Transitioning Your Skin Care Routine from Summer to Fall

The weather has started to cool down and the leaves are beginning to fall, but as the seasons change, so does our skin. The same way we trade in our summer sandals for fall boots, we need to change our skincare routine in order to accommodate for the new season. And one of the toughest challenges in doing this is dealing with dry or dehydrated skin.

The Difference Between Dehydrated and Dry Skin

‘Dry skin’ is a skin type while ‘dehydrated skin’ is a condition that can affect anyone. Dry skin is characterized by its lack of oil or lipids, while dehydrated skin is characterized by a lack of water in the stratum corneum, which is the top layer of the skin. So, how can you tell which one you may have?

Dry skin feels rough, looks dry and can have a flaky appearance. Dehydrated skin looks dull, feels tight, rough, is sensitive and shows fine lines and signs of aging. The main difference between dry and dehydrated skin is the cause. Dehydrated skin can occur as a result of many different things such as sun exposure, aging, hard water, hot showers, air conditioning or incorrect skincare. Although dry skin may be chronic, both conditions can be taken care of with moisture and hydration.

Moisture Vs. Hydration

When we hear the terms moisture and hydration, we tend to think of them interchangeably. But, in fact, there’s actually a difference between hydration and moisture. Hydration equals water and moisture equals oil. Knowing the difference between these two is key, especially when you’re struggling with dry or dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin is lacking water while dry skin is lacking oil.

Hydrators like hyaluronic acid help to bring water to the skin by using humectants. These humectants collect moisture from the air and bind it to the skin allowing it to absorb the water. Moisturizers contain oil that help to lock in hydration and keep the skin feeling smooth, soft and supple. Skin has a natural lipid barrier and when the skin is dry or aging, the barrier begins to break down and the skin starts to lose moisture.

Click through for tips on how to tackle dry or dehydrated skin during this seasonal transition.