With the colder weather comes cozy nights by the fireplace, adorable skating dates, and warm hot cocoa, but the winter season also often leaves many of us fighting the resulting downside of drier skin. However, it’s easy to confuse dryness with dehydration, two very different skin concerns. Dryness and dehydration are often incorrectly used interchangeably, which is a hurtful mistake that can leave your skin neglected.

We tend to label our skin as oily, combination, or dry. If we think of skin as a spectrum, dry skin is essentially the opposite of oily skin and is a result of a lack of oil or lipids in your skin. This is different from dehydrated skin, which is more so a skin condition than a skin type, and occurs when your skin lacks water.

Dry skin is often genetic and may cause your skin to be flaky, itchy, and appear dry and dull. Dehydration, on the other hand, is a temporary skin condition generally caused by external factors such as diet, caffeine consumption, and the weather. Individuals with dehydrated skin may experience redness, inflammation, and increased sensitivity. Dehydrated skin also has a persistent tighter feel than dry skin.

There is a good chance that your skin is dehydrated instead of just dry this season, and this differentiation is extremely important in order to effectively care for your skin. Target dehydrated skin by using products with moisture-binding ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and collagen. You can also try adding heavier serums and moisturizers to your nighttime routine. Finally, it may seem obvious, but don’t skimp on drinking water! Water is a pillar of good health and can help restore moisture to dehydrated skin.

Written by: Prishni Seyone