Zitsticka’s Moisturizer Moisturized My Dry Skin Overnight

I used to have dry skin, but it has recently become chronic, which everyone tells me is typical since I’m still months away from turning 30. But when the weather gets really cold overnight, I wake up with dry, parched skin. None of my go-to moisturizers were up to the multi-pronged challenge of quickly closing the hydration gap and improving the skin barrier to stop moisture loss. I also have acne-prone skin, so products are needed to avoid that as well. ZitSticka’s Barrier Boost Breakout-Proof Slugging Balm meets this conflicting need.

I’ve never used the pounding technique because my skin is so oily (yes, even when it’s dry) and prone to acne. I decided to try ZitSticka for a number of reasons: The brand’s bread and butter treats acne, its name says it’s acne-fighting, the formula is packed with non-comedogenic yet deeply hydrating ingredients, and the price at $14 is right.

ZitSticka Barrier Boost Anti-Breakout Cream

Before going to bed, I will scoop out one Very Apply a small amount and rub it between your fingers to transform the thick balm texture into something thinner and more like an oil. I apply it wherever my skin feels dry, which a lot of times means avoiding the T-zone. I saw a difference the first time I used it – I woke up to a huge difference in my skin and it felt brand new. Painful dry tightness and edge sandpaper texture are gone. What replaced it was hydrated, hydrated, even bouncy skin without any new breakouts or breakouts—and I’ve gotten the same results every time since. Secret weapons include common hyaluronic acid, ceramides and sunflower seeds.

ZitSticka’s Barrier Boost Breakout-Proof Slugging Balm is deeply hydrating and I don’t need to use it every day. I let my skin tell me when I need it, but the usual frequency is about every 10 days.

The jar is small but I can’t stress how much you need to adequately cover your entire face. ZitSticka’s Barrier Boost Breakout-Proof Slugging Balm is $14, which is a steal, especially considering how effective it is. Shop it on Amazon and check out our other cold weather skin care essentials below.

Cosrx Advanced Snail Glow Double Serum

Loops Dream Sleep Overnight Hydrogel Mask

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrated Cream