
Hello beautiful souls!
If you have naturally dry or dehydrated skin, you know that the struggle for hydration is a year-round endeavour. Regardless of the season, maintaining supple, glowing skin requires a bit of extra care and attention. But fear not! We’re here to share some tried-and-true hydration hacks to keep your skin happy and hydrated every day of the year, especially winter!
What's on the blog:
UNDERSTANDING DRY AND DEHYDRATED SKIN
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s clarify the difference between dry and dehydrated skin. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for tailoring your skincare routine effectively.

Dry Skin: Dry skin is a skin type characterised by a lack of oil (sebum). This condition is often genetic and means that your skin produces less natural oil than it needs to stay moisturised and protected. People with dry skin may experience rough, flaky patches, and a persistent feeling of tightness, especially after washing. The skin can appear dull and may be more prone to fine lines and wrinkles due to the lack of lubrication. Dry skin often feels uncomfortable and may be sensitive or itchy. To manage dry skin, it's important to focus on restoring the lipid barrier with rich, emollient moisturisers and oils that provide the necessary fats and oils to keep the skin soft and supple.
Dehydrated Skin: Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a condition where the skin lacks water. It can affect any skin type, including oily and combination skin. Dehydrated skin is usually caused by external factors such as weather, diet, and lifestyle choices. This condition can make the skin appear dull and tired, with exaggerated fine lines and a rough texture. Dehydrated skin often feels tight and sensitive, and it may produce more oil as it tries to compensate for the lack of moisture. To treat dehydrated skin, it’s essential to incorporate hydrating products that draw water into the skin and maintain hydration, such as humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Additionally, increasing water intake and using gentle, hydrating cleansers can help improve the skin's moisture levels.
Key Differences and Approaches:
Oil vs. Water:Â The primary difference is that dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water.
Symptoms:Â Dry skin often has a rough, flaky texture, whereas dehydrated skin tends to look dull and may feel tight or sensitive.
Solutions:Â For dry skin, focus on emollient and occlusive ingredients that replenish and lock in moisture, such as oils and butters. For dehydrated skin, prioritise hydrating ingredients that attract water to the skin, such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Both conditions can lead to a tight, flaky feeling and a dull complexion, but they require slightly different approaches to manage effectively. By understanding the unique needs of your skin, you can choose the right products and practices to keep it hydrated and healthy.
THE HYDRATION HEROES

Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!
The cornerstone of any hydration routine is a good moisturiser. Look for products that contain humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerine, which draw moisture into the skin. Emollients like shea butter and ceramides help seal in that hydration, creating a protective barrier.
Tip:Â Apply your moisturiser to damp skin to lock in even more moisture.
Natural Oils Are Your Best Friends

Incorporating natural oils into your skincare routine can provide an extra layer of hydration. Oils like jojoba, almond, and rose-hip are rich in essential fatty acids that nourish and repair the skin’s barrier.
DIY Oil Blend:
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 tablespoon almond o il
5 drops rose hip oil
Mix these oils in a small bottle and massage a few drops into your skin after moisturising.

Hydration from the Inside Out
Don’t forget to hydrate from within. Drinking plenty of water is crucial, but you can also boost your skin’s hydration with foods rich in water content, like cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries. Herbal teas are also a great way to increase your fluid intake while enjoying a warm, soothing drink.
DIY DEEP-HYDRATION MASKS AND SERUMS
For those days when your skin needs a little extra TLC, these DIY recipes will come to the rescue.
Avocado and Honey Hydration Mask

Why It Works:
Avocado:Â Rich in healthy fats like oleic acid, avocados provide deep moisturisation and nourishment. They are also packed with vitamins E and C, which are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and promoting a radiant complexion.
Honey:Â As a natural humectant, honey attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and heal the skin.
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado
1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
Mash the Avocado:Â Start by mashing the avocado until it's smooth and free of lumps. This ensures an even application.
Mix in the Honey:Â Add the honey to the mashed avocado and stir until well combined.
Apply the Mask:Â Apply the mixture evenly to clean, dry skin. Avoid the eye area.
Let It Sit:Â Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate the skin and provide hydration.
Rinse Off:Â Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water, gently massaging the skin as you do so. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Follow Up:Â Apply your favourite moisturiser to lock in the hydration.
Extra Tips and Alterations:
For Extra Exfoliation:Â Add 1 teaspoon of finely ground oats to the mixture for gentle exfoliation.
For a Brightening Boost:Â Add a few drops of lemon juice to help brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. Be cautious if you have sensitive skin, as lemon juice can be irritating.
Storage:Â This mask is best used fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Hydrating Aloe Vera and Cucumber Serum

Why It Works:
Aloe Vera:Â Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera helps to calm irritated skin and provide a moisture boost. It also contains antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, which promote skin healing and regeneration.
Cucumber:Â Cucumber juice is highly refreshing and hydrating due to its high-water content. It also contains silica, which helps to improve skin texture and firmness.
Rose Water:Â Rose water is a natural toner that helps to balance the skin's pH, reduce redness, and add an extra layer of hydration.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon cucumber juice
1 teaspoon rose water
Instructions:
Combine Ingredients:Â In a small bowl, mix the aloe vera gel, cucumber juice, and rose water until well combined.
Transfer to a Bottle:Â Pour the mixture into a clean bottle with a dropper for easy application.
Apply the Serum:Â After cleansing, apply a few drops of the serum to your face, morning and night. Gently massage it into the skin until fully absorbed.
Extra Tips and Alterations:
For Added Nourishment:Â Add a few drops of your favourite facial oil, such as jojoba or rose-hip oil, to the serum for an extra boost of hydration and nutrients.
For Acne-Prone Skin:Â Include a few drops of tea tree oil, which has antibacterial properties that can help reduce breakouts.
Storage:Â Store the serum in the refrigerator for a refreshing application and to prolong its shelf life. Use within one week for best results.
DIY Oatmeal and Yogurt Hydration Mask

Oatmeal is a fantastic ingredient for dry and dehydrated skin due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Yogurt, on the other hand, is rich in lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and hydrates the skin.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons finely ground oatmeal
2 tablespoons plain yogurt (preferably full-fat)
1 teaspoon honey
Instructions:
Prepare the Oatmeal:Â If you don't have finely ground oatmeal, you can grind regular oatmeal in a blender or food processor until it reaches a powdery consistency.
Mix the Ingredients:Â In a small bowl, combine the ground oatmeal, plain yogurt, and honey. Mix well until you get a smooth paste.
Apply the Mask:Â Apply the mixture to clean, dry skin, spreading it evenly over your face.
Relax:Â Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes. Use this time to relax and enjoy a moment of self-care.
Rinse Off:Â Rinse the mask off with lukewarm water, gently massaging your skin in circular motions to help exfoliate. Follow with your favourite moisturiser.
Why This Mask Works
Oatmeal:Â Soothes irritation and inflammation while providing gentle exfoliation.
Yogurt:Â Hydrates and exfoliates the skin with its natural lactic acid content, helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, more hydrated skin.
Honey:Â Acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and providing antibacterial properties.
Extra Tip:
For an added boost of hydration, you can mix in a few drops of your favourite natural oil, such as almond or jojoba oil, to the mask before applying it to your skin.
Enjoy this simple yet effective mask to keep your skin hydrated and glowing, no matter the season!
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MAINTAINING A PROPER HYDRATION ROUTINE
Consistency is key to maintaining hydrated skin. Here’s a simple routine to follow:

Cleanse:Â Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Tone:Â Opt for alcohol-free toners with hydrating ingredients like rose water or chamomile.
Serum:Â Apply a hydrating serum, such as our DIY Aloe Vera and Cucumber Serum.
Moisturise:Â Lock in all that moisture with a rich, nourishing moisturiser.
Protect:Â During the day, always apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
THE FINAL WORD
Having naturally dry or dehydrated skin doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable, flaky skin. By incorporating these hydration hacks and natural solutions into your skincare routine, you can enjoy a radiant, supple complexion all year round. Remember, self-care is not just about treating your skin but also about nourishing your body and soul. Stay hydrated, stay glowing, and most importantly, stay kind to yourself.
With love and hydration,
Mandi Makes
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