Why Your Skin Might Feel Dry Right Now – And What to Do About It

If your skin feels drier than usual lately, you’re not alone. Many women, especially us in our 40s, experience seasonal dryness and dehydration around this time of year. The combination of cooler weather, indoor heating, and the natural hormonal shifts your body is going through can leave your skin feeling parched and lacklustre.

Let’s dive into why your skin might be feeling this way and, more importantly, what you can do about it to keep your skin glowing and hydrated.

Understanding Seasonal Dryness

As the temperature drops and humidity levels decline in autumn and winter, the environment pulls moisture away from your skin. This, coupled with indoor heating systems, which dry out the air even more, can strip your skin of its natural oils. Without the right balance of oils and moisture, your skin’s barrier becomes compromised, leading to a tight, flaky, or irritated complexion.

The skin becomes more vulnerable to seasonal changes due to declining oestrogen levels, which reduce your skin's ability to retain moisture. Oestrogen plays a key role in stimulating oil production and maintaining the skin's moisture barrier, so when these levels dip during perimenopause and menopause, dryness becomes more pronounced.

The Double-Whammy: Hormonal Changes in Your 40s

As you transition into your 40s ad beyond, your skin undergoes more than just seasonal shifts. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decline in oestrogen, impact your skin’s ability to maintain its moisture levels. Oestrogen is responsible for keeping your skin plump, hydrated, and elastic, so as it decreases, skin can become thinner, drier, and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

This hormonal change also slows down cell turnover, which means dead skin cells accumulate on the surface, making your skin look dull and uneven. Combined with the impact of cooler weather, these changes make dryness a common complaint for many women during autumn and winter.

The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

It’s important to understand whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, or both. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different issues.

• Dry skin lacks oil. It’s a skin type caused by genetics or hormonal changes. Dry skin tends to feel rough and may be prone to flakiness and irritation.
• Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, lacks water. This is a skin condition that can affect any skin type, even oily skin. Dehydrated skin feels tight, looks dull, and may show signs of premature ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles.

You may be dealing with both issues at once, especially during colder months, which means your skin is craving both hydration and moisture.

How to Combat Dryness and Dehydration

The good news? With a few changes to your skincare routine and daily habits, you can restore your skin’s moisture and hydration levels. Here are some effective tips to help you combat both dry and dehydrated skin during the cooler months.

1. Switch to a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

If your skin feels dry, the first thing to look at is your cleanser. You might be using harsh, foaming cleansers or those that strip the skin of its natural oils. In the colder months, it’s crucial to switch to a gentle cleanser that won’t disrupt your skin barrier. Look for oily or creamy formulas to keep your skin feeling soft and moisturised.

Product tip: Smooth Oil to Milk Cleanser.

2. Boost Your Hydration with Fermented Oat Extract

Dehydrated skin needs water, and one of the best ingredients to help with that is fermented Oat Extract. This ingredient is a humectant, meaning it draws water into the skin and holds onto it, leaving your skin looking plump and hydrated. Incorporating an essence with oat extract can make a noticeable difference in how your skin feels.

Layering a hydrating essence under your moisturiser or face oil can be a game changer for both dry and dehydrated skin.

Product tip: Rehydrate & Balance Beauty Essence.

3. Lock in Moisture with a Nourishing Face Oil

As oestrogen levels drop, so does your skin’s ability to produce sebum, its natural oil. This is why your skin can feel drier and tighter, even after moisturising. Introducing a nourishing face oil into your routine, like Jenny Nordic Skincare's Glow & Revitalize Oil Serum, can help replenish these natural oils and lock in moisture.

Face oils are excellent for sealing in the hydration from your serums and creams, and they also help strengthen the skin’s barrier. Look for oils rich in omega fatty acids, like camellia oil or rosehip seed oil, which help to rebuild and protect your skin’s lipid barrier. A good face oil will not only hydrate but also soothe irritation and improve your skin’s overall texture.

4. Exfoliate Gently to Remove Dead Skin Cells

As your cell turnover slows down in your 40s, dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface, preventing your skin from absorbing moisture effectively. A gentle exfoliation routine will help to slough away these dead cells and allow your hydrating products to penetrate better.

I recommend a daily gently acidic toner or essence to encourage cell turnover. Rehydrate & Balance Beauty Essence contains lactic acid and gluconolactone that will gently and without irritation keep your skin healthy and glowing.

5. Don’t Forget SPF, Even in Winter

While it’s easy to think sunscreen is only for summer, UV rays can still cause damage during the cooler months. Sun exposure can exacerbate dryness and dehydration, leading to premature ageing. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily to protect your skin from harmful rays, even if you're not spending a lot of time outdoors.

6. Adjust Your Diet for Hydration

Skincare isn't just about what you put on your skin – what you eat plays a huge role in how your skin feels. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and eating water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, and leafy greens. Including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, found in foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts, will help support your skin’s barrier and keep it hydrated from the inside out.

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

Dealing with dry, dehydrated skin can feel frustrating, but with the right approach, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant throughout the colder months. The key is to focus on hydration and nourishment – both inside and out. From switching up your skincare routine to tweaking your diet, these small changes can have a big impact on how your skin looks and feels.

At Jenny Nordic Skincare, we believe in keeping things simple, which is why our minimal skincare routine is designed to support your skin’s changing needs without overloading it. Layering the key pieces of your skincare routine - a hydrating essence and oil serum - are specially formulated to provide deep nourishment and hydration, helping your skin thrive even in the harshest conditions. Try our Discovery Set, give your skin the care it deserves, and watch as it begins to glow again, no matter the season.

Sending love,

Jenny, the founder of Jenny Nordic Skincare

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