Beauty Skincare These 7 Face Masks Work Wonders to Give Dehydrated Skin New Life Your skin's thirst is about to be quenched. By Pia Velasco Pia Velasco Instagram Twitter Pia Velasco is a New York-based beauty reporter with over 10 years in the industry — swatching lipsticks, interviewing experts, and finding the best products on the market. She's currently the Senior Digital Beauty Editor at Meredith, and writes for InStyle, Shape, and Real Simple. She received a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from New York University and her Master of Science in journalism from Columbia University. In addition to her love for beauty, she's also passionate about yoga, and acts as an instructor in NYC. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on November 19, 2021 Pin Share Tweet Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Photo: Getty Images Now that winter is here, our skin is starting to feel tighter and look flakier. That said, dehydrated skin is a common side-effect of harsh, cold weather, but what we also do indoors adds to the dryness. "Factors, like central heating, can also decrease the moisture level of the air," explains Dendy Engelman, M.D., a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at the Shafer Clinic in New York City. As a result of the indoor and outdoor air, she explains that moisture gets pulled from the skin, leading it to become dry and cracked. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to keep your skin nourished and supple. For starters, a moisturizing face mask can save your skin. "They create a barrier for the skin, locking in moisture and improving texture while delivering concentrated active ingredients into the skin in a short time frame," explains Dr. Engelman, adding that using one is a way to "supercharge" your skin with hydration. However, with so many moisturizing face masks on the market, we understand that it can be tricky to find one that will actually solve these winter woes. The first step to understanding your options is to pinpoint the ingredients that will replenish moisture. "Hyaluronic acid is a superstar ingredient for hydration as it can hold up to 1000x its weight in water," says Dr. Engelman. "Ceramides and peptides strengthen and restore the skin barrier, helping skin retain moisture. [Additionally] squalane, shea, and lightweight hydrating oils, such as jojoba, are also great for helping skin stay hydrated." Below, find the seven best moisturizing face masks that'll help you keep your skin in tip-top condition. Best Drugstore Moisturizing Face Mask: Burt's Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask Burt's Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask Burt's Bees Boost your skin's microbiome with this overnight mask. Fatty acids, prebiotics, and avocado oil make up the nourishing formula that replenishes dehydrated skin. It comes out of the bottle thick but quickly absorbs into the skin for a pillowy, lightweight feel that leaves skin looking refreshed the next day. Best Luxe Moisturizing Face Mask: Drunk Elephant F-Balm™ Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask Drunk Elephant F-Balm™ Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask Drunk Elephant In the same way that electrolytes help replenish your body's hydration levels after a wild night out, they also work to boost your skin's moisture level when applied topically. This formula is packed with hydrating squalane, barrier-boosting ceramides, reparative niacinamide, nourishing omega fatty acids, and other replenishing ingredients that repair dehydrated skin overnight. Use four to five pumps for best results, and if your skin is really quenched, apply a few drops of your favorite face oil on top for an extra layer of moisture. Best Moisturizing Face Mask for Sensitive Skin: KORRES Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask KORRES Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask KORRES For hypersensitive or reactive skin, this probiotic-fueled face mask is a godsend. The Greek yogurt in the formula helps to soothe, rebalance, and nourish skin without ever irritating it. Apply it to clean, dry skin, leave on for 10 minutes, and gently wash off with warm water for the best results. Best Anti-Aging Moisturizing Face Mask: Glo Skin Beauty Restorative Mask Glo Skin Beauty Restorative Mask Glo Skin "This mask is full of nourishing ingredients like squalane, açai, and black currant seed oil that repair and strengthen the skin barrier and protect from additional damage," says Dr. Engelman. "It's also great for reducing signs of aging and brightening dull skin — and is suitable even for sensitive skin types." Best Moisturizing Face Mask for Oily Skin: Paula's Choice Radiance Renewal Mask Paula's Choice Radiance Renewal Mask Paula's Choice This lightweight gel formula is packed with ultra-moisturizing ingredients that won't clog your pores. It has a high percentage of hyaluronic acid, skin-replenishing glycerin, and niacinamide. Use this overnight mask at least once a week for the best results. Best Brightening and Moisturizing Face Mask: Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask with Vitamin C Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask with Vitamin C Youth To The People Tackle dullness and dehydration with this vitamin C-packed mask. The pillowy formula also packs in hydrating squalane, hyaluronic acid, and sunflower seed oil and leaves skin feeling silky smooth the morning after use. Best Moisturizing Face Mask for Travel: Derm Institute Anti-Oxidant Hydration Gel Masque Derm Institute Anti-Oxidant Hydration Gel Masque Derm Institute "This mask contains hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and botanicals to soothe the skin. I like to use this when I travel because it comes in individual packets," shares Dr. Engelman. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit