11 Moisturizing Face Washes That Won’t Dry Out Your Skin

With a new season comes new skin-care needs. For many, cold weather brings with it the unsolicited gift of drier skin that can feel chapped, raw, and extra sensitive. The first step for most in tackling severe dryness starts with swapping out the main culprit that's stripping your skin in the first place: your cleanser.

First, it's essential to know that as hydrating as a cleanser might feel, you shouldn't rely solely on it to moisturize, says celebrity aesthetician Renée Rouleau. "The whole purpose of a cleanser is to clean the skin, not to moisturize it," she says. "The key for winter cleansing is to jump onto your next product immediately after you cleanse. You have a 60-second window before dehydration starts to occur."

But that doesn't mean the cleansing step isn't important. While many prefer cleansing oils, Rouleau does warn that when used incorrectly they can actually block the absorption of the rest of your products. "What happens is that even if you use a washcloth, there's still a coating left on the skin," she says. "That coating prevents your next product from really going into your skin." That's why she prefers gel, lotion, or low-foam cleansers.

With Rouleau's help, we've rounded up our favorite moisturizing face washes with some added tips for tackling dry skin this winter. Check them out, ahead.