Understand the difference, what it means for your skin and the targeted rituals to help restore moisture, comfort and radiance…
With winter in full swing, it’s common to notice your skin becoming drier, more sensitive and less supple. Skin that feels well-hydrated and radiant in the summer months can suddenly shift; becoming tight, uncomfortable and easily irritated. While many assume this simply means their skin is dry, these signs can just as easily point to dehydration… or even a combination of both.
Dry and dehydrated skin can look and feel similar, but they are not the same. One refers to a lack of oil, the other to a lack of water. Surprisingly to some, the two can occur simultaneously, particularly in colder months when temperatures drop, indoor heating rises and environmental stress all disrupt your skin barrier. Together, these make moisture management far more challenging.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know. From how to tell whether your skin is dry, dehydrated or perhaps even both, why these concerns intensify in winter, how to adapt your skincare (and lifestyle habits) to restore balance, the ingredients that truly make a difference and the best products that support hydrated and resilient skin.
What’s The Difference Between Dry And Dehydrated Skin?
The first and most important step: let’s look at why the two differ. Dry skin is usually a genetic skin type, though it can become more pronounced with age or hormonal fluctuations, including menopause. As oil production naturally declines, the skin is left with fewer lipids to retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors.
Common signs of dry skin include:
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Rough or flaky patches
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Feelings of tightness or discomfort
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Redness or sensitivity
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Fine lines that appear more pronounced
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Makeup that applies unevenly or clings to patches or rough texture
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Overall dullness due to a weakened barrier
Dryness most commonly shows around the eyebrows, nose and mouth, but it can appear across the entire face.
What dry skin needs:
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Nourishing oils
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Lipid-rich moisturisers
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Barrier supportive products
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Omega-rich ingredients
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Gentle cleansing
Dehydrated skin on the other hand is a temporary condition, not a skin type. Any skin type, whether oily, combination, normal or dry, can become dehydrated.
Common signs of dehydrated skin include:
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Tightness after cleansing
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A dull or lacklustre appearance
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Fine lines or creases as opposed to deeper set wrinkles
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Redness or irritation
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Congestion
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More visible pores
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Shadows under the eyes
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A crepey texture
If you’re still unsure, one easy indicator is the pinch test. Gently pinch the skin on your cheek. If it wrinkles easily or takes a moment to bounce back, your skin is likely dehydrated.
What dehydrated skin needs:
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Humectants (like Hyaluronic Acid)
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Hydrating serums
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Moisture-sealing oils
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Gentle exfoliation
Why These Concerns Tend To Worsen In Winter
As mentioned, winter weather creates the ideal environment for moisture loss, making both dry and dehydrated skin far more common. Cold air reduces natural oil flow and weakens the skin barrier, while central heating pulls essential moisture from the air… and from your complexion.
The quick changes in temperature as you move between the cold outdoors and warmth of inside further increases trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Humidity levels are also lower meaning there is less ambient moisture for your skin to draw on. This too can intensify feelings of tightness and dullness.
On top of this, a change in habits around this time of year in the run up to the festive period, can also make things worse. From less sleep and heightened seasonal stress to changes in our diet, it’s clear why skin can feel off balance. Understanding these triggers is the first step in building a routine that proactively protects and replenishes your skin.
How To Tell Which One You Have, Or If It’s Both
Since dry and dehydrated skin can share many of the same symptoms, it’s easy to misread what your complexion truly needs. With a little observation, and by listening to your skin’s cues, distinguishing between the two becomes far simpler.
Dry skin typically shows up as roughness, flaking, sensitivity and a general feeling of discomfort. You may also notice that your moisturiser absorbs almost instantly, or that your skin feels more in need of nourishment. These are all signs of a weakened skin barrier that needs some extra support.
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, often feels tight yet may still produce oil. A dull or tried-looking appearance, more visible fine lines and makeup that creases or pills are classic indicators of a lack of water rather than oil.
When both dryness and dehydration are present (something incredibly common in winter), you might notice a combination of flakiness, tightness, dullness and exaggerated lines. If several of these signs resonate, your skin is likely experiencing both concerns at once and will benefit from a ritual that restores both oil and water.
How To Treat Both Dry And Dehydrated Skin: Your New Winter Ritual
Ready to elevate your winter skincare routine? Here, we share expert top tips and curated Irene Forte formulas that restore moisture, strengthen the barrier and bring lasting comfort back to dry, dehydrated or winter-stressed skin.
Tip 1: Cleanse Without Stripping
Harsh cleansers can disturb the lipid barrier, causing tightness, flaking and even more dehydration - especially when temperatures drop. The goal is to cleanse the skin without stripping away the oils it desperately needs at this time of year. Look for something gentle and calming.
Try our Almond Cleansing Milk for a creamy, comforting cleanse that removes impurities while supporting the skin’s natural lipids. Our Lavender Foam Cleanser is another calming and non-stripping choice if you prefer a lighter formula.
Why this matters: Cleansing sets the foundation for every step that follows. A compromised barrier cannot retain water or lipids efficiently, meaning even the best serums and creams won’t work as effectively. A gentle cleanse ensures your skin is primed to receive, and keep, hydration.
Tip 2: Restore Water With Hyaluronic Acid
When skin lacks water, it quickly becomes tight and dull. Hyaluronic Acid is a true hero and works wonders for helping to quickly replenish water reserves.
Try our Triple Level Hyaluronic Serum which is clinically proven to hydrate for up to 12 hours after just one use. It combines low, medium and high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid to instantly quench thirsty skin. Apply both morning and night; ideally to slightly damp skin to enhance absorption.
Why this matters: Dehydration affects both comfort and appearance. A multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid formula like ours restores from within, prevents makeup from clinging to dry patches and keeps your complexion looking smooth, plump, dewy and well-cared for.
Tip 3: Support Your Skin Barrier With Lipid-Rich Moisturisers
Hydration alone isn’t enough, so it must be sealed with nourishing lipids to strengthen your skin barrier. This is especially crucial for dry skin, which as we know, naturally produces less oil. Dehydrated skin also struggles to retain moisture.
Try our Hibiscus Night Cream - our richest and most cocooning moisturiser. Infused with Myoxinol™, Hyaluronic Acid, omega-rich Olive Oil and a Tetra-Ceramide Complex, It restores elasticity, reinforces the barrier and brings immediate comfort. For daytime, our Aloe Face Cream hydrates beautifully without any heaviness and applies beautifully when layered over our Triple Level Hyaluronic Serum.
Why this matters: A strong barrier prevents moisture loss, reduces sensitivity and keeps your skin healthy, smooth and supple. Using lipid-rich creams ensures water stays locked in.
Tip 4: Add Extra Nourishment With A Face Oil
Face oils are transformative during winter for both dry and dehydrated skin needing richer nourishment. Oils replace essential lipids and create a protective veil that shields skin from stressors like cold air and indoor heating.
Try our Pistachio Face Oil which is enriched with nourishing Sicilian Pistachio Oil and soothing Vitamin E. If radiance is your goal, our Rose Face Oil helps brighten dullness and smooth fine lines. Apply as the final step at night, or pat a few drops into your skin before makeup for a more luminous finish.
Why this matters: Oils reinforce the barrier far more effectively than water-based formulas, helping prevent moisture loss and ensuring skin looks smoother, healthier and more resilient.
Tip 5: Treat Roughness With Gentle Exfoliation
When dead skin accumulates, hydration cannot penetrate. The result? Dryness feels rougher and dehydration looks duller. Gentle exfoliation helps to remove this buildup without irritating or over polishing your skin.
Try our Almond Face Scrub which refines texture with finely milled Almond grains while Hyaluronic Acid helps to maintain comfort. For best results, apply like a mask for five minutes, then massage in.
Why this matters: Effective exfoliation clears the way for serums and creams to absorb fully. It also brightens your complexion, smooths texture and helps restore natural radiance.
Tip 6: Intensify Nourishment With An Overnight Mask
Nighttime is when your skin is in repair mode making overnight treatments especially powerful for both dryness and dehydration. A rich mask replenishes lost moisture, boosts elasticity and restores softness while you sleep.
Try our Pistachio Face Mask which is clinically proven to hydrate the skin for over 12 hours and provide an immediate plumping effect. It mimics the appearance of well-rested skin by morning. Use it in place of your night cream whenever your skin feels tight or lacklustre.
Why this matters: Overnight nourishment really does accelerate recovery. You wake with smoother, more elastic, more comfortable skin which is an essential step when external stressors deplete moisture levels.
Other Habits That Can Really Help
Good skincare is only part of the solution since dryness and dehydration are often amplified by your everyday habits. Some small lifestyle shifts can make a meaningful difference to your skin’s comfort and hydration levels. Here are some we would recommend:
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Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Be sure to drink plenty of water but also look to eat water-rich foods such as cucumber, leafy greens, melon, avocado and seasonal citrus. These all support internal hydration and can help replenish what the skin loses in colder weather. Try starting the day with a green juice packed with celery, spinach and cucumber.
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Be mindful of dehydrating drinks
Caffeine and alcohol can all increase moisture loss. Try switching to herbal teas or infused water to keep hydration levels more consistent throughout the day.
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Prioritise your sleep
Nighttime is when your skin repairs most actively so try to aim for consistent, restorative sleep.
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Try a humidifier
Using one in your bedroom can help to counteract dry indoor air and reduce overnight moisture loss from your skin.
