Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin in the Winter: How to Tell the Difference & Treat It
If your skin feels tight, flaky, dull, or suddenly breaking out in the winter, you might be quick to say, “My skin is just dry.”
But here’s the truth: dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same thing and treating them the same can actually make things worse.
Let’s break down the difference and, more importantly, how to treat each one properly during winter.
First Things First: What’s the Difference?
Dry skin is a skin type, meaning it’s something you’re typically born with.
Dehydrated skin is a skin condition, meaning it can happen to any skin type, even oily or acne-prone skin.
Yes, oily skin can be dehydrated. I know, shocking.
What Dry Skin Looks & Feels Like
Dry skin lacks oil (lipids) and often shows up as:
Flakiness or rough patches
Tightness that doesn’t improve after cleansing
Dull or ashy appearance
Sensitivity or redness
Dry skin tends to feel this way year-round, but winter makes it more noticeable due to cold air and indoor heat.
What Dehydrated Skin Looks & Feels Like
Dehydrated skin lacks water, not oil. Common signs include:
Tightness with surface oiliness
Fine lines that appear suddenly
Breakouts despite using “hydrating” products
Skin that feels better briefly, then tight again
This is extremely common in winter thanks to:
Cold, dry air
Indoor heating
Super hot showers
Not drinking enough water
Why Winter Makes Both Worse
Winter strips the skin of both oil and water. Add in over-exfoliating, harsh cleansers, or skipping moisturizer, and your skin barrier starts waving a white flag.
When the barrier is compromised, skin can’t hold onto hydration, no matter how good your products are.
How to Treat Dry Skin in the Winter
Dry skin needs lipids, nourishment, and protection.
Esthetician tips:
Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser
Layer hydrating serums under richer moisturizers
Look for ingredients like ceramides, squalane, and nourishing oils
Avoid over-exfoliating (once a week is usually enough)
✨ Professional facials focused on barrier repair and nourishment are key for dry skin during winter.
How to Treat Dehydrated Skin in the Winter
Dehydrated skin needs water, humectants, and barrier support.
Esthetician tips:
Add a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin
Seal hydration in with a moisturizer (don’t skip this step!)
Reduce long, hot showers
Support hydration internally with water and electrolytes
Professional treatments help infuse hydration into the skin while reinforcing the barrier so hydration stays put.
Can You Have Both?
Absolutely.
Many clients have dry + dehydrated skin in the winter, which is why guessing or self-diagnosing can lead to frustration.
This is where professional guidance matters.
See why Winter Is the Best Time to Start Professional Skincare Treatments
Products We Love For Dry/Dehydrated Skin
How We Help You Get It Right
We don’t just look at your skin, we look at:
Your skin type
Your environment
Your lifestyle and habits
Your current products and routine
From there, we create a plan that supports your skin long-term, not just for the season.
Ready to Stop Guessing?
If your skin feels confused, reactive, or unpredictable in the winter, it’s time for a personalized approach.
✨ Healthy Skyn Club offers in-person facials and virtual skincare consultations designed to help you understand your skin and treat it correctly — no guesswork required.
👉🏾 Book your winter skin consultation today and let’s get your skin back to balanced, hydrated, and healthy.
Until next time,
Brittany
