Snow Much Glow

If your skin feels tight, looks dull, or gets flakey in colder months, you might be dealing with dryness—or is it dehydration? While they sound interchangeable, dryness and dehydration are two very different skin concerns that require different approaches. Dry skin is a skin type that lacks oil, while dehydrated skin is a temporary condition caused by a lack of water. In this post, we’ll break down the main differences between the two, explain how trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) plays a role, and share which ingredients—like humectants and ceramides—to look out for based on the concern.

Dehydration vs. Dryness

Dry skin is type of skin, not a temporary condition. This is something that is determined by your pore size, meaning you’re born with it or naturally prone to it! Dry skin lacks sebum, or oil. Some common signs include roughness, flakes, dull or ashy appearance, itchiness or tightness, and fine lines tend to look more pronounced. Dry skin loves things like emollients and occlusives like ceramides and squalane. Dehydrated skin is a condition, not a skin type. Anyone can experience this regardless of skin type because dehydrated skin lacks water not oil. When the skin lacks oil, it will feel tight but look shiny or oily, there will be increased sensitivity and redness, fine lines can appear seemingly out of nowhere, and the skin can look dull but not ashy. Dehydrated skin needs hydration; your skin is thirsty! Look for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and panthenol.

What is TEWL?

TEWL stands for Trans Epidermal Water Loss, and it effects all skin types. It can make dry skin more uncomfortable and make dehydration even worse. So, what is it exactly? TEWL refers to the skin’s natural process of water evaporation from the deeper layers of skin. It’s a normal process; however excessive water loss causes a snowball effect- especially as it starts to get colder.

Humectants & Ceramides

Humectants and Ceramides are the most popular things to focus on when it comes to treating and managing dryness and dehydration. So, let’s break it down. Humectants pull moisture into the skin for hydration. Ever heard of hyaluronic acid? That’s a humectant! These types of ingredients are best for dehydrated skin, though really all skin types can use them. Ceramides on the other hand, are crucial for barrier function as they replace lost lipids and moisturize the skin. These ingredients are also great for all skin types!

Ultra Hydrating Booster + Peptide Renewal for sensitive winter skin

Westfield Skincare has got you covered with options for both dry and dehydrated skin. For those with dehydrated skin, look no further than the Ultra Hydrating Booster. Packed with sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, and aloe vera, this lightweight serum deeply hydrates the skin down to the dermis for plump, hydrated, and glowy skin. Dry skin on the other hand will thrive with the Peptide Renewal Moisturizer. Rich with peptides and multiple ceramides, this moisturizer revives dry, dull skin while also utilizing Vitamin E for antioxidant protection.