Ah, winter. The magical season when harsh winds, nipping frosts, low humidity and central heating have you so sniffly you do little else but dream of warmer climates.

Besides the never-ending ailments (and you can check out the supplement section for cold-busting remedies) this tundra-esque time also wreaks havoc on your skin, stripping it of its natural oils and evaporating most of its surface water. One inevitably ends up a dry, dehydrated and patchy vision of one’s former glowing self.

Fortunately, a slew of strong creams exist to combat those chapped cheeks. Winter moisturisers act as a second skin that protects, nourishes and restores your dermis to its former summertime glory. While many moisturisers are a simple salve of humectants and hyaluronic acid, there are a few, below, that go that extra mile – and in winter, you need all the endurance you can get.

Cult to the core, Crème de La Mer is the elder statemen of heavy-duty moisturisers. The classic formula – a rich blend of humectants and “miracle broth” (a top-secret mix of fermented algae) is held in a thick, buttery texture that work wonders on barrier repair. Mr Chris Hemsworth counts himself a big fan, and if it’s good enough for Thor, it’s good enough for the rest of us.

Best for: intensely dry, sensitive skin.

This multi-tasking product (normally reserved for cheap haircare or crap soaps) has had the ultimate upgrade with The Grey’s Face Cream, almost serum-like in its active levels, but with a thicker, nourishing formula. The blend of retinol, squalene, niacinamide and countless other potent ingredients continue to treat your skin instead of just sealing it off from the winter, making it the ideal choice if you still want to thoroughly address any epidermal issues.

Best for: well-rounded, skin-changing results.

Aptly named, Sisley’s latest blend is so rich, so luxurious and so – you guessed it – velvety, that it is impossible not to love. With a base of shea butter and a simple blend of botanical oils, it is an easy, irritation-free option for those struggling with sensitive, stripped skin that might want to incorporate an active serum beforehand. Heavenly.

Best for: a severely dry face that doesn’t mind a scent.

Dry skin can often simply be a build-up of dead skin, which is why exfoliating is so necessary; you’ve got to slough off those dormant cells in order for hydrating products to get through. Dr. Dennis Gross, the undisputed king of acids, has generously combined those steps, infusing a moisture-rich formula with a complex of gentle acids to do just that. Say goodbye to rough skin and hello to pre-winter radiance.

Best for: lacklustre, dehydrated skin.

Essentially acting as armour for your flaky face, Aesop’s rich – and we mean rich – cream blends shea butter and candelilla wax to really salve over any sore spots. If your dermis is so dry it almost hurts, then this is absolutely for you. Take the opportunity to load up with a hydrating serum beforehand, so the protective formula can seal all that goodness in.

Best for: _a dry, undernourished and irritated complexion. _