Protect your complexion this winter with these creams, serums and treatments

The Canadian Farmer's Almanac is predicting an icy cold, snowy winteroh, great! As Canadians we know that the only way to survive winter is to enjoy it. Arriving home from work, running a warm bath and applying a hydrating face mask is pure decadence, but being thoughtful about the care of your skin is responsible and self-loving, too. Unhealthy skin leads to soreness, damage and premature aging.

You may not know, but moisturizers work in two ways thanks to two main ingredients: humectants and occlusives. Humectants work to draw moisture from deep down below the skin surface, from the water that we drink, and occlusives act as the barrier to keep that hydration in. Your best skin care regimen will include a mix of humectants and occlusives, with some reparative treatments (like masks!) added in for good measure.

The Farmer's Almanac states that the first winter snow storm will arrive around December 8, 2016, so here are five of the best creams, serums and treatments for your skin during a long, cold Canadian winter.

Cl de Peau Beaut Radiant Multi Repair Oil, $224, shop.nordstrom.com
This oil is designed to perfect the barrier function of your skin and protect against the loss of hydration. Cl de Peau has poured a repair oil complex into this pretty pink bottleit includes rice germ, bio evening primrose, rosehip and camellia oilsto improve skin barrier function and repair the effects of eczema too. This is a luxury item, for sure, but it's excellent and will likely last you the entire winter, if not until the spring.

Shiseido Bio-Performance LiftDyamic Cream, $145, thebay.com
This cream is a heavy-hitter against intense winter winds and a sheer lack of humidity. Slathering it on feels fantasticit's thick, rich and buttery, and absorbs immediately. The effect of this cream is 24 hours of rich hydration (though you'll be tempted to re-apply simply because it feels so luxurious) and a nice, dewy complexion.

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cream Mask, $42,sephora.ca
This deliciously creamy mask offers seven ingredients for long lasting hydration and protection against moisture lossrose hip oil, cucumber extract, avocado oil, macadamia oil, marshmallow extract, shea butter and honey. I applied this mask at the beginning of a warm bath and, by the time the water cooled, it had mostly absorbed into my skin and left a beautiful finish. Because this mask is free of parabens, artificial colours and fragrances, formaldehyde donors and PEG's, I was perfectly happy with that. And I love how much this mask's added Rose Gallica rose oil smells like springthe perfect mid-winter pick-me-up.

Evian Facial Spray, $19,sephora.ca
Straight from Auvergne, France, this facial spray by Evian generates millions of micro droplets of water that feels incredibly hydrating and therapeutic to skin. Do you work in a dry office environment? Keep a bottle at your desk, each spray will instantly improve surface hydration andbonusrevive your makeup too.

Rodial Super Acids Daily Azelaic Acid Serum, $98, Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale
This silicone-free serum uses gentle acids to exfoliate your skin while you sleep. If your skin is at all sensitive to the effects of winter, gentle exfoliation is key. This serum is a no-brainer: Exfoliate with fruit acids overnight to get rid of dry skin, promote skin cell renewal, and wake up with a primed complexion for applying serums, creams and your day's makeup.