Dehydrated skin can occur all year round, however wintertime tends to bring out the worst version of our dry skin. The cold, frigid air outside coupled with the forced heated air inside create the perfect storm for dry skin. The lack of humidity found both indoors and outdoors in the winter are extremely harsh on the skin. The water content of the epidermis (the top layer of our skin) reflects its environment—the less humidity there is in the air around us, the drier our skin becomes.

What is the best way to treat dehydrated skin?

Thankfully, there are ways to treat and protect our skin in the winter to save it from becoming dry and dehydrated. The top 6 do's and don'ts for dehydrated skin include:

• Do apply moisturizers at least twice a day
• Do add humidity back into the air with humidifiers
• Do protect the skin with sunscreen
• Do apply moisture masks to the skin
• Don’t take long, hot showers
• Do use gentle cleansers that don't strip the skin of its natural oils

What can help with very dry skin

Treating dehydrated skin is all about locking moisture in. "The two key concepts to implement are reducing water exposure and increasing the frequency and quality of emollients,” says New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield. This is potentially bad news for those of us who love to indulge in long, hot showers. Dr. Greenfield says: "Showers may need to be reduced to avoid frequent water contact. I advise using soap only in parts of the body that get soiled (scalp, genitalia, armpits, face, hands) so that you don't wash away important natural hydrating factors from your skin."

How to keep my skin hydrated naturally?

Using the proper emollient is essential for keeping skin naturally hydrated. “Emollients should be oil or cream based, not lotions,” says Dr. Greenfield. “Lotions are generally moisturizers that you need to pump. Creams you need to scoop out, which is an easy way to know the difference.” A facial oil can be applied first and then layered with a cream to really seal in hydration. Try HydroPeptide Moisture Reset, a nutrient-rich facial oil that contains 13 precious oils to help lock in moisture by building up the natural lipid barrier of your skin.

Do moisture masks actually work for dehydrated skin?

Dr. Greenfield likes moisture masks as way to treat dehydrated skin. “Any time you place a topical cream, ointment, or medication on the skin and then place a thick film on top of it, occlusion takes place,” she says. “If your skin is dry, applying a mask will create occlusion of the moisturizer on the skin which be more effective than applying moisturizer without occlusion.”

Discover moisture-rich masks in the HydroPeptide collection for dryness and dehydration.

Why do I have dehydrated and dry skin?

There can be many factors that contribute to dry skin. “You may have a genetic predisposition to dry skin. You may be over washing or over soaping your skin. You may have a heater in your home that does not release any moisture in the air,” says Dr. Greenfield.

Age can be cause of dry skin

As we age, our skin gets drier because of several different factors. According to Harvard Medical School, over at least 75% of people over age 64 have dry skin. "Often it's the cumulative effect of sun exposure: sun damage results in thinner skin that doesn't retain moisture. The production of natural oils in the skin also slows with age; in women, this may be partly a result of the postmenopausal drop in hormones that stimulate oil and sweat glands."

What are some good skincare brands for dehydrated skin?

Aging skin can also look worse when the skin is dry. Dehydrated skin can make fine lines and wrinkles look more pronounced. At HydroPeptide, we created a moisturizer that specifically addresses the loss of hydration in aging skin. HydroPeptide Power Lift Moisturizer is specially formulated with pineapple ceramides and shea butter to lock in moisture and gravity-fighting peptides to lift and plump the skin.

How can I prevent my face from being dehydrated?

Dr. Greenfield says the key actions to take to prevent the face from becoming dehydrated include:

• Don’t over wash your face
• Use a cleanser that is hydrating (Try HydroPeptide Makeup Melt Botanical Cleansing Balm)
• Increase the frequency that you are applying moisturizer to your skin
• Use both a facial oil and a cream if you need to moisturize twice instead of using the same product two times a day

What's the difference between hydrated and oily skin?

Hydrated skin is healthy skin—this is when the proper ratio of oils and fats are keeping your skin barrier protected. Oily skin means your sweat glands are overproducing oil. The excess oil can cause breakouts.

Why is my skin dry even though I drink a lot of water?

While getting enough water is important, there is no adequate research to prove that drinking it will result in visibly hydrate skin. “Water is great for your body in general, but your skin needs oils not just water,” explains Dr. Greenfield. “The fats on the surface of your skin are really what keep it moist and healthy.” Daily use of a facial oil, such as HydroPeptide Moisture Reset, delivers vital nutrients while improving skin’s natural lipid barrier.