As an esthetician, I often times hear many people describe their skin as: “it’s very dry with visible flakes” or their “moisturizer just isn’t working” and they need something else. Sometimes those moisturizers are already super emollient or thick in nature. Any of this sound familiar?
Let’s break down the difference between dry and dehydrated skin first.
Dry Skin: A Lack of Oil
Dry skin is a skin type characterized by a deficiency in the skin’s natural oils. It tends to feel tight, rough, and may even appear flaky. Winter as you might imagine, exacerbates this dryness as the colder temperatures strip away the skin’s natural oils, leading to increased dryness.
Dehydrated Skin: A Lack of Water
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, lacks water instead of oil. This can be a temporary condition, and any skin type can experience this. Yes, even oily skin types can experience dehydration! Signs include dullness, fine lines, and increased sensitivity to name a few.
Not sure which might apply to your specific skin concerns? Take our skincare quiz and share your skin concerns with an esthetician!
Tips for Managing Dry and Dehydrated Skin in Winter:
- Hydration from Within:
- Increase your water intake to supplement skin hydration and help keep your skin and other organs functioning at their best!
- Increase foods in your diet that have a high water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges.
- Gentle Cleansing:
- Opt for a hydrating, sulfate-free cleanser to avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils. One of my favorites is the Gentle Cream Cleanser.
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- Moisturize Strategically:
- For dry skin, use rich moisturizers like the Skin Dew Coconut Water Cream.
- For dehydrated skin, layer a hydrating serum like the Hyaluronic Concentrate under your moisturizer.
- Humidify Your Space:
- Combat indoor heating by using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
- Avoid Hot Showers:
- Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm showers to prevent further dehydration.
- Use a body cream to keep your skin moisturized all season long like the Bakuchiol Body Cream for enhanced hydration and brightening.
- Include a Moisturizing Toner:
- Add in the Moisture Mist to your daily routine. It’s super affordable and contains humectants to draw moisture into the skin like sodium PCA, glycerin, and beta glucan. This is a must have!
