Winter can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, irritated and uncomfortable. Combatting dehydrated skin during the colder months isn’t just about slathering on lotion—true hydration starts from within. To keep your skin healthy and hydrated, you need a combination of internal and external care. Here's how drinking more water, eating essential fatty acids (EFAs), and moisturizing can help combat dehydrated skin this season.
Drink More Water
When temperatures drop, we often forget to hydrate as much as we do in summer. However, dry indoor heating and cold winds can deplete your skin’s moisture. Drinking more water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, supporting cell health and maintaining elasticity. Even mild dehydration can make your skin appear dull, so aim to drink consistently throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, and consider herbal teas or infused water for added variety.
Add EFAs to Your Diet
Essential fatty acids (EFA’s), found in foods like salmon, avocados, nuts, and seeds, are key to maintaining your skin’s natural barrier. EFAs help your skin retain moisture and reduce inflammation, which is especially important during winter when dryness can exacerbate irritation. Including these healthy fats in your diet can give your skin the support it needs to stay soft and supple.
Don’t Skip the Moisturizer
Hydration doesn’t stop at the surface. Use a rich, hydrating moisturizer on your entire body daily to seal in water and protect your skin barrier. Apply it immediately after bathing when your skin is still slightly damp to trap water in the skin and maximize hydration. Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or shea butter to lock in hydration and fight winter dryness. Avoid ingredients listed as “fragrance” or ‘parfum” as they can irritate dry skin. Petroleum products can help prevent water loss, but they will not hydrate the skin. So if you choose to use them, apply moisturizers/lotions first and try to avoid on the face entirely.
How to Treat Dry Skin
When your skin is dry and irritated, it's best to avoid using AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), BHA (beta-hydroxy acids) and retinols. These active ingredients, while effective for exfoliation and anti-aging, can exacerbate sensitivity, stripping away essential moisture and impairing your skin barrier. Milk- and oil-based cleansers such as Rhonda Allison’s Soothing Cream Cleanse or Luxe Cleansing Balm will help to cleanse and retain moisture without over stripping your skin. Reintroduce actives slowly once your skin feels balanced and resilient.
The Bottom Line
By drinking more water, adding EFAs to your diet, utilizing hydrating cleansers and consistently moisturizing, you can protect your skin from winter's harsh effects and maintain a soft, glowing complexion all season long. Take care of your skin—it’s your body’s largest organ, and it deserves the TLC!