It’s that time of year again—where the weather switches up between blustery winds and shitty downpours, team that with a furnace of a house with hydration-zapping overpriced UK heating, and suddenly your skin decides to have a full-on bitch fit.
One minute you’re battling wind burn and the next your skin feels like a dried out piece of beef jerky.
Let’s get this straight. Dry skin is a skin type - you're either born with it or the cold, harsh climate of Britain blesses you with it. It’s when your skin’s natural oils are MIA, and it often gets worse as you age or insist on washing your face with the same soap you use on your ball sack.
On the other hand, dehydrated skin is your skin’s way of telling you, "You’re ain’t drinking enough water, mate”. Also probably lay off the beer and coffee for the time being, but it’s thankfully easily rectified.
Dry skin refers to a skin type, while dehydrated skin is a skin condition you can easily tackle with products. Understanding which one is happening to you - is key.
Dry skin = Not enough oil. Think of it like a desert: rough, flaky, and crying out for moisture. It can also be genetic or caused by over-cleansing. (Though, let’s be real—lads, this probably isn’t the problem here.)
Dehydrated skin = Lacking water, not oil. It's usually triggered by things like central heating, too much caffeine or booze, or neglecting your 2 litres of water per day - which becomes especially harder in the colder months.
So dry = lack of oil, dehydrated = lack of water.
Now here’s where it gets interesting and you can find out what’s going on with your mug…
Dry skin can be flaky, rough, or scaly and might also look dull due to being deprived of oils - it can feel tight, rough, or itchy - much like sandpaper.
Dehydrated Skin can also appear dull and feel tight and may show fine lines more prominently. So basically if you’re looking fucking haggard of late, that’s why.
If you pinch the skin on the back of your hand. If it snaps back like an elastic band you're likely well-hydrated. Also, check your pee - If your urine is dark yellow or amber, it’s a sign of dehydration. Pale or straw-coloured urine is a winner - so if you experience any of the above you’re dehydrated.
Dry: Look for ceramides: fatty acids, such as shea butter, plant oils and humectants (which draw moisture into the skin) so things like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and then try to look for barrier-repairing ingredients such as ceramides and niacinamide.
Start by spritzing your face - it’s so easy, and so refreshing and you can easily transport this in your man bag on a train journey/flight.
Facetheory Replenamist Hydrating Toner, £15, Face Theory Replenamist
This lightweight, barrier-boosting toner with refreshing cactus and prickly pear extracts, plus niacinamide and amino acids to plump and protect the skin while supporting the skin barrier, evening out skin tone and minimising enlarged pores. (Facetherory.com)
E45 Lips and Dry Skin Balm, the ultimate cold weather salve, £8.99, E45 Lips and Dry Skin Balm
Perfect for chapped lips and small dry patches, this balm is packed with hydrating lanolin, vitamin E, and beeswax to soften and restore. Whether it’s your lips, hands, or even elbows, it provides instant relief without that greasy feeling (Superdrug.com)
Curel Intensive Moisture Face Cream, £22.50, Curel Intensive Moisture Face Cream
Light-as-air, yet it’s intensely nourishing formula leaves skin soft and glowing. The product is designed to protect and promote natural ceramides in the skin in turn which promote hydration. Their deep moisture spray, (£19.50) is also great to add to your arsenal. The spray provides the features of a regular moisturiser in this alternate form. Its’ ultra-fine mist means it can be used to replenish your skin throughout the day. It features refined micro-ceramide particles penetrating deeply into the skin, providing instant hydration and freshness wherever needed. (lookfantastic.com)
Dehydrated: Look for lightweight serums or gels with water-attracting ingredients to support hydration levels
The Roc Hydrate + Plump range is infused with Hyaluronic Acid. Their Hydrate + Plump Daily Moisturiser, SPF 30 (RRP, £27.99) helps to restore skin’s natural moisture, visibly re-plumping lines & replenishing hydration. You can also try their Hydrate + Plump Eye Cream (RRP, £25.99) specifically formulated to replenish your delicate eye area, for maximum overall plumping power. (Boots.com)
Simon Ourian M.D 24Hr Moisturiser, £129, Simon Ourian 24HR Moisturiser
This has a duo of Hyaluronic Acids of different molecular weights to instantly plump and hydrate skin (hyaluronic acid holds its own weight in water x 1000). Ingredient Hexapeptide-8: sustains the moisturising effect by strengthening the skin’s barrier and Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties helps to protect skin against daily external aggressors.
Face Theory Hyaluronic acid 2% face plumping serum. A deeply hydrating serum with multiple weights of hyaluronic acid for optimal absorption, plus an antioxidant-rich botanical extract for calming stressed skin. (Simonourianmd.com)
Bioré UV Aqua Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50, £15.99, Biore SPF50
This transparent, fast absorbing mineral SPF ensures that you are sufficiently protected from harmful UVA/UVB rays (yes even in winter!) whilst implementing key ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, in order to restore moisture & hydration to the skin. Applied to clean skin, this can be utilised on its own, or layered on top of any serum, moisturisers or sprays - it’s the final step in your skincare routine (Superdrug.com)
Always drink plenty of water and incorporate hydrating foods (e.g., cucumbers, juicy fruit, watermelon) the stuff your mama tells you to eat!
Avoid harsh products, alcohol-based toners, or astringents that strip the skin’s moisture. On that note, I really think I don’t have to concern myself worrying about you overusing those items (astringents - what?!) most of you are probably still using 3-in-1 shampoo as skincare.
So, if your skin’s looking a bit worse for wear lately, there’s your answer. You can thank me later.
The good news? It’s totally fixable. Just slap on the right products, drink some water, and maybe lay off the pints for a night or two!
Lauren x