Your Ultimate Winter Skincare Routine: Say Goodbye to Dehydrated Skin

What causes dehydrated skin?

Dehydrated skin can stem from various factors, but it’s often caused by skincare products containing harsh or irritating ingredients that compromise the skin barrier and disrupt the microbiome. Using products that don’t suit your skin can also throw off its balance, leading to dehydration. Essentially, your skin is signaling that something in your routine isn’t working.

Irritating ingredients can trigger excess oil production, making skin appear oilier and more prone to congestion. The same goes for harsh exfoliants or rough cleansing tools—they weaken the skin’s protective barrier, which is essential for maintaining a healthy, hydrated complexion.

Best Cleansers for Dehydrated Skin

No matter what has caused your skin to become dehydrated, your cleanser plays a crucial role in restoring balance. Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine.

For daily use, a gentle, hydrating cleanser is key. Cream, oil, or balm cleansers are ideal, as they cleanse without stripping the skin. If you prefer a foaming or gel-based cleanser, ensure it’s formulated to maintain hydration rather than depleting it. A good rule of thumb: if your skin feels tight or dry after washing, that cleanser isn’t the right fit—at least not while you’re working to restore hydration. My favorite hydrating cleansers are Epicutis Oil Cleanser and Face Reality Barrier Creamy Cleanser.

Epicutis Oil Cleanser gently removes makeup and impurities while nourishing and hydrating the skin, leaving it soft and balanced. It doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy and is acne-safe.

Face Reality Barrier Cream Cleanser is a gentle, acne- safe hydrating cleanser that removes impurities while supporting the skin barrier. Its soothing formula helps maintain moisture, making it ideal for sensitive and dehydrated skin.

Serums For Dehydrated Skin

While moisturizers are great for softening the skin’s surface, serums can penetrate deeper, delivering active ingredients more effectively for longer-lasting results.

For immediate hydration, we need to focus on humectants—ingredients that attract and retain moisture in the skin. One of the most popular and effective humectants in skincare is hyaluronic acid, which helps keep the skin plump and hydrated. One of my favorites is the Hydrinity HA Serum—it contains injectable-grade hyaluronic acid, making it incredibly nourishing and deeply hydrating for the skin. It helps replenish moisture, leaving the skin plump, smooth, and revitalized. 

Another top pick is Epicutis Lipid Serum, it is formulated with TSC, delivering deep hydration while restoring and strengthening the skin barrier for a smooth, replenished complexion.

Best Moisturizers For Dehydrated Skin

Incorporating a moisturizer is just as important as a serum—especially if your skin barrier needs extra support. If your skin is dehydrated, chances are your barrier isn’t functioning optimally, allowing moisture to escape more easily.

A great option is Epicutis Hyvia Crème as it contains Hyvia™ (chia seed extract) for deep hydration, TSC for anti-inflammatory benefits, a lipid complex for barrier repair, and antioxidants for skin protection.

Another great option if you prefer a lightweight moisturizer Is Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion. It delivers effective hydration and barrier repair without feeling heavy, absorbs quickly, and is perfect for daily use—even under makeup and is acne-safe.

 

Balms & Oils for Dehydrated Skin (An Extra Step, but So Worth It!)

 

If you’re dealing with dehydration, adding a balm or facial oil to your routine can be a game-changer. While not essential, they provide an extra layer of nourishment and help lock in hydration, making them especially beneficial during colder months or if your skin barrier needs repair.

A standout favorite of mine is Anfisa An-Balm. This luxurious balm is packed with nourishing botanical ingredients that help deeply hydrate, soothe, and repair the skin barrier.

Another favorite of mine is Furtuna Skin Due Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil. This powerhouse facial oil combines organic olive oil with wild-foraged botanicals to deeply hydrate, nourish, and restore the skin barrier. It’s lightweight yet incredibly effective at sealing in moisture, making it perfect for locking in hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.

SPF For Dehydrated Skin

For dehydrated skin, daily SPF is essential to protect against UVA and UVB damage, which can lead to aging, pigmentation, and skin cancer. A great choice is Colorescience No Show Sunscreen, a lightweight, mineral-based formula that offers broad-spectrum protection while hydrating the skin and blending seamlessly for a natural finish.

Lip Care

Winter weather can be harsh on your lips. Anfisa An Gloss is a nourishing option that provides hydration and a protective barrier, keeping your lips soft and comfortable throughout the colder months.

Now to sum things up,
Key Concepts for Dehydrated Skin Care

 

1. Hydration vs. Moisture – Hydrators (like hyaluronic acid) draw water into the skin, while moisturizers (like creams and oils) help lock it in.

2. Barrier Repair – A compromised skin barrier leads to increased water loss. Strengthening it with ceramides, fatty acids, and lipid-rich products is essential.

3. Humectants – Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin attract water to keep the skin plump and hydrated.

4. Occlusives – Balms and oils seal in hydration, preventing moisture loss, especially overnight.

5. Lightweight vs. Rich Formulas – Choose serums and gel-creams for daytime hydration, and richer creams or balms for deeper overnight repair.

6. Multi-Layered Hydration – Layering hydrating serums, moisturizers, and oils ensures long-lasting hydration and barrier support.

7. Non-Stripping Cleansing – Cream, oil, or balm cleansers prevent dehydration while effectively cleansing the skin.