As the colder months approach, you might start to notice some changes in your skin. While dry and dehydrated skin are often used interchangeably, they’re actually not the same! Dehydrated skin refers to skin that lacks water, not oil, and it can affect anyone, regardless of skin type. In this blog post, our expert aestheticians will walk you through how to properly care for dehydrated skin, what causes it, and how our collagen-boosting skin treatments, along with a solid skincare routine, can help restore hydration and improve your complexion all year long!

So, What Causes Dehydrated Skin?

Dehydrated skin can be triggered by several factors, some of which become more prominent as we enter the colder months. Here’s what to watch out for:

-Weather Changes: As the temperature drops and the humidity levels fall during fall and winter, your skin is left more vulnerable. The cold air and dry indoor heating systems strip moisture from your skin, leading to that tight, uncomfortable feeling we all experience. 

-Hot Showers and Baths: While a long hot shower might feel great when the weather gets cold, it can actually dehydrate your skin by stripping away its natural oils and moisture. If you love hot showers, it’s important to follow up with a good moisturizer immediately after to lock in hydration and prevent your skin from feeling tight or dry.

-Aging: As we age, our skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases due to a slowdown in natural oil production and changes in the skin’s structure.

The good news? While the causes are plenty this time of year, the solutions are effective, and we’re here to help you achieve beautifully hydrated skin year-round! Here’s how:

Step 1: Hydrate from Within

Before we talk about topical treatments, let’s start with the basics - hydration starts from the inside out. Water plays a vital role in maintaining your skin’s elasticity and moisture levels. Aim for at least 8 cups of water a day, and be mindful of how much coffee or alcohol you’re consuming, as these can contribute to dehydration.

Incorporating hydrating foods into your diet can also help nourish your skin. Fresh fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and leafy greens are packed with water and nutrients to keep your skin glowing. Omega-3 rich foods such as walnuts and fatty fish like salmon can help to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture!

Step 2: Treat Your Skin to Professional Treatments

While hydration starts internally, it’s important to support your skin all year long with targeted treatments. At our downtown Bethesda medical spa, we offer a range of collagen-boosting skin treatments that can address dehydrated skin, from facials to lasers and even microneedling!

-HydraFacial:

One of the best treatments for dehydrated skin is the HydraFacial. This non-invasive facial combines deep cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, and protection in one treatment. The HydraFacial uses a specialized device to remove dead skin cells and impurities while infusing the skin with hydrating serums. The result is immediately refreshed, radiant, and deeply hydrated skin, making it perfect for combating the dryness and dullness that come with the colder months.

-Custom Facials:

Our customized Defy facials are designed to infuse moisture deep into the skin. We use medical-grade products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw moisture into the skin, leaving it plump, refreshed, and deeply hydrated. These facials also work to calm inflammation, which is common in dehydrated skin, especially during the colder months.

-Microneedling with PRP:

Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an incredible treatment for dehydrated skin. The microneedles create micro-channels in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process while allowing for deeper penetration of hydrating serums. By adding PRP, which is derived from your own blood, we enhance the skin’s ability to heal and rejuvenate, helping to lock in moisture and improve overall skin texture.

-BBL Laser (BroadBand Light):

BBL laser treatments are ideal for fighting dehydration-related pigmentation, redness, and dullness. The BBL treatment stimulates collagen production, which in turn improves skin texture, reduces discoloration, and boosts hydration. This non-invasive treatment helps your skin become more resilient, maintaining hydration and radiance despite the cold temperatures.

-Moxi Laser:

The Moxi laser is another fantastic option, especially for those looking to address early signs of dehydration and skin damage. Moxi laser gently resurfaces the skin, improving texture and hydration levels without significant downtime - it’s the perfect treatment to refresh your skin during the colder months when dryness and dullness start to take over.

-Skinvive:

One of the most effective treatments for restoring hydration is Skinvive. This injectable hyaluronic acid treatment is designed to hydrate the skin from the inside out. It not only provides immediate moisture but also helps improve skin elasticity and texture over time. 

Step 3: Follow a Medical-Grade Skincare Routine

Maintaining hydrated skin requires a consistent, medical-grade skincare routine. Here’s how to incorporate hydration-boosting products into your everyday regimen:

1. Start with a Hydrating Cleanser:

Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won't strip away your natural moisture. Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and aloe vera, which help keep the skin soft and hydrated without irritating it. This one is our favorite - and it contains essential anti-aging nutrients and peptides, along with soothing aloe extract to nourish the skin!

2. Hydrating Serum:

A hyaluronic acid serum is a must for dehydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, and applying it to damp skin will help pull moisture from the air into your skin.

3. Moisturize Twice a Day:

Moisturizing is key to locking in hydration. Use a richer cream at night (patients love this one) and a lighter moisturizer during the day, like this Sheer Lightweight Moisturizer. Be sure your moisturizer contains humectants (to attract moisture), emollients (to smooth skin), and occlusives (to lock in moisture).

4. Don’t Skip SPF:

Even in the colder months, sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of any skincare routine! Sun exposure can further damage the skin barrier, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture.

The key to maintaining hydrated skin is consistency. Regular professional treatments, combined with a tailored skincare regimen, will help you maintain healthy, glowing skin even through the harsh winter months.

Whether you're interested in lip filler, Botox/Dysport, collagen-boosting skin lasers, or want to learn more about our Defy Monthly Facial Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon.