Dry skin, Skincare tips Christina Oberbreckling Dry skin, Skincare tips Christina Oberbreckling

Your Skin Might be Thirsty

Ever feel like your skin is dry no matter what you use? Learn why skin gets dry, how hydration and moisture work together, and what’s helped my skin feel more balanced.

Why hydration matters more than you think

IS YOUR SKIN TIGHT, FLAKY OR JUST DULL?

You are not along.

Cold air, indoor heat, and hot showers pull hydration from the skin faster than we can replace it. The result is skin that feels uncomfortable and stressed, even with a solid skincare routine.

The good news? Winter skin usually doesn’t need harsher products, it needs better hydration and barrier support.

As someone who lives a busy, on-the-go Midwest life and also manages chronic health challenges, I’ve learned that gentle, supportive skincare works best — especially in the winter.

In this post, I’ll walk you through why skin gets dry, how hydration and moisture work together, and the two products I’m personally using right now to support dry, thirsty skin.

Why Winter Skin Gets So Dry

During the winter months, our skin is fighting a lot:

  • Cold air holds less moisture

  • Indoor heat pulls water from the skin

  • Hot showers weaken the skin’s protective barrier

  • Over-exfoliating removes natural oils the skin needs

All of this can leave skin feeling tight, irritated, and dull — even if you’re applying moisturizer every day.

Hydration vs. Moisture:

This is the key to understanding winter skin.

  • Hydration = water in the skin

  • Moisture = sealing that water in

If we only moisturize without hydrating first, we can actually seal dryness into the skin. Hydration works best when products are layered in the right order so each step can do its job more effectively.


Two Products That Support Hydration

When I help clients with winter skin, I focus on products that support hydration and strengthen the skin barrier, not overwhelm it.

I know firsthand how frustrating dry skin can be — the itching that won’t stop and that constant rough, uncomfortable feeling. That’s why I focus on hydration and barrier support first. When skin feels supported instead of stripped, everything else works better.

Here are two of my current favorites for adding both hydration and moisture to the skin.

Nourish, Soften & Boost Absorption

SUPER OIL

is designed to nourish the skin and support its natural barrier while helping the rest of your skincare perform better.

Used after cleansing, it helps soften the skin and allows treatment products applied on top to absorb more effectively. Formulated with cold-pressed oils and antioxidants, it helps improve hydration, elasticity, brightness, and the look of dryness and fatigue.

I personally use Super Oil after cleansing, then layer my treatment products, followed by moisturizer.

Hydration, Cooling & Barrier Support

HIT REFRESH

is an ultra-fine gel-to-mist that instantly hydrates, cools, and refreshes the skin.

It supports the skin barrier while delivering smart hydration, making it ideal for dry winter air, long days indoors, or anytime skin feels tight or overheated. It’s gentle enough for sensitive or breakout-prone skin and can be used on bare skin or over makeup.

I use Hit Refresh as the final step in my routine, throughout the day for a quick refresh, and even on my legs and body for added moisture and skin comfort.

A Simple Hydration Routine

You don’t need a complicated routine to have comfortable winter skin.

A simple hydration-focused routine looks like this:

  1. Cleanse

  2. Super Oil

  3. Treatment products

  4. Moisturizer

  5. Finish with Hit Refresh

This routine focuses on hydration, absorption, and barrier support — without overloading the skin.

Learn more about my go to Skin Products

Want Help With Your Dry Skin?

This photo shows my skin after about a month of consistently using Super Oil and Hit Refresh. Small, intentional changes can make a noticeable difference in how skin looks and feels when hydration and barrier support are layered correctly.

Everyone’s skin is different, which is why I love helping clients find the products and routine that work best for their skin.

If you’re struggling with your skin, I’d love to chat and see if I can help. We can keep it casual, schedule a one-on-one to try the products, or you can invite friends for a fun, relaxing Beauty Social.

📩Curious what your skin might need right now? I’m always happy to have a casual conversation and help you find what works best for you.

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Skincare tips, Exfoliation, Beauty Education, Self Care Christina Oberbreckling Skincare tips, Exfoliation, Beauty Education, Self Care Christina Oberbreckling

The Power of Exfoliation

Discover why exfoliation is the secret to smoother, brighter, healthier skin. Learn how to gently renew your complexion and find my favorite products for every skin type.

We all want skin that looks healthy, smooth, and naturally radiant — but sometimes that glow gets hidden beneath buildup and dryness. Exfoliation is the key to bringing your best skin forward. By gently removing dead skin cells and buildup, you allow fresh, healthy skin to shine through and help your products absorb more effectively. It’s a simple step that can completely transform the way your skin looks and feels.


✨ 1. It Removes Dry, Dead Skin

When dead skin cells build up on the surface, they create a barrier that keeps your moisturizers from absorbing properly. Gentle exfoliation clears that layer away so your skin can soak in all the nourishment it needs.

🌿 2. It Boosts Radiance

Cold air and wind can leave your complexion looking dull and tired. By exfoliating regularly, you reveal fresh, healthy skin cells — giving your face that smooth, luminous glow we all love.

💧 3. It Helps Prevent Flakiness and Rough Patches

Winter weather can be rough on skin — literally. Areas like the nose, chin, and cheeks can become dry or scaly. A gentle exfoliant smooths away flakes and encourages a soft, even texture.

🧖‍♀️ 4. It Balances Oil and Clears Congestion

Even in winter, some of us deal with clogged pores and excess oil. Exfoliating helps keep pores clean, reduces congestion, and allows your skin to stay balanced instead of dry and oily at once.

💜 5. It Prepares Skin for Hydration

Think of exfoliation as the “prep step” for your skincare routine. By clearing away buildup, it makes room for serums, oils, and moisturizers to penetrate deeper and actually work better.


💆‍♀️ My Exfoliation Essentials

🍋 Dull or uneven tone?

Skin Polish brightens and revives tired-looking skin with natural lemon and jojoba beads for a healthy, radiant glow.

🌿 Oily or breakout-prone skin?


Masque of Zen purifies and calms with clay and lavender, helping reduce shine and keep skin balanced.

💚 Congested pores or uneven texture?

Glowing Green Toner Pads gently exfoliate with glycolic and lactic acids, clearing buildup and refining pores for a smoother, clearer look.

🌾 Dry, rough, or flaky skin?

Bamboo Renew gently buffs away dryness with bamboo and walnut shell powder, leaving skin smooth, hydrated, and soft.

💜 Final Thoughts

Healthy, radiant skin isn’t about adding more steps — it’s about doing the right ones. Exfoliation is one of those simple yet powerful habits that helps your skin stay soft, hydrated, and glowing even in the coldest months.

Take time to give your skin a little love this winter — and remember, glowing skin always starts with a fresh foundation. 💜

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