Dry skin is often one of the most frustrating skin concerns a person can experience, particularly during the winter months. It can feel uncomfortable, affect how skin looks and behaves throughout the day, and persist even when someone is using what seems like the “right” skincare routine.
For many people, dryness doesn't appear suddenly. Instead, it builds gradually. Dry skin typically develops when the skin has difficulty retaining moisture or producing enough natural oils to support its protective barrier. When this barrier is compromised, moisture escapes more easily, and the skin becomes more prone to tightness, rough texture, flaking, or sensitivity.
Rather than being caused by a single issue, dryness is usually influenced by a combination of environmental exposure, daily habits, and natural changes in the skin over time.
At Serene Radiance, dry skin is approached through education and personalization rather than quick fixes. In this article, we outline dry skin causes and help you determine which professional treatments may support your skin comfort, balance, and long-term health.
What Is Dry Skin?
Dry skin occurs when the skin lacks enough natural oils to maintain moisture and protect itself properly. These oils are a critical part of the skin barrier, which helps prevent water loss while shielding the skin from environmental stressors like wind, temperature changes, and pollution.
When the skin barrier becomes compromised, moisture escapes more easily. As a result, dry skin may feel tight, rough, itchy, or uncomfortable and may appear dull or uneven. While occasional dryness is common, ongoing dryness usually points to deeper contributing factors.
Before focusing on how to get rid of dry skin, it's helpful to understand why dryness is happening in the first place.
What Causes Dry Skin?
There is rarely a single explanation for dry skin. Most often, dryness develops due to several overlapping factors that affect the skin's ability to retain moisture.
Climate and Seasonal Changes
Cold weather is one of the most common causes of dry skin. During winter, outdoor humidity drops while indoor heating systems further reduce moisture in the air. This combination draws hydration away from the skin, often leading to tightness, flaking, and discomfort. Many people notice dryness worsening alongside other winter skin concerns, particularly in colder regions like Alberta.
Skin Barrier Disruption
The skin barrier plays a central role in moisture retention. Over-cleansing, frequent exfoliation, or using harsh or fragranced products can weaken this barrier over time. When this happens, even consistent moisturizing may not feel effective, which is why people often ask why their skin is so dry despite using quality skincare products.
Aging and Natural Skin Changes
As skin ages, it naturally produces fewer lipids. These lipids are essential for maintaining moisture, so reduced oil production can make skin more prone to dryness. Aging skin may also recover more slowly from environmental stress, making dryness feel more persistent.
Environmental Stressors
Wind exposure, pollution, and sun damage can gradually weaken the skin barrier. While these factors may not cause immediate dryness, their long-term effects contribute significantly to dry skin causes, especially when combined with seasonal weather changes.
Daily Habits and Lifestyle Factors
Long hot showers, dehydration, stress, and certain daily routines can all affect how well the skin retains moisture. Individually, these habits may seem minor, but together they can have a noticeable impact on skin health.
Less Common Causes of Dry Skin
While cold weather and harsh skincare products are often blamed for dry skin, they're not always the full story. In many cases, dryness persists even when someone is using gentle cleansers and moisturizing regularly.
This is where less obvious factors come into play. Everyday habits, environmental exposures, and internal changes can quietly affect how well the skin retains moisture over time. These causes are often overlooked because they develop gradually or don't present as immediate skin issues.
Understanding these less common contributors can be especially helpful for anyone who has tried adjusting their routine but still finds themselves asking why their skin feels consistently dry.
Frequent Hand Washing & Sanitizer Use
Regular hand washing and alcohol-based sanitizers can strip the skin of its natural oils. Over time, this can weaken the skin barrier and lead to persistent dryness, particularly on the hands and wrists.
Hard Water Exposure
Water with high mineral content can interfere with the skin's natural pH and leave residue that makes it harder for the skin to retain moisture. This can contribute to dryness even when moisturizing regularly.
Overuse of Actives
Skincare ingredients like retinoids, exfoliating acids, and certain acne treatments can be beneficial when used correctly, but overuse may compromise the skin barrier. When the barrier is disrupted, dryness and sensitivity can become more noticeable.
Indoor Air Quality
Prolonged exposure to dry indoor air, especially during winter heating months, can pull moisture from the skin. Poor ventilation can compound this effect, making dryness feel persistent even when temperatures are comfortable.
Stress & Sleep Disruption
Chronic stress and poor sleep can affect the skin's ability to repair itself. When the skin's natural repair processes are disrupted, moisture retention may suffer, contributing to dryness over time.
Certain Medications
Some medications, including acne treatments and other commonly prescribed therapies, may contribute to dryness as a side effect. This type of dryness often requires a more supportive, barrier-focused approach to skincare.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can influence oil production in the skin. Changes related to menopause, postpartum shifts, or other life stages may make skin feel drier than usual.
Diet & Nutrient Intake
Low intake of essential fatty acids or chronic dehydration may impact the skin's ability to maintain moisture. While topical care is important, internal factors can also influence how dry the skin feels.
Under-Moisturizing (Not Over-Moisturizing)
Applying moisturizer inconsistently or at the wrong time—such as long after cleansing—can reduce its effectiveness. Moisturizing while your skin is still slightly damp can help support moisture retention.
Sensitivity & Reactive Skin Types
Some people naturally have more sensitive or reactive skin, which may lose moisture more easily. These skin types often benefit from gentle routines and barrier-supportive care.
Long-Term Sun Exposure
Even without visible sunburn, cumulative sun exposure can damage the skin barrier over time, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture and contributing to chronic dryness.
Why Dry Skin Can Be Difficult to Manage at Home
Many people searching for how to get rid of dry skin rely on trial and error with over-the-counter products. While moisturizers and gentle cleansers are important, they don't always address deeper issues such as barrier damage, environmental stress, or age-related changes.
Dry skin can also affect how the skin looks and behaves. Uneven texture, dullness, and fine lines often appear more pronounced when the skin lacks hydration. This is one reason professional guidance can be helpful when dryness persists despite a consistent at-home routine.
The Value of a Personalized Skin Assessment
Skin is influenced by many factors, including climate, lifestyle, and long-term habits. At Serene Radiance, dry skin concerns are addressed through individualized consultations rather than generalized recommendations.
We provide every client with a professional assessment to help identify what may be contributing to their dryness and determine which treatments may help support hydration, barrier function, and overall skin appearance without overstimulating the skin.
Professional Treatments That May Help Support Dry Skin
Hydrafacial® Treatments
Serene Radiance offers a Hydrafacial in Edmonton, for individuals experiencing dryness or dullness. This treatment is designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin in a single session while supporting overall skin balance.
Hydrafacial® treatments may help support moisture levels and improve the appearance of dry, tired-looking skin, making them a common option for hydration-focused care.
Skin Rejuvenation Treatments™
Serene Radiance provides a skin rejuvenation treatment in Edmonton, with a focus on supporting smoother texture and healthier-looking skin. These treatments are often considered when dryness affects the skin's surface and contributes to uneven tone or dullness.
Skin rejuvenation treatments may help improve the appearance of skin affected by dryness by supporting renewal and overall skin quality as part of a personalized plan.
Laser Skin Treatments™
Serene Radiance offers laser skin treatment in Edmonton options for various individual skin needs. Certain laser treatments may support skin renewal and texture improvement, particularly during winter months when sun exposure is reduced.
These treatments are performed by experienced practitioners and are often considered when dryness is accompanied by uneven tone or texture rather than dryness alone.
Botox® and Dysport®
Dry skin does not cause wrinkles, but it can make fine lines appear more noticeable. When Serene Radiance performs Botox injections in Edmonton, Botox® and Dysport® are discussed together as wrinkle-relaxing options that may help soften the appearance of lines accentuated by dryness.
Cosmetic benefits, such as smoother-looking skin, are always prioritized first when discussing these treatments.
Skin Tightening Treatments™
Reduced hydration can influence how firm skin appears over time.Serene Radiance offers skin tightening in Edmonton, that are often incorporated into broader care plans designed to support a refreshed and resilient appearance.
Supporting the Delicate Eye Area
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more prone to dryness than other areas of the face. Professional guidance may include complementary skincare options, such as a brightening eye cream, which may help support hydration and improve the appearance of tired or dry under-eye skin when used alongside in-clinic care.
A Thoughtful Approach to Dry Skin
Dry skin is common, particularly in colder climates, but it doesn't have to feel overwhelming. By understanding what causes dry skin and choosing a professional, personalized approach, it's possible to support skin health through seasonal changes and long-term shifts.
At our physician-led skin clinic in Edmonton, skin care is approached with clarity, care, and respect for each individual, helping clients feel informed and supported as they navigate their skin concerns.
