These 7 Face Masks Work Wonders to Give Dehydrated Skin New Life

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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."

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.

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.

"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.