Products to protect your skin barrier now that temperatures have dropped sharply?

My skin has become really sensitive lately as the weather has gotten drier. My skin feels very tight just from washing my face in the morning, and by the afternoon, my cheeks start to flake white. I used to be fine with just any cream, but now that winter has arrived, I can feel my skin barrier breaking down. I was particularly surprised when I slept with the heater on; my face felt hot and stinging the next day. These days, I am using a cream containing ceramide and cica to soothe my skin.

After cleansing, I lightly hydrate with a toner, and if I apply this immediately like a moisturizing barrier, the moisture definitely lasts a long time. Since restoring the skin barrier is the most important thing, I minimized exfoliation and switched to products with gentle ingredients. It hasn't fully recovered yet, but

I feel like my skin is returning to being comfortable and irritation-free, just like before. I’m curious to know how you protect your skin barrier against winter dryness and what products you recommend.