Rough, flaking, scaly skin. Dry patches on your cheeks. Cracks in your hands. Chapped lips. Itching. None of the side effects your skin endures during frigid winter temperatures are pleasant, but there’s good news: dryness can be alleviated or even prevented.

Although dry skin is genetically imposed for some, anyone can experience it—particularly when you’re faced with a drop in mercury or a windy season. These disruptive symptoms are generally caused by a decrease in water and/or oil in your skin’s uppermost layer, the stratum corneum. Oil (lipids) play a significant role in preventing evaporation of water by “holding it in,” while water is what helps your skin feel soft and flexible. Your skin’s outer layer also holds a group of substances called Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), which comprises elements like amino acids, peptides, sugars, lactic acid and urea.

So what exacerbates dry skin? We all know trekking through cold and windy mountains will probably do it, but here are other circumstances in which you might experience more dryness:

• Dry air (or on the flip side, low humidity), which causes a marked decrease in water content. This can be the weather, climate or overuse of indoor heating.
• Harsh skincare ingredients like soap, alcohol and fragrance, all of which can potentially irritate skin and zap essential moisture from the skin.
• Hard water, which contains a high concentration of minerals like magnesium and lead and zinc, can leave a film that essentially blocks moisture into the skin.
• Overzealous washing, which strips the skin of its natural moisture.
• Age is a natural part of life, and skin tends to get thinner and dry for all of us as we get older and wiser.
• Swimming often tends to dry out skin due to the chlorine in the pools.
• Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis manifest as dry skin.

If you’re itchy and flaking, try your best to avoid these triggers. For both instant and long-term relief—and to reinstate soft, supple and healthy skin—always commit to a hydrating skincare regimen to feed your skin from the outisde.

Our VITAL C Collection was physican-formulated to ensure remarkably hydrated, moisturized skin that’s also protected from environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution, keeping skin youthfully radiant. Read on to learn which VITAL C gems are best for you and your skin.

How to Navigate the VITAL C Collection to Tackle Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Every product contains hydrating factors plus an potently effective form of Vitamin C to protect skin from free radical damage, help stimulate collagen production and brighten overall skin. The perfect formula for a youthful glow!

1. CLEANSE

VITAL C hydrating facial cleanser: Use day and night to bathe your skin with rich moisture and sweep away pore-clogging impurities—all without disrupting your delicate skin barrier which needs to retain a perfect balance of oil and water.

Hydrating Superstar:

• Soapwart is botanically soothing and reduces itching.

2. LAYER ON A CONCENTRATED SERUM

VITAL C hydrating anti-aging serum or VITAL C hydrating A C E serum: After cleansing and toning, layer on one of these serums to infuse skin with age-defying ingredients and restore plumping moisture.

Hydrating Superstar:

• Both these serums feature hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in skin that can bind up to 1000 times its own weight in water, making it the ultimate hydration miracle for even the dryest skin.

3. LOCK IN MOISTURE

Layer on a richer moisturizer over your serum to lock in the hydration and other active ingredients and quench your skin’s thirst while you sleep. Always use a moisturizer at night. During the day, you should opt for one with SPF to protect skin (even if it’s snowing or cloudy!).

VITAL C offers moisturizers in three different textures to suit your unique skin’s needs.

VITAL C hydrating repair crème: rich, emollient cream

Hydrating Superstars:

• Hyaluronic acid binds 1000 times its weight in water.
• Ceramide 3 forms a protective barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss (evaporation of essential water content from the skin)
• Lady’s mantle helps protect skin.
• Linoleic acid improves moisture and hydration.

VITAL C hydrating intense moisturizer: lighter texture but luxuriously envelops skin with a veil of moisture

Hydrating Superstars:

• Aqualance™ improves skin hydration.
• Hyaluronic acid binds 1000 times its weight in water.
• Shea butter’s occlusive nature contains vital moisture levels in skin.

VITAL C hydrating facial oil: pleasant, rich oil that’s absorbent and not greasy

Hydrating Superstars:

• Moringa oleifera seed oil absorbs quickly and prevents water loss.
• Seabuckthorn oil contains rich amounts of essential fatty acids (EFAs), vitamins, phytosterols and flavonoids, which are anti-aging and incredibly moisturizing.
• Grape seed oil is deeply nourishing and quickly heals chapped, dry skin.
• provides defense against harsh environmental factors. Helps to strengthen
• Argan oil possesses hydrating, regenerating, restructuring, anti-aging and skin softening benefits.
• Avocado oil conditions skin and slows the loss of water from the skin’s surface.
• Squalane, a substance naturally present in skin’s lipid barrier, helps prevent moisture loss while restoring suppleness and flexibility.

4. GLIDE ON EYE CREAM

VITAL C hydrating eye recovery gel: Dab and swipe on a small drop around each eye to keep your peepers free of fine lines and dryness.

Hydrating Superstars:

• Hyaluronic acid binds 1000 times its weight in water.
• Echinacea helps soothe irritation.
• Moist-24 (Imperata cylindrica root extract) reduces irritation.

5. EXFOLIATE (WITHOUT AGGRAVATING SKIN)

VITAL C hydrating enzyme masque: If you’re reluctant to exfoliate because your skin is so uncomfortably dry, don’t fret—this non-abrasive mask dissolves dulling dead skin cells and renews your natural radiance without causing irritation or dehyration.

Hydrating Superstars:

• Hyaluronic acid binds 1000 times its weight in water.
• Ribonucleic acid is remarkably moisturizing.

6. DON’T FORGET YOUR BODY

VITAL C hydrating hand and body lotion: Although your body isn’t as exposed as your face, it can still suffer from the dry air. Slather your body with this lotion right after you shower, as moisturizers absorb best when your skin is still damp.

Hydrating Superstars:

• Daymoist CLR is a natural plant complex that supports the Natural Moisturizing Factor, improving hydration by 40% in clinical studies.
• Hyaluronic acid binds 1000 times its weight in water.
• Grape Seed oil soothes and hydrates.
• Macadamia oil restores the barrier function of the skin.
• Jojoba oil, which mimics skin’s natural sebum closely, absorbs seamlessly into skin to hydrate.
• Shea Butter is moisturizing and nutrient rich.