Just when we thought we had the range of skin conditions sorted out, it turns out that skin can be dehydrated and oily at the same time. While it’s easy to blame this apparent skin paradox as another casualty of “winter skin syndrome”, it’s not necessarily the cold weather’s fault.
Dry desert-y climates, insidious air conditioning, excessive caffeine drinking, overzealous hot bathing…these can all cause dehydrated skin. These external factors can result in a lack of sufficient water content in your skin (aka your skin is thirsty!). But you can still have oily skin with skin-drought, in fact your skin will often compensate for dehydration by producing even more sebum. Meanwhile, sub-level sebum production is actually a skin type called Dry Skin.
How to Know my Skin Type - Do I have Dry Skin or Dehydrated Skin?
Dry Skin is a SKIN TYPE
Dry Skin is often inherited and can be caused by hormonal imbalances or other health related issues where the skin produces less sebum than normal skin. Without enough sebum production, the skin does not have lipids to retain moisture and build a strong barrier protection. This results in transepidermal water loss known as TEWL and that dreaded flaky, peeling skin that can be extremely itchy. Excessive dryness can lead to eczema (atopic dermatitis) with redness, cracking and fissures that can cause bleeding and even bacterial infections.
Dehydrated Skin is a SKIN CONDITION
Dehydrated Skin, on the other hand, is a condition that can exacerbate fine lines and wrinkles, inflammation, congestion, and dullness as well as that tell-tale tight skin feeling. One easy way to test if your skin is dehydrated is by pinching your cheek. If the skin wrinkles easily and doesn’t spring back, run for the water tap!
How to Keep Skin Hydrated
Beyond drinking the prescribed 8+ glasses of water a day, here are skin care tips for Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin:
- Minimize showers and bath times. Schedule every other day.
- An effective way to moisturize your skin is to apply on slightly damp skin (right after your bath or shower).
- Use a humidifier inside your home.
- Avoid hot water on the face, aiming for a tepid temperature when cleansing.
- Add a facial serum and facial oil to your skin care regimen.
- Moisturize twice a day, with gentle clean products (avoid fragrances, dyes, acids) and include ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, antioxidants, and oils.
How Age Affects the “Winter Skin Syndrome”
As we age, especially after 40, the skin thins and loses its ability to retain moisture. Naturally occurring fats and oils in the thick top layer of the skin called the epidermis begin to ebb away, weakening the barrier and allowing vital moisture to escape.
To bolster lackluster skin, try Hyaluronic Acid and oil-infused products, along with an omega-rich diet to achieve a healthy balance of water in the skin.
For well-rested, supple skin that gives you that full night’s sleep effect, here are some of the best night time products for dry skin:
- Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum – One of the best skin hydrating serums to defend against the signs of aging, while boosting and maintaining hydration levels and evening out skin tone. Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient for dry skin, renowned for its ability to bind and retain water.
- Argan Oil 100% Pure – Packed with omega fatty acids and Vitamin E, Argan Oil is one of the best face oils for dry skin and for combatting that dehydrated tight feeling.
- Squalane Oil 100% Pure – As a dry oil, Squalane keeps your glow on without leaving an oily sheen, helping to regulate oil production in the skin while locking in moisture.
It’s not just about using hydrating face serums for dry skin or dehydrated skin, but understanding the difference between face oil and face serum and how to use them together.
Timeless Esthetician, Shelly Leggins recommends trying this PM Deep Moisture Treatment.
- Cleanse using a soap-free hydrating cream cleanser
- Hydrate and Treat with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum. This will help boost skin’s moisture without stripping the skin of its natural oils
- Deep Moisturize your skin. Mix equal parts of Argan Oil and Squalane Oil for increased deep overnight moisture.
