

2. Reapply moisturizer as needed

Moisturizing is an essential step in any body care routine—especially if you have dry skin. Applying moisturizers daily can improve skin hydration and help minimize water loss. Some moisturizers can also help smooth and soften your skin and help maintain your skin's protective barrier. And if you want to get the most out of your body moisturizer, it's important to apply it regularly.

For dry elbow skin and rough knees with dry kneecaps, it may be helpful to reapply body moisturizer a few times per day (especially during the cold, dry winter months). CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is one fragrance-free, non-greasy option that can be applied as needed. Developed with dermatologists, this moisturizer formula is gentle on your skin, provides 24-hour hydration, and helps restore your skin's protective barrier.

3. Apply an occlusive ointment at night

After applying body lotion or cream in the evening, try layering on an occlusive ointment to help seal in moisture (this technique is known as “slugging”). Ointments are generally considered to be the richest moisturizer option, which is why they can be a Good match for very thick, dry skin on the knees and elbows.

We suggest trying CeraVe Healing Ointment for your nighttime slugging routine. This ointment makes an excellent dry spot treatment for rough, flaky knees and elbows. It has a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum—the latter of which is a moisturizing ingredient that's often considered to be the “gold standard” of occlusives. It works as a skin protectant and creates a barrier on top of your skin that helps minimize water loss.

4. Wear protective clothing during the winter months

Exposure to dry, cold, or windy weather conditions can make your knees and elbows more vulnerable to dryness and potentially worsening rough patches. So, if you struggle with dry patches on your knees and elbows, it's important to wear protective clothing when heading outdoors. If your skin is itchy, irritated, or uncomfortable, you may also want to take a closer look at the fabrics you're wearing to ensure that they're soft, breathable, and aren't irritating your skin.

5. Don’t forget to apply (and reapply) sunscreen

The elbows and knees are two spots that some people may neglect when applying sunscreen. But a dedicated sun protection routine may help protect your skin from rough patches and dryness—not to mention sun damage. To help properly care for your knees and elbows, we recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, 365 days per year (and reapplication at least every two hours).

As mentioned above, it's also essential to wear protective clothing, in addition to taking other protective measures (like seeking shade during peak hours). One sunscreen option to consider is CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen. This broad-spectrum hybrid sunscreen formula with SPF 30 combines mineral and chemical sun filters to help effectively reflect and absorb the sun's damaging rays.

6. Reassess your cleansing habits

Certain bathing habits, such as taking long, hot showers and using harsh cleansers, can also contribute to dryness. If you have dry skin, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends bathing with warm (not hot) water, limiting showers to 10 minutes or less, and using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.1 It's also recommended to apply body moisturizer to slightly damp skin as soon as you get out of the shower, as this can help effectively seal in moisture.

7. Treat dry knees and elbows with care

Try to avoid harsh scrubbing, rubbing, or pulling, and apply skincare products gently, per the instructions on the label (or as directed by your dermatologist). Although it can be tempting to over-exfoliate dry patches with a body scrub, this may irritate your skin and disrupt your skin barrier, potentially making matters worse. Instead, we recommend sticking to a gentle moisturizing routine that includes beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

8. Try a gentle exfoliating moisturizer on rough, thick skin

A gentle exfoliant with lactic acid or salicylic acid is one way to help reduce the appearance of rough, thick patches of skin on the body. One exfoliating moisturizer to consider is CeraVe SA Cream, which is formulated with salicylic acid, lactic acid, and ceramides . This moisturizing cream gently exfoliates dead skin cells to help improve skin texture and soften very dry, rough skin. If you prefer a lightweight lotion texture, you can also try CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin to help smooth and soften dry skin on your knees, elbows, and other problem areas.

Note: Dry skin that's persistent, painful, or interferes with your day-to-day life can sometimes be associated with an underlying condition. If you suspect that your dry skin may be linked to an illness or underlying skin condition, or it does not resolve with these easy steps, consult your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist.

For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.
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OVERVIEW

Moisturizers help hydrate and nourish your skin, but they're not all created equal. Some feature ingredients that work to supply hydration to the skin's surface, while others include ingredients that smooth, soften, or help protect dry, itchy skin. One of the first steps to restoring a hydrated, radiant-looking complexion is understanding what's included in your moisturizer formulas (and why). Ahead, we're explaining some key facts about moisturizer ingredients—beginning with the differences between humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Plus , we'll share some examples of each moisturizer type and highlight the CeraVe products you can find them in. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge you need to build an effective moisturizing routine.

FACTS ABOUT HUMECTANTS VS. EMOLLIENTS VS. OCCLUSIVES

Fact #1: Skincare products aimed at moisturization typically feature one or more of these moisturizing agents: humectants, emollients, and occlusives.

Fact #2: Humectants are ingredients that help support supple, hydrated skin. They work by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin’s upper layer.

Fact #3: Occlusives are a type of moisturizing ingredient that creates a barrier on top of the skin—this helps seal in moisture and prevent water loss from the skin barrier.

Fact #4: Emollients are used primarily to help soften and smooth dry, rough-feeling skin.

Moisturizers provide skin-supporting benefits using a two-fold approach: They increase skin barrier hydration and help prevent moisture evaporation. Using a moisturizer daily can help prevent skin dryness and improve the look of flaky, rough, and dehydrated skin. Moisturizers can be formulated with humectants, emollients, and/or occlusives—depending on the formulation.

What Are Humectants in Skincare?

Humectants are powerful skin hydrators that draw water to the skin's surface from moisture in the atmosphere. Additionally, they may also attract water from the skin's deeper layers. Humectants are important in skincare products because they help replace lost moisture and improve the skin's water content. Products that contain humectants can be useful for improving the appearance of rough, dehydrated skin since these skin hydrators can help your complexion appear more plump, supple, and youthful. Many humectant moisturizers also have emollient properties that can help soften and smooth your skin (more on that ahead).

What are some examples of humectants?

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid (also known as hyaluronan or sodium hyaluronate) is one of the most popular and well-known humectants. Found naturally in your skin, it plays a key role in keeping your skin looking plump, hydrated, and smooth. Because hyaluronic acid declines With age, it's found in many anti-aging skincare products.

Find It In: This lightweight, versatile humectant is included in many of CeraVe’s hydrating products, such as CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, a refreshing gel-cream facial serum that can be used daily for instantly smoother, softer skin.

Glycerin

Another example of a humectant moisturizer is glycerin (sometimes known as glycerine or glycerol). Research shows that this clear, odorless sugar alcohol is one of the most common ingredients in moisturizers, found in approximately 50% of moisturizing products.1 The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends glycerin as an effective ingredient for relieving dry skin.2

Find It In: Several CeraVe products contain glycerin, such as CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with niacinamide.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Alpha-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid and lactic acid) are chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cell buildup from the skin's surface. When used consistently, these naturally-occurring organic acids can help promote smoother, more even-toned skin. However , many people don't know that AHAs are also humectants.

Find It In: Alpha-hydroxy acids are a key ingredient in CeraVe Acne Control Gel, our daily-use acne treatment with lactic acid and glycolic acid. You can also find them in CeraVe SA Cream for Rough and Bumpy Skin, a smoothing cream with salicylic acid and lactic acid that helps improve skin texture.

What Are Occlusives in Skincare?

As mentioned above, humectants help attract and bind water in your skin—but that's just one piece of the puzzle: It's equally important to seal in all of that moisture so that it doesn't evaporate off the skin's surface (known as transepidermal water loss , or TEWL). That's where occlusives come in. Occlusive ingredients don't add hydration to the skin. Rather, they work by forming a barrier on top of your skin to help prevent moisture evaporation. This can help keep your skin hydrated for longer and help prevent dryness. Compared to humectants, occlusive moisturizers tend to have a thicker texture.

What is an example of an occlusive ingredient?

Petrolatum

One of the most common occlusive ingredients in skincare is petrolatum (commonly known as petroleum jelly). According to Harvard Health, petrolatum is the most effective occlusive moisturizing ingredient.3 Often considered the “gold standard” of occlusives, petrolatum is also FDA-approved for use as a skin protectant.4 It can be used to help protect dry, itchy skin but may not be well-suited for use on your face if you have acne-prone skin.

Find It In: Two petrolatum-based options to consider are CeraVe Healing Ointment and CeraVe Baby Healing Ointment, our fragrance-free, lanolin-free skin protectants for adult and baby skin.

What Are Emollients in Skincare?

Instead of adding moisture, emollients are used to help soften and smooth the skin. They work by filling in gaps between skin cells, which could otherwise cause the skin to have a rough, dry, and flaky appearance. When it comes to emollient moisturizers, it's important to note that some occlusives (such as petrolatum) also function as emollients, as do many humectants (like dimethicone). Learn more about some of CeraVe's emollient ingredients below.

What are some examples of emollients?

Ceramides

Ceramides are one of the most popular emollients found in skincare products—and for good reason. These lipids are a key component of your skin’s natural protective barrier, which is essential for keeping moisture in your skin and harmful irritants out.

Find It In: All CeraVe products contain three essential ceramides that are identical to those found naturally in your skin. To learn more, visit The Ceramides Difference.

Dimethicone

This ingredient is the second most common moisturizing ingredient in skincare products (after petrolatum).5 Dimethicone is often used in moisturizer formulas to help the product easily glide onto your skin.

Find It In: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, a barrier-restoring face and body cream that continually releases moisturizing ingredients for long-lasting hydration.

Squalane oil

Squalane is a naturally-occurring oil that has emollient and antioxidant benefits. It’s also non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores) and can be beneficial for those with dry skin or eczema.

Find It In: To include squalane oil in your moisturizing routine, try CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, our lightweight cleansing oil for dry to very dry skin on the face and body.

Should Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives Be Used Together?

Many dermatologists recommend including all three moisturizing agents in your skincare routine. According to the Cleveland Clinic, occlusives and humectants make an ideal pair, working together to help keep your skin properly hydrated.6

In order to get the most out of these moisturizers, you'll need to find the right products for your skin's unique needs. Always read the labels closely when choosing moisturizers for your daily routine—this will tell you whether the product is formulated for your skin type and skin concerns. For example, if you have oily skin, you might benefit from a water-based moisturizer formula that feels weightless on your skin, such as CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel. Or, if you struggle with uncomfortable itching or dryness, a richer cream or ointment with petrolatum may be better for your skin, such as CeraVe Healing Ointment.

CeraVe Tip: If you have sensitive skin, you may want to opt for moisturizers that are fragrance-free, allergy-tested, and developed with dermatologists—such as CeraVe’s range of gentle yet effective formulas for sensitive skin.

For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.
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OVERVIEW

FACTS ABOUT HUMECTANTS VS. EMOLLIENTS VS. OCCLUSIVES

Fact #1: Skincare products aimed at moisturization typically feature one or more of these moisturizing agents: humectants, emollients, and occlusives.

Fact #2: Humectants are ingredients that help support supple, hydrated skin. They work by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin’s upper layer.

Fact #3: Occlusives are a type of moisturizing ingredient that creates a barrier on top of the skin—this helps seal in moisture and prevent water loss from the skin barrier.

Fact #4: Emollients are used primarily to help soften and smooth dry, rough-feeling skin.

Understanding Moisturizers

What Are Humectants in Skincare?

What are some examples of humectants?

Hyaluronic acid

Glycerin

Find It In: Several CeraVe products contain glycerin, such as CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with niacinamide.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)

What Are Occlusives in Skincare?

What is an example of an occlusive ingredient?

Petrolatum

Find It In: Two petrolatum-based options to consider are CeraVe Healing Ointment and CeraVe Baby Healing Ointment, our fragrance-free, lanolin-free skin protectants for adult and baby skin.

What Are Emollients in Skincare?

What are some examples of emollients?

Ceramides

Find It In: All CeraVe products contain three essential ceramides that are identical to those found naturally in your skin. To learn more, visit The Ceramides Difference.

Dimethicone

Find It In: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, a barrier-restoring face and body cream that continually releases moisturizing ingredients for long-lasting hydration.

Squalane oil

Find It In: To include squalane oil in your moisturizing routine, try CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, our lightweight cleansing oil for dry to very dry skin on the face and body.

Should Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives Be Used Together?

For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.
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OVERVIEW

Each season can pose unique challenges for your skin, whether it's the hot, humid weather of summer or the cool, dry conditions of winter. This makes caring for your skin a constantly evolving endeavor. The good news is, changing your skincare routine each season is actually a lot easier than you may think. It all comes down to knowing which changes can have the biggest impact during each season. CeraVe is here to help, with straightforward (yet effective) seasonal tips to help keep your skin looking (and feeling ) its best year-round. We'll begin our journey below with some important skincare basics, followed by tips and recommendations for every season.

HOW SEASONAL CHANGES CAN IMPACT YOUR SKIN

Cold, windy weather conditions during the winter (along with dry indoor heating) can sometimes cause increased dryness, itching, flaking, and skin sensitivity.

Higher temperatures and humidity during the summer can cause a buildup of pore-clogging sweat, dirt, and oil. Because of this, summer weather may impact those with oily or acne-prone skin most.

In the summertime, people tend to spend more time outdoors. This can increase the chances of skin damage from sun exposure if proper sun protective measures aren’t followed.

While it’s true that seasonal climate changes can influence your skin, there are certain skincare essentials that never change. So, before we dive into seasonal tips, here are a few best practices to maintain year-round.

1. Use sunscreen all year long

Daily sun protection is an essential part of caring for your skin year-round. This includes cloudy days and throughout the entire winter. To learn more about sun protection, head to our sunscreen guide featuring board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah.

2. Pay attention to your skin’s unique needs

Everyone’s skin is unique and requires personalized care. Always pay close attention to your skin and seek to find what works best for you. For help identifying your skin type, check out these skin type facts.

3. Look for products with ceramides

The skin barrier functions as your skin's primary gatekeeper, keeping essential moisture in and harmful irritants out. To help support your skin's protective barrier all year long, look for skincare products that contain ceramides. Ceramides make up approximately 50% of the skin's lipids that form the natural skin barrier. This makes ceramides a key part of maintaining healthy-looking skin. All CeraVe products contain a blend of three essential ceramides that are identical to those found naturally in your skin.

4. Read product labels carefully

We recommend choosing expertly-formulated products, whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall. That’s why all Cerave products are fragrance-free, allergy-tested, and developed with board-certified dermatologists.

5. Don’t skip moisturizer

All skin types, including oily and combination skin, require adequate moisture year-round. For this reason, we recommend applying moisturizer twice daily onto slightly damp skin after bathing. This will help to effectively trap moisture in your skin. To learn more about this essential skincare step, check out our guide to choosing the right facial moisturizer for your skin type.

6. Consult with a dermatologist when needed

Always seek the help of a board-certified dermatologist if further guidance is needed. They will be able to provide you with a personal assessment and recommend the best options for your skin concerns, no matter the season.

Skincare Routine Tips for Each Season

Knowing which types of formulas to utilize during each season can help support skin that appears hydrated, smooth, and radiant. Here are CeraVe’s top routine tips to consider for healthy-looking skin in winter, spring, summer, and fall.

Summer Skincare

Summer usually means plenty of fun in the sun, with more time spent outdoors around chlorine, saltwater, and the sun's harmful rays. Temperatures and humidity are also generally higher, which can bring about an increase in potentially pore-clogging dirt, debris, and sweat. What does this all mean for your summer skincare routine? In simple terms, it means you should pay extra attention to your cleansing and sun protection habits. The summer is also an ideal season to keep your regimen more minimalistic, with an added focus on your core products (cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen).

Try a gentle foaming face wash

A facial cleanser is an important first step in any skincare routine—especially in the summer when increased dirt, sweat, and other pore-clogging debris can build up on your skin. To help keep your skin feeling fresh and looking healthy, we recommend washing your face twice daily with a gentle, yet effective formula that deeply cleanses, removes excess oil, and refreshes your skin (without disrupting the skin barrier)—like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. This non-drying facial cleanser features a foaming gel texture that focuses on oil control, making it an ideal option for helping to minimize unwanted shine during the summer months. For convenient cleansing on-the-go, you can also add hydrating wipes to your summer routine, such as CeraVe Plant-Based Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloths .

Double down on sun protection

There's no better time to reassess your sunscreen routine than during the summertime, when people tend to spend more time outside—potentially leaving them at higher risk of sun damage without proper protective measures. We suggest using a non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizing lotion with broad-spectrum SPF 30 for your face each morning, such as CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen.

Another great sunscreen option that can be used on your face and body is CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30, our first-ever mineral/chemical hybrid sunscreen. This multi-benefit formula is suitable for sensitive skin, non-comedogenic, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Summer is also a great time to refresh your knowledge of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's latest sun protection recommendations, which include reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours, wearing protective clothing (like hats and sunglasses), and avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours ( 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).1

Fall Skincare Tips

As the summer comes to a close, cooler weather starts to set in and there may be less moisture in the air. This means you might notice your skin starting to feel drier and more dehydrated. To help with this, you can try focusing more on adding hydrating ingredients and nourishing products that will support your skin's transition into winter.

Swap your face lotion for a nourishing face cream

Although the severity of autumn weather can differ quite a bit depending on your location, it's generally the right time to swap your summer moisturizer for a richer, more intensely-hydrating cream. One excellent option is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, our non-greasy barrier- Restoring cream for your face and body. Formulated with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and patented MVE Technology, this face cream releases a steady stream of moisturizing ingredients throughout the day and night.

See an allergist to help deal with allergy-related skin concerns

Seasonal allergies (formally known as allergic rhinitis) affect approximately 40 to 60 million people, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAU).3 And, contrary to popular belief, seasonal allergy symptoms don't only appear in the spring. Ragweed pollen, for example, is still considered a prominent allergen in the early fall.

Therefore, if your skin feels uncharacteristically itchy and uncomfortable during the fall or other peak allergy seasons (spring and summer), it's important to visit your physician or an allergist for an accurate assessment of your symptoms. They can help to ensure that you don' t confuse allergy-related skin concerns with normal seasonal effects on your skin.

Winter Skincare Tips

Winter can be a magical and festive time of year. However, it can also disrupt your skin's protective barrier and take a toll on your complexion. A mixture of environmental factors—from chilly winds to freezing temperatures and low humidity in the air—can strip moisture from your skin. This can potentially result in dryness, sensitivity, itchiness, and flaking. Harsh weather conditions in the winter may also cause skin conditions like eczema to flare, per the National Eczema Association.4

Look for hydrating ingredients

There are a number of ingredients that dermatologists may recommend for helping to combat the effects of cooler, drier air on your complexion. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), for example, recommends looking for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and petrolatum .2 You can find hyaluronic acid in many CeraVe products, such as our Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which is suitable for sensitive skin and makes a great addition to any winter skincare routine.

Give some extra TLC to your hands and feet

Winter is the optimal time to double down on your moisturizing routine. It may help to apply moisturizer more often during this season, especially if your skin is feeling extra dry. If you're experiencing dry, uncomfortable skin on your hands and feet, try a rich cream or ointment. We recommend options such as CeraVe Healing Ointment and CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream.

Spring Skincare Tips

After the dry, cold weather of winter, spring can often be a welcome relief for many people's skin. However, although mild spring weather can be favorable for your complexion, springtime has its own considerations for your healthy skin routine. Here are a few skincare tips to keep in mind once spring rolls around.

Declutter your routine with a “spring cleaning”

The term “spring cleaning” doesn't just apply to your home—it's also a great approach for minimizing and refreshing your spring skincare regimen. You can use this time to eliminate clutter on your bathroom shelf, including any potentially expired products. Depending on where you live, it may also be a good time to switch to a lighter moisturizer and upgrade your sunscreen products before the summer.

Add some gentle exfoliation to your routine

Although winter may be over, you may notice some leftover effects on your skin during this time. Dead skin buildup during the winter, for example, can lead to rough texture and a dull-looking complexion. Fortunately, adding the right exfoliating product to your spring can help promote the natural shedding routine of dead skin cells and support smoother, healthier-looking skin. According to the AAD, spring is a great time to reintroduce exfoliants that some people may find overly drying in winter.2

There are two primary methods of exfoliation used in CeraVe products: chemical exfoliation (such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid) and physical exfoliation (such as jojoba beads). Chemical exfoliation works by utilizing exfoliating acids to help dissolve dead skin cells, whereas physical exfoliation uses physical materials (like scrubs or brushes).

As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Clay explains in this guide to exfoliating without disrupting your skin barrier, it's important to choose the right exfoliants for your skin type and concerns. For example, to help improve skin texture in rough and bumpy skin, we recommend CeraVe's SA range—including our Renewing SA Cleanser, SA Lotion, SA Cream, and SA Cleanser Bar.

If you're looking to target visible signs of aging, consider adding a gentle exfoliating treatment, like CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment, to your nighttime spring routine. This serum features a 5% blend of glycolic acid and lactic acid and provides gentle exfoliation to help smooth the appearance of fine lines, accelerate skin's surface cell renewal, and clear away dead skin cells—without causing flaking or visible redness.

For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.

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