Do you have any tricks that might help me lock the moisture in for a longer time? What masks or treatments should try a person who has dry skin?

I love the Avene Soothing Moisture Mask when I have dry skin (in the winter) I apply it, and anything that hasn't been soaked up in 5 mins I tissue off. You want to make sure your moisturizer is for dehydrated skin, because that will really keep more water in your skin. And of course use a gentle cleanser ... what are you using right now? :)

yes, I always choose the moisturizer especially formulated for dry skin, now I'm using Oligo 25 from Vichy and the vitamin E night cream from the body shop. i love both very much, I think they're really good for a moisturizer. Also they have an illuminating effect, with tiny tiny bits of sparkle and I love that.. but i'm looking for something deeply hydrating, and I'll definitely check that mask you recommended, Critty. I haven't tried many face masks, and I feel like I definitely should.
I also have the thermal water from avene and love it. I like it because it doesn't have so many minerals to dry my face out, as Uriage usually does..
and for cleasing, I use a gentle scrub/cleasing gel from Vichy, Aqualia Thermal.. but what about the toner? I don't use an alcohol based one, but is it good to use a toner lotion on a dry skin or not? I hear so many contradictory advice..

I would definitely check out the mask, I think you will love it, just keep adding more until your skin stops drinking it all up. Using it 3 x a week for maintenance should make your skin very happy. Of course you can always just use a bit of olive oil or some pure shea butter as a treat for your skin too. Toners are really tricky, especially for dry skin. Some dry out, some do nothing and some use antioxidants, so confusing!! Do you have Clinique in your country? You might want to check out the Moisture Surge Spray http://www.clinique.com/templates/products/sp_n... my friend with dry skin says this toner changed her life ;)

yesss, we do have clinique and love their products. I was keen on trying the dramtically different moisturizing something from their range of skincare products, I only bought their makeup until now, but this spray really looks tempting, sounds like it's exactly what I need..
i think i have to get used to the idea that I can't do nothing to actually change my skin type.. but only to maintain it moisturized.. thank you for all your suggestions, i'm dying to try out the mask now.

Can't wait to see if you love it! I wish I could change my skin type, super dehydrated in the winter and super oily in the winter ...

awww, bad news. our pharmacists (and man I have a lovely new girl at my pharmacy now :)))) ) haven't even heard of The Soothing Moisture mask. And they do have a pretty lush range of Avene products. Instead, they recommended a really hydrating cream that claims to nourish the deeper skin.. layers. Dunno.. I really wanted that mask, now the only thing I can do is keep looking for it.

Boooo to that. Here is a link: http://www.aveneusa.com/consumers/products/mois... maybe that will help him out!

Thank you Critty, again :) I bought a mask from freeman, which promises to hydrate and detox my face.. lol.. we'll see :) Smells lovely.

I've also bought the champagne mask, to.. peel a little, and.. man.. not only that I took off a skin layer, but I took off my eyebrows too! Omg.. really, this is a sado-maso face mask. Hurts like hell, but the skin feels really smooth afterwards.

I love the Philosphy Hope in a Jar. Smells funky, but works nicely.