As winter approaches, we start to use heaters, fires, and steaming hot water in our showers. These extreme conditions can play havoc on our skin and cause dehydration or worsen dryness in dry skin types.
What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?
Dry skin is a result of a lack of oil production in the skin.
Dehydrated skin is a result of a lack of water in the skin.
Dry skin is a skin type.
Dehydrated skin is a skin concern that can happen to any skin type - dry, oily, combination etc.
Is my skin dry or dehydrated?
Signs of dry skin:
If your skin feels or looks tight, flaky, or dry and you do NOT experience an oil shine throughout the day at all - summer or winter - then you have dry skin.
Dry skin types generally suffer earlier and more often with fine lines.
Signs of dehydrated skin:
If your skin has been showing signs of tightness, redness, flakiness, sensitivity and irritation lately, but you still experience an oil shine throughout the day at some point, then your skin is not dry, it's dehydrated.
Dehydrated skin is a skin concern caused by a compromised skin barrier that isn't able to retain moisture (water). Dehydration is not a genetic predisposition, like dry skin is.
Dehydrated skin can be a result of environmental assaults, lifestyle (smoking, the consumption of alcohol, sugar or over-processed foods etc) or the use of harsh products on your skin.
Also read: The Best Vitamin A Serums
In any case, dry and dehydrated skins both crave hydration. To keep these skins at its optimal healthy state, hydration is the key! The best ingredient for skin hydration? Hyaluronic Acid!
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid, also known as hyaluronan, is naturally produced by our bodies, and it looks like a clear, gooey substance.
The main function of Hyaluronic Acid is to retain water. That keeps our skin moist, dewy and plumped and keep our tissues and joints lubricated!
When babies are born their skin are full of Hyaluronic Acid - which is why their skin is so supple and plump.
Extra tips to improve skin hydration over winter:
- Reduce hot steamy showers on the face
- Limit heater use
- Drink plenty of water
- Add cucumber in your water
- Add a hydrating or serum-infused sheet mask once a week
- Look for ingredients with Ceramides or Vitamin E
- Change from a medium weight moisturiser to a thicker hydrating cream
- Change your usual cleanser to a cream or milk based cleanser
- Look into your nutrient deficiency
- Supplement your diet with Essential Fatty Acids - they are a natural oil barrier that protects our cell membrane
- Supplement your diet with cod liver oil - it contains Omega 3 and Vitamin A
- Reduce sugar and processed foods that can dehydrate the skin
Top 5 Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Dry/Dehydrated Skin
Plump and firm skin through increased hydration with this advanced hyaluronic acid formulation. This smoothing blend provides deep, long-lasting hydration on three levels: on the surface, deeper in the skin and by increasing the skin’s own hyaluronic acid production.
The original hyaluronic acid serum – supercharged. Harnessing all of the hydration power of best seller Hydr8 B5, with added Natural Moisturising Factors alongside a potent triple-action hydration booster, this is the ultimate antidote for parched, dry skin.
This lightweight, fast absorbing serum is the perfect addition to any skin care regiment. Its super-hydrating properties make Hydrating Serum a suitable alternative to a cream-based moisturiser for those with oily skin, as well as the ideal choice for those with extremely dry, dehydrated and devitalised skin.
This is a concentrated topical filler that enhances fullness and fills in fine lines without a needle, delivering an immediate, noticeable boost of hydration that visibly plumps and firms the skin’s appearance.
Also read: What Type of Dark Circles Do I Have?
About The Author
My name is Sari Pols,
I have been in the skincare industry for over 15 years. My passion lies in ‘Health’. Health for the skin and body. My philosophy is if we have good well-being on the inside, then it shows our vitality on the outside.
I have furthered my knowledge of Skin Anatomy, Skin Concerns, and Fitness. I am a true believer in how to make my clients feel their best both inside and out. My emphasis is on guiding my clients through their journey of skin concerns and conditions. I do not like to bandaid a concern or condition but want to get down to the root of the cause. I aim to give personalised consultations with treatment and correct prescribed skin products.
