Is your skin dry, flaky, or both? Can you feel dryness or skin pulling immediately after cleansing and showering?
If you have seasonal dry, dehydrated skin, you know it occurs more often when temperatures are colder, humidity levels are low, and the heat in your house is consistently on. However, if your skin type is dry or you live in a dry climate, you may deal with dry, dehydrated skin year-round.
Did you know dry skin types are more prone to lines and wrinkles?
While unfortunate, this is true. But, if you make skin hydration a key element of your skincare routine, you can manage your dry, tight skin - and know what to do during a dry skin spell.
In this article, you will learn about skin hydration, the difference between dry and dehydrated skin, and the difference between hydrating and moisturizing. You’ll also receive sample skincare regimens and a few product suggestions to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
What is skin hydration?
Hydration is the act or process of combining or treating with water. When you are hydrated, there is “adequate fluid in your body tissues.” Since skin is a body tissue, when the skin is hydrated, it has enough water.
The skin needs water to maintain overall skin health, keep it strong, and preserve its elasticity. Skin hydration products increase the skin's water content from within.
Tips for Maintaining Skin Hydration
Maintaining skin hydration is important for keeping your skin healthy. Here are five tips to help you - especially when the weather is cold and dry.
1. Drink a lot of water! When it’s cold outside, we tend to drink less water, so make it a point to refill your water bottle throughout the day. Check out this article about the skin benefits of drinking water and staying hydrated.
2. Take shorter showers or baths in lukewarm water. Hot water can remove oil from the skin, causing more dryness.
3. Use a humidifier in your bedroom, office, and other rooms of your house where you spend a lot of time.
4. Wear gloves, hats, scarves, and other protective winter gear to prevent moisture loss from exposed skin.
5. Choose gentle products, including soaps, laundry detergent, makeup, and skincare.
What is the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?
Dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same, but it is possible (and common) for your skin to be both dry and dehydrated. It is also possible for your skin to be both oily and dehydrated.
Dry skin is a skin type that lacks the sebum (natural oil) needed to hold in moisture. Dehydrated skin is a skin condition in which there isn’t enough moisture inside.
Signs of Dry Skin
Here are a few signs that your skin type is dry:
- Feels itchy and uncomfortable
- Rough patches
- Flakiness
- Cracked (may bleed)
Signs of Dehydrated Skin
Here are a few signs that your skin may be dehydrated:
- Feels itchy and tight
- Appears dull or uneven
- Darkness under the eyes - or the eyes appear sunken
- Visible fine lines
- Loss of elasticity, especially under the eyes, causing “bags”
If you aren’t sure whether or not your skin is dehydrated, you could try a “Pinch Test.” Pinch a bit of skin on your arm, hand, or cheek. If it returns to normal within three seconds, your skin is likely hydrated. Your skin is likely dehydrated if it does not return to normal after three seconds.
What is the difference between hydrating skincare products and moisturizing skincare products?
Knowing the difference between hydrating and moisturizing products is challenging since many skincare companies use the words interchangeably. Also, many products incorporate ingredients for both dry and dehydrated skin. However, they are different - and understanding the difference can help you choose the best products for your skin.
Hydrating skincare products increase the water content of your skin from within. Moisturizing skincare products reinforce your skin’s natural barrier to help prevent water from escaping.
Knowing your skin type is essential when choosing your skincare products. For example, there are specific moisturizing products and ingredients to avoid when you have oily skin.
This article details how to choose the best moisturizer for your skin.
Recommendations for skin hydration
Hydrated skin is plump and bright, feels good, and fine lines and wrinkles are less noticeable. That’s why many people have a goal of prioritizing skin hydration.
We often recommend Kate’s Revitalizing Intensive Daily Moisture to help with dehydrated skin - and maintain hydrated skin. It keeps the skin soft and luminous (but never greasy.) This product is best for dry and very dry skin types. Plus, the power-packed formula includes antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients.
Kate’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Serum is another highly recommended product for skin hydration intended for all skin types. It is an oil-free serum that plumps, smooths, reduces fine lines, replenishes hydration, and retains moisture.
When your whole body can use a boost of hydration, we suggest Kate’s Botanical Body Oil Blend for your body and nails. It is a nourishing oil that quenches and softens dry skin - and balances and hydrates oily skin.
Sample Skincare Routine for Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Morning:
- Cleanse with Gentle Daily Cleanser
- [Optional] Apply serum
- Moisturize with Complete Daily Moisture
- Apply sunscreen
Evening:
- Cleanse with Nutritive Oil Cleanser & Makeup Remover
- Apply Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Serum
- Apply Advanced Eye Therapy Complex
- Apply other serums as desired
- Moisturize with Revitalizing Intensive Daily Moisture
Sample Skincare Routine for Oily and Dehydrated Skin
Morning:
- Cleanse with Salicylic Cleanser or Clear & Simple Charcoal Face Soap Bar
- [Optional] Apply serum
- Moisturize with Complete Daily Moisture
- Apply sunscreen
Evening:
- Cleanse with Salicylic Cleanser or Clear & Simple Charcoal Face Soap Bar
- Apply Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Serum
- Apply Advanced Eye Therapy Complex
- Apply other serums as desired
- Moisturize with Revitalizing Intensive Daily Moisture
If you have specific skin concerns or want more information about any Kate Ryan Skincare products, please email us at hello@kateryanskincare.com. We are happy to help - and we love hearing from you!
