If your skin feels tight, flaky, or uncomfortable, especially in winter, you’re likely dealing with either dry skin or dehydrated skin. They are not the same thing.

Dry skin is a skin type.
It means your skin naturally produces less oil and tends to feel dry year round.

Dehydrated skin is a condition.
It means your skin is lacking water. This can happen to any skin type, including oily skin, and is very common in winter.

In short:

• Dry skin lacks oil

• Dehydrated skin lacks water

You can also be both dry and dehydrated at the same time.

The Pinch Test

Gently pinch the skin on your cheek or the back of your hand and release.

• If it snaps back quickly, hydration is likely fine.

• If it looks creased or slow to bounce back, your skin is likely dehydrated.

The Push-Up Test

Gently push the skin upward on your cheek or forehead and release.

• If it settles back smoothly, hydration is normal.

• If it looks lined or crepey, dehydration is likely.

Fine lines that appear in winter and fade in summer are often dehydration lines.

What to Do

If your skin is dehydrated, start with hydration, not oil.
Hydrating products replenish water and support your skin barrier. Oils and butters should come after to seal moisture in.

We created a Winter Skin Support Bundle so you can treat your dehydrated skin and lock it in with oil. 

Hydration first. Oil second.

Want to learn more about dehydrated skin? Check out this article here: Why is My Skin So Dry In The Winter?