Top five facials to save your skin this winter

Katherine Santana Staff Writer

As the temperature drops and we trade in our light fall sweaters for bubble coats, our skincare regimen deserves an upgrade as well. Skin can quickly become dry, cracked and appear dull as a result of frigid temperatures.

Banish dry skin, defeat the elements and give your skin the hydration it deserves. Here are five facial masks that not only promise to boost skin’s hydration, but also restore its natural glow.

1. GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment ($19-62, Sephora):

This is the newest member of the highly successful GLAMGLOW family. According to Sephora.com, this mask “uses the newest and most advanced hydration active technologies.” Not only does this mask moisturize, it builds a hydrating barrier between the skin and any environmental forces.

If you happen to experience drying, THIRSTYMUD can be applied to other parts of the body such as your neck and chest. After applying an even layer to clean, dry skin, allow the mask to absorb for 10 to 20 minutes. Wipe the mask off with tissue and rub any excess product into your newly hydrated, glowing skin.

Use this product two to three times per week or as needed. According to Glamglowmud.com this mask has won three different awards from Good Housekeeping, Sephora and Beauty Nylon.

2. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask ($22, Sephora): Oatmeal based products are best for winter because they help to restore moisture back to your skin. This mask needs to be applied for just 10 minutes in order to see its effects.

Infused with oatmeal and hydrating antioxidants, this soothing mask deeply hydrates as it calms and smooths cracked, dry skin. The key active ingredients also help to relieve irritation and inflammation of the skin.

Use two to three times a week or as needed for dewy, luminous skin. This face mask has been awarded a 5/5 star rating on FirstAidBeauty.com

3. Fresh Face BB Seaweed Mask ($6.95, LUSH):

Created for those with sensitive skin, BB Seaweed has been a continuous best-seller due to the masks’ soothing and hydrating effects. Infused in the bottle is an overload of nature’s best ingredients.

Nutrient-rich seaweed nourishes the skin while ground-up almonds exfoliate, eliminating any sign of dry patches. Similar to oatmeal, seaweed also provides significant benefits for your skin. Seaweed is known to prevent your skin from losing its moisture.

A bit of aloe vera gel and rose help to alleviate any irritation from the bitter cold. These all natural ingredients are mixed with honey and olive oil to moisturize. Following application, leave the mask on for at least 10 minutes, the website warns to not let the mask dry completely. Once finished, wash off with water and finish with your favorite moisturizer or toner.

4. Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Treatment Mask ($18, CVS or any major drugstore):

Inspired by the Clary Sage plant’s retention of moisture in even the harshest of environments, this mask provides extreme moisture while leaving skin baby soft. The mask also increases skins ability to retain moisture, perfect for days when your daily moisturizer simply won’t cut it.

Apply a thick layer all over the face and neck, leave on for five to 10 minutes and remove with a tissue. Massage any remaining product into hydrated, supple skin. This mask is a 2013 Allure Best of Beauty award-winner.

5. DIY Hydrating Avocado Mask: If money is a little tight or you’re feeling creative, the key to hydrated skin lies in the aisles of your local supermarket. All this mask requires is two ingredients: avocado and honey. For years, both avocado and honey have been noted and used to tackle the effects of dry, cracked skin.

To make this mask, mash one ripe avocado in a bowl and mix with one cup of honey. Apply evenly to clean skin and leave it for at least 10 minutes. The avocado contains hydrating properties that moisturize skin while honey nourishes and leaves skin with an overall glow.