A DEHYDRATED VISAGE

Blame winter if you like—hot showers, a drop in humidity and heating on full bore can quickly dehydrate skin. And while you might expect a change of seasons—hello, spring!—to magic away your parched visage, it’s not that simple. Over time dehydrated skin doesn’t just look and feel tight and dry, chronic dehydration can also contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too. It’s also important to note that dehydrated skin and dry skin are two unique skin concerns. While dehydrated skin tends to be caused by factors we can control and is temporary, dry skin— often characterised by flaky, itchy, tight skin—is caused by the skin’s inability to produce lipids that help it to retain moisture.

THE SOLUTION: Dehydration is relatively easy to remedy when armed with the right skincare. If you’re not already using hyaluronic acid—in the A.M. and P.M.—now’s the ideal time to work this superstar into your routine. This must-have molecule—found naturally within our skin—attracts and retains moisture, making for plumper, hydrated complexions. If you’re suffering from dry skin, you’ll need a skincare routine that nourishes and strengthens your skin’s barrier to boost lipids and keep skin nourished. Tackling dry skin can be tricky—as this skin type tends to be more prone to irritation and sensitivities. If in doubt, and unsure if your skin is dry or dehydrated, it does pay to seek the advice of a skin expert.

IF YOU’RE NOT ALREADY USING A CHEMICAL EXFOLIATOR—AKA SKINCARE ACIDS—THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO START