Winter brings cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and unfortunately...dehydrated skin. While the colder season has charm, it can also wreak havoc on your skin. Dehydrated skin appears dull and may have fine lines and wrinkles; it can also feel tight and itchy.
But here’s the good news: dehydrated skin is temporary, and with the right skincare routine and general lifestyle habits, you can restore your skin’s glow! Below, learn the differences between dry and dehydrated skin, common winter skin issues, and tips to keep your skin healthy and hydrated throughout the season.
Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin: Know the Difference
It’s easy to confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin, but it’s important to know that they are not the same:
- Dry skin is a skin type that doesn’t secrete enough oil and often requires ongoing care.
- On the other hand, dehydrated skin is a temporary condition caused by a lack of moisture. Even oily skin types can become dehydrated. The good news is that dehydrated skin is completely treatable with the right approach once you understand what causes it and how to address it.
“I recently had a dermal infusion facial with the esthetician, Shelly. She was amazing! Shelly explained what she would be doing and made sure I was comfortable the entire time. Shelly was very kind and the treatment was amazing! My skin was so smooth and glowing afterward. I will definitely be back to see Shelly soon!!! If you want great skin call Shelly today to set up an appointment!”
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Causes of Dehydrated Skin in Winter
Wondering why your skin feels tighter and duller during winter? Here are some of the main reasons:
- Climate Changes: When temperatures drop, so does humidity. This lack of moisture in the air leaves your skin feeling parched.
- Indoor Heating: The warm air indoors may feel comfortable, but it strips the moisture out of your skin, contributing to dryness and dehydration.
- Hot Showers: Hot water may feel great when it’s cold outside, but it can also dehydrate your skin by stripping away its natural oils. Lower the water temperature and shorten your shower time to help.
- Aging: As you age, your skin naturally becomes thinner and produces less oil, making it more susceptible to dehydration.
- Unhealthy Diets: Indulging in your favorite treats and sweets may be satisfying, but these sugary and processed foods can affect your skin’s hydration levels as well.
- Lifestyle Choices: Certain activities like smoking, drinking alcohol, or too much caffeine deplete the skin’s moisture and can make dehydration worse all year round, especially during the winter months.
Signs of Dehydrated Skin: What to Look For
How do you know if your skin is dehydrated? Here are some tell-tale signs:
- Lack of Water: Your skin feels dry and tight, which is a clear indicator that it is lacking hydration.
- Dull Appearance: Dehydrated skin often looks dull and lacks that healthy glow.
- Tight, Itchy, Scaly, and Sensitive: Your skin might feel uncomfortable, flaky, and more sensitive than usual.
- Lack of Radiance: Your skin may lose its usual vibrancy and feel less comfortable.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Dehydrated skin can emphasize fine lines and under-eye bags, making you appear older.
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Winter Skincare Tips to Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Combatting dehydrated skin during the colder months requires a combination of good skincare habits and lifestyle changes. Here are some tips to keep your skin hydrated:
- Create a Winter Skincare Routine: Adjust your routine for the season by using thicker moisturizers, hydrating serums, and more gentle cleansers to protect your skin’s moisture barrier and lock in moisture.
- Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Balanced Diet: Healthy, glowing skin starts from within. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to support skin hydration.
- Consider Injectable Treatments: Treatments like HA+ fillers (i.e. Restylane) or Skinvive can help boost hydration from within, plumping up the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
- Professional Facial Treatments: Try a rejuvenating professional facial such as a Diamond Glow facial, which exfoliates and infuses hydrating serums into your skin, leaving it refreshed and radiant.
Struggling with dehydrated skin this winter? Schedule a consultation with our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Chiang, or book a skincare assessment with one of our expert aestheticians at Integrated Aesthetics. We’ll help you create a personalized winter skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and glowing all season long. Call (281) 404-5454 to get started today!
