This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.
Can it please rain or snow? My skin has seen much better days! I recently went for a facial, just to realize how dehydrated my skin really is. Here are some tips on how to get rid of dry skin on your face.
Now, my skin isn’t normally dehydrated, but during the winter months, it takes a beating – EVEN if I am doing all the right things. But I wanted to share some skin tips that have worked for me to keep my skin nice and moisturized.
Dry Skin or Dehydrated Skin?
First off, is your skin actually dry or is it dehydrated? And really, what’s the difference?
Dry Skin refers to a skin type where dehydration is a skin condition. Dry skin means you are lacking oil in your skin. I think the best way to explain it and to figure out what you have is by using this infographic from Dermologica.
I definitely have dehydrated skin and winter is not making it much better. What about you?
How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin On Face
You know those dry patches you get on your face, where dimples would be, but you don’t have dimples? Just a flaky dry patch that never seems to go away? Same girl, same.
Over the last year or so, I’ve added new things to my daily life that have helped tremendously in the dehydration department.
Here’s what has worked for me:
Ultrasonic Humidifier
There are many types of humidifiers, but I highly recommended going with an ultrasonic humidifier – especially if you have children.
Splurge: Dyson Ultrasonic Humidifer (on my wish list)
Save: Everlasting Ultrasonic Humidifer (have and love!)
While they are pricier than evaporator humidifiers (these are the ones most people have because they don’t know the difference), they are much safer and quieter! Plus, they cost less in the long-run because you don’t have filters to change.
There are so many benefits to a humidifier, but here’s why I love mine:
- It’s QUIET
- Helps with dehydrated skin
- Reduces airborne virus and bacteria
- Helps with dry throats, stuffy noses, + headaches
- Adds moisture to the air
- Asthma friendly!
- Helps with itchy skin
- Reduces snoring
Tips for Your Humidifier
- Only use distilled water (unless you have super clean tap water)
- Clean it a minimum of twice a month
- Clean more often, especially if you use essentials oils (only certain ones work with oils).
Drink Water, Like a LOT of Water
Okay, this sounds like a given. But trust me when I say that as much as I tried to drink a lot of water, I totally failed. Starting in early January, we started drinking alkaline water and we totally noticed a difference.
I bought a Hydroflask late last year which helped me SO MUCH. I only use it for water and make sure it’s almost always filled.
Benefits of Alkaline Water
Not only were we increasing our water intake because it tasted better, but our energy was much higher as well.
Oh, and did I mention my skin started to look better? I switch between Flow water and the alkaline water sold at Costco.
We are also looking into investing in an Alkaline Water Ionizer, but for now, the bottles will do.
We have almost completely stopped using our tap water and filtering it through a pitcher, because it really isn’t good for you. (Check your water cleanliness, ours is HORRIBLE.)
Hyaluronic Acid
This has been a game changer! ONE of the many benefits of hyaluronic acid is the fact that it hydrates your skin SO WELL.
Because I use it 1-2x a day due to my dehydrated skin, I prefer to spend a little less since I use a lot. If you aren’t looking to use it daily, I’d recommend the splurge.
Splurge: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
Save: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid (can’t beat the price!)
If you are looking to slowly starting adding HA into your routine, I really enjoyed this combo product by Belei – Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
There is such a thing as OVER moisturizing. And it happens when you apply to many moisturizers without giving them enough time to be absorbed and to their job.
I personally use a handful of different moisturizers depending on how my skin feels each day.
Splurge: AM: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marin Cream
PM: Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix
Save: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
In the morning, I keep it simple and use a moisturizing toner, the hyaluronic acid from above, and this moisturizer.
If my skin is feeling extra-dry and dehydrated, I’ll apply this cream or the Jet Lag Mask prior to my makeup. Especially when I see dry patches.
At night, I follow my normal nighttime skincare routine and then apply this overnight moisturizer with pro-collagen.
Collagen Peptides
Add collagen peptides to your meals. I usually add them in my protein shakes in the morning. Collagen helps improve hair, skin, nails, joints and ligaments, and tendon health.
There isn’t really a save/splurge for collagen in powder form. It’s just one of those things you buy because every brand is around the same.
I prefer Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (unflavored), because it was voted the best for your skin and that’s what we are trying to work on.
Face Oils + Serums
This is a big one! There are so many oils and serums out there and it can be hard to choose just one.
I have a handful on oils and serums that I am using just depending on how my skin feels.
Splurge: Option #1: Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum (esthetician recommended!)
Option #2: Josie Maran Pure Argan Milk
Save: The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil
This Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum is AMAZING for breakouts, texture, and brightness, but can make your skin more dry. But I wanted to include it, because I really do love it.
Sheet Masks
I am not an expert in sheet masks or masks in general, but I love going to our local k-beauty sheet mask store, Prude & Boujee, and picking up some masks to hydrate my skin.
I usually opt for the Madecassoside mask by DewyTree, but have about 25 different masks in my fridge right now that I like to try them all.
Sheet masks are such an easy and super affordable way to hydrate your skin! I also love that if a mask really does wonders for me, I can check the ingredients to see which ones were in it, so I can look for them in additional skincare products.
What’s Working For You?
You may have already tried some of the above “tips” when it comes to figuring out how get rid of dry skin on the face.
What has worked for you? What hasn’t? I am still learning too and I love discovering new items that help my skin.
