Winter has a harsh effect on our skin, often leading it to become dehydrated, no matter how much water we drink.
Signs that your skin might be dehydrated include defined lines on the forehead and around your eyes and are not dependent on age.
One of our most important 'water carriers' is hyaluronic acid (HA), a glycosaminoglycan (or GAG), that lives in our dermal layer of the skin and holds onto our water. And the two go hand-in-hand, because without plenty of fluids, and HA to hold that fluid, skin would always be dehydrated. Therefore, it's really important that you drink plenty of fluids and reach for those products that contain hyaluronic acid (HA), especially as we get older because we synthesise less HA as we age. This is one of the reasons why older skin looks less plump and youthful and is more prone to fine lines, wrinkles and looser skin.
Another reason why your skin might be feeling more dehydrated in the winter (despite drinking plenty of fluids and using products that contain HA, is transepidermal water loss (TEWL). TEWL occurs when there is a break in the skin barrier, causing water to be lost. Although not visible to the naked eye, these loses will lead to dehydrated and sore skin. Causes for these breaks in the skin barrier can be due to cold weather causing skin damage, abrasion from face coverings, exacerbation of conditions such as eczema or rosacea, central heating and colds.
It is so important that our skin barrier is repaired and protected, to prevent TEWL and to keep a strong, healthy skin barrier and hydrated skin. Rescue facials may be needed, along with a regular skin care regime that gently cleanses the face, a hydrating serum to help replace loss moisture and add HA to the dermis, a good moisturiser such as B3, an SPF 30+ and Actives to help calm down common skin conditions that can be aggravated by cold, winter weather.