"Winter Face" Is Coming, and Here's How to Beat It

Your skin has started to look a little grey, your cheeks have gone a bit scaly and your forehead has seemingly amassed a series of fine lines overnight. Yep, all the telltale signs are there: You've officially got "winter face."

It's not a technical term, but "winter face" is something we all seem to experience this time of year. The weather gets colder, the heating is turned on and we might have even developed a cold too (although we know how to get rid of that fast). These are all things that seem to suck the moisture from deep below the skin's surface, leaving behind a dull, flaky and dehydrated complexion.

So what's the POA? First, upping your water intake is a good place to start. But second, you need to switch up your face cream. We've already taught you about the best moisturizers, but when "winter face" ensues, there's nothing more heavy-hitting than a water-based moisturizer. Like a glass of water for the face, they’ll basically pour hydration into each and every pore to not only bring the bounce back to skin, but they will also reignite that glow. Keep reading to discover the seven best water-based moisturizers that will rehydrate your dehydrated skin.

Sunday Riley

Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream $65

Shop

As well as hydrating hyaluronic acid, this cream contains papaya enzymes to slough away any patches of rough skin and giant white bird of paradise extract to brighten any areas of hyperpigmentation. 

Thank You Farmer

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream $24

Shop

This moisturizer from cult Korean skincare brand Thank You Farmer may contain a weighty factor 50 SPF, but the sun filters are so lightweight, it doesn't feel like a heavy sun cream at all. 

L'Oreal Paris

L'Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Liquid Care $18

Shop

So lightweight and watery, you'd be forgiven for doubting that this cream can do anything at all. But it can. It disappears immediately and leaves a layer of moisture over the skin that truly lasts all day. Plus, it contains aloe to soothe skin irritated by intense central heating.

Clinique

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief $34

Shop

Peter Thomas Roth

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream $42

Shop

Consider this cream the SuperSoaker of the skincare world. It contains 30% hyaluronic acid, a powerful molecule that constantly attracts atmospheric moisture and holds up to 1000 times its own weight in hydration. Plus, there are ceramides that reinforce the skin's barrier, plugging the moisture into the skin.

Kiehl's

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream $25

Shop

This water-based moisturizer also includes a splash of moisturizing squalene and Imperata Cylindrica—a grass extract that protects skin from harsh weather conditions. Take that, September chill.

MAC

MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel $40

Shop

A firm favorite on the backstage circuit, makeup artists the world over rely on this gel to breathe new life into tired models' skin. And for good reason too—it's so lightweight that it won't peel off no matter how much makeup you apply on top. 

Okay, now that you've got your skin in check, these eye creams will brighten up your eyes on those dark autumnal mornings.