Dry skin is arguably the biggest skincare concern during the winter months. But the first and most important step to tackling a skin issue (or any issue for that matter) is to identify the problem, and chances are “dry” might not be the correct diagnosis. If certain areas of your face are dry but you also struggle with an oily t-zone, clogged pores, acne, redness, inflammation, or all of the above, your skin isn’t dry—it’s dehydrated.
Dry Vs. Dehydrated Skin
While there are several ways to soothe dry skin, it’s a skin type that pretty much sticks around for the long haul (tragic, I know). Dry skin produces less-than-normal levels of sebum or oil and as a result, becomes rough, flaky, and itchy.
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a skin symptom or condition that can come and go and be cured if treated properly. Dehydrated skin lacks water and often feels tight, looks dull or tired, and exaggerates the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.
It’s important to note that dehydrated skin doesn’t lack oil the way dry skin does. In fact, dehydrated skin often produces excess oil to compensate for the lack of hydration, which is why people with dehydrated skin are more likely to suffer from congested or clogged pores, which often develop into acne.
Makeup Tips For Dehydrated Skin
Whether you suffer from dry or dehydrated skin, proper skincare is the key to a beautiful makeup application. Clean, balanced and hydrated skin is necessary for makeup to glide on evenly and last throughout the day. Here are a few tips:
Cleanse and exfoliate
Cleansing is a no-brainer. Applying makeup to uncleansed skin is an invitation for bacteria growth, which could potentially clog your pores and lead to acne. It’s also important to gently exfoliate (key word: gently) to make sure makeup goes on smoothly and doesn’t cling to dry patches or flaky skin. Exfoliation is especially important for dehydrated skin because it’ll slough off any dead skin cells and allow moisturizer to better penetrate and absorb into the skin. I recommend killing two birds with one stone by using Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water on a textured cotton round, which will both cleanse and exfoliate your skin prior to makeup application.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
I can’t stress this step enough. Replenishing the moisture barrier and raising hydration levels should be the #1 priority for those with dry and/or dehydrated skin. Using a hydrating moisturizer—ideally one that has both humectant ingredients to draw in water and occlusive ingredients to lock it in—is especially key for those with oily, dehydrated skin because if you fail to give your skin the water it’s desperately seeking, you’ll actually signal to the skin to produce more oil, causing makeup to disintegrate and wear off more quickly throughout the day.
Beware “oil-free” makeup
If you have oily skin, your first inclination is to use makeup that’s marketed as matte, shine-proof, pore-perfecting, etc., but these products could actually contain ingredients like salicylic acid or kaolin (aka clay) which further irritate dehydrated skin. That’s not to say all oil-free makeup is bad; TooFaced Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer is a personal favorite and although it’s marketed as “oil-free,” it contains hydrating ingredients like coconut water and hyaluronic acid. I just suggest you practice a little more discernment and check the ingredient list before purchasing makeup.
Opt for creams or liquids
Whenever possible, use cream or liquid products instead of powders: blushes, bronzers, contour powders, highlighters. Not only will creams and liquids be more hydrating for dry and/or dehydrated skin, but they also give a more natural, radiant finish and are less likely to draw attention to fine lines, wrinkles, and dry patches. If you need your makeup to last, you can always set your cream and liquid products with a bit of translucent powder.
Don’t over-apply
This goes for foundation, concealer, and powders. Be strategic with your product placement, and apply only where you need coverage. Also, if you have oily skin, don’t go crazy with the powder. If makeup needs to last over a long period of time (i.e., for events), I suggest a dusting of powder all over first, then going back with a small, dense brush and lightly patting in areas where oil tends to build up and where makeup needs to stay put, such as under the eyes or over blemishes. In short, leave the baking for the kitchen, capiche?
Do you have dry and/or dehydrated skin? If so, share your experience, your go-to makeup products, and any tips you might have!
Happy hydrating,
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