These Are The Best Products For Acne-Prone, Dehydrated Skin This Winter

Chloe Williams

Entertainment Editor

Chloe Williams serves as B+C’s Entertainment Editor and resident Taylor Swift expert. Whether she’s writing a movie review or interviewing the stars of the latest hit show, Chloe loves exploring why stories inspire us. You can see her work published in BuzzFeed, Coastal Review, and North Beach Sun. When she’s not writing, Chloe’s probably watching a Marvel movie with a cherry coke or texting her sister about the latest celebrity news. Say hi at @thechloewilliams on Insta and @popculturechlo on Twitter!

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Jan 11, 2024

how to fix dry dehydrated skin best products

Cold weather, minimal sunlight, and all that holiday food can take quite a toll on your skin no matter where you live. But if you're feeling confused about why your skin constantly swings between dry and oily, you might actually be dealing with dehydrated skin instead of dry skin. While the latter is a skin type that comes from a lack of oil production, the former is actually a sign that your body needs more water.

If you're looking to change up your skincare routine, or add something to your skin cycling, but you're not sure how new products will affect your skin, try out a mini option before going for the full size. We'd also recommend giving yourself at least two weeks with a product to allow your skin to adjust.

Here are the types of products we're diving into:

Cleansers
Serums
Moisturizers
Exfoliators

Keep reading for everything you need to know about dry skin versus dehydrated skin, and the product recommendations that will make you glow.

How Do I Know If My Skin Is Dry Or Dehydrated?

The main difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin is that dry skin is a skin type, while dehydrated skin is a condition that can happen to anyone with any skin type.

If your skin is dry all year round and doesn't product very much oil, that's a sign you could have dry skin. Whereas if your skin is frequently oily and acne-prone, but it's feeling dry during the winter, you could have dehydrated skin.

Does Dry Skin Mean You're Dehydrated?

Dry skin is because of a lack of oil, or sebum, production. Dehydrated skin, however, is due to a lack of water, whether from internal (diet or how much water you drink) or external factors (weather). That means that dry skin is not a reflection of how hydrated you are.

Should You Exfoliate Dehydrated Skin?

Exfoliation can help remove any dead skin cells that have built up on the surface of your face. That means you won't be dealing with rough skin patches *and* the products you use will be able to penetrate your skin and hydrate better. Just be sure not to exfoliate too much!

How Do You Treat Dehydrated Skin?

Image via Sora Shimazaki/Pexels

While thick lotions and oils lock in natural moisture to fight dry skin, you can take a different approach for dehydrated skin. Increase your water consumption with glasses of water or by eating foods that are high in water value. We're loving this watermelon lemonade and bite-sized cucumber rollups.

You can also use face mists to add an extra layer of hydration and pamper yourself at the same time, or add a humidifier to your room.

Skincare Products For Dehydrated Skin

Face Washes For Dehydrated Skin

Youthforia's New Night Off Face Wash

Made with green tea, apricot seed oil, and green tea antioxidants called tannins, this is one face wash that brightens your skin while it hydrates.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

Not only is this cleanser for all skin types, but it will break down oils and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural hydration.

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

Gentle and hydrating, Glossier's cleanser is pH-balanced and features the cleansing agent that's used in contact lenses, meaning it won't irritate.

Fenty Beauty Total Cleans'r Makeup-Removing Cleanser With Barbados Cherry

The face wash from Rhianna's beauty brand is cruelty-free, clean, and will both comfort and refresh your skin.

Geologie Clear System - 60 Day Acne Routine Level 1 + 2

Instead of merely offering an acne wash that tackles breakouts, Geologie has developed the Clear System which includes two levels of their clarifying gel cleanser, one brightening day cream, and two levels of their repairing night cream. When asked about the formula, Geologie's co-founder and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steve Xu said, "Benzoyl peroxide — though an effective acne treatment — can cause intolerable redness, itching and burning, and many patients will quit these treatments as a result. The first 90 days of starting any new acne system are the most crucial, so our goal was to create a routine that was very effective, tolerable and very enjoyable to use. We did just that with Clear System, and proved it in clinical testing. Now, you don’t have to choose between beating acne and having healthy, hydrated skin. Better yet, you’ll enjoy the process and see the results."

Our Editorial Intern Jasmine had a chance to try the Clear System and has experienced minimal breakouts as a result. It's something she tried for 30 days and recommends for anyone who doesn't want to guess what they should use in addition to a hydrating acne cleanser.

Serums

The Ordinary Niacinamide

Niacinamide works by purging your pores (so don't worry if you breakout the first two weeks you use it — that means it's working!) to refine and smooth. It can help dehydrated skin by preventing water evaporation.

Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum

If you're dealing with blackheads, breakouts, or even excess oil, this is a serum that will improve your skin's texture and the look of your pores.

bareMinerals Skinlongevity Long Life Herb Serum

Niacinamide is one of our favorite skincare ingredients because it helps to heal and protect your skin's barrier. Anyone with dehydrated skin can trust that this serum will encourage healthy cell turnover to ensure you have glowing skin.

$Lanc\u00f4me radiance boosting face serum$

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Radiance Boosting Anti-Aging Face Serum

Yes, you can absolutely use a radiance boosting serum that has anti-aging properties when you have dehydrated skin! Some of the ingredients you'll find in this one are hyaluronic acid, Vitamin Cg, and Bifidus Prebiotic.

Tatcha The Dewy Serum

The great thing about this multitasking skincare product is that it smooths, plumps, and locks in the moisture that will keep your skin looking fresh.

Summer Fridays Dream Oasis Deep Hydration Serum

This non-comedogenic jelly-serum features hyaluronic acid and works great for both the dryness and redness that might be affecting your dehydrated skin. Stash it in your carry on or your purse for skincare magic on-the-go.

Moisturizers

Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer

Get rid of dull, dehydrated skin with electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It's like Gatorade for your face!

Supergoop! Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 Fluid

This SPF is more than just sunscreen — it's got retinol to improve the look of fine lines while also protecting your dehydrated skin from the sun. That's definitely a win-win.

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

We can personally recommend this fragrance-free, hydration moisturizer. The ceramides help improve your skin's barrier, and it works just as well after shaving your legs as it does on your face.

Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream

This dermatologist-approved moisturizer comes complete with baobab seed oil and shea butter, but the best part about it is that it's hypoallergenic. Your dehydrated skin will thank you for the smooth introduction.

Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream

Gentle enough for daily use, this polypeptide cream will help restore your skin to its former glory.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer

If your skin is acne-prone and sensitive to oils, you definitely want to find an oil-free moisturizer that won't make you break out. Not only does this pick not have oil, but it does have hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract, and antioxidants.

Exfoliators For Dehydrated Skin

dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Sora Shimazaki/Pexels.

This post has been updated.

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