Dehydrated skin is a common skin concern. Dehydrated skin occurs when the skin lacks moisture in the surface layer which is the epidermis. For our skin to function optimally, it needs adequate water content and without it, dead skin cells won’t exfoliate smoothly, leaving skin feeling dry and rough.
It’s important to know the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin as the terms are often incorrectly used interchangeably, which makes it difficult to treat. Dry skin is a permanent state and is often referred to as a “skin type”. It results due to the lack of water and lipids - oils skin feels rough and tight, those with dry skin are often dry on other parts of the body.
By contrast, dehydrated skin is a temporary state and is caused by the lack of water, which can affect anyone - including oily skin types.
Over- using active ingredients, using harsh products and seasonal weather changes can all affect your skin’s hydration levels.
Addressing Skin Dehydration.
To see visible results, you often have to wait several weeks, in line with your skin cell cycle.
It’s important to know the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin as the terms are often incorrectly used interchangeably, which makes it difficult to treat. Dry skin is a permanent state and is often referred to as a “skin type”. It results due to the lack of water and lipids - oils skin feels rough and tight, those with dry skin are often dry on other parts of the body.
By contrast, dehydrated skin is a temporary state and is caused by the lack of water, which can affect anyone - including oily skin types.
Over- using active ingredients, using harsh products and seasonal weather changes can all affect your skin’s hydration levels.
Addressing Skin Dehydration.
- Simplify your skincare products remove products that might exacerbate dehydrated skin, such as active toners, physical exfoliants and acids that are too harsh.
- Monitor your working environment, even if it is your kitchen table! Air conditioning and central heating remove a large amount of moisture from the air, which in turn has a drying effect on the skin. Pop a dish of water near the radiator. Leave a window open close by. Manage heating temperature.
- Using a humidifier will help to draw moisture back into the air to improve dry, itchy skin and help it remain hydrated. Keep it in the room you work for best results.
- Occlusives and barrier-repair ingredients are the key to optimum hydration as they help to reduce trans-epidermal water loss. Occlusives are moisturising agents that work by forming a protective layer on the surface of your skin, creating a barrier to prevent moisture loss. Effective ingredients to look for include shea butter, squalane, omegas and silicones for non pore-clogging support for your skin.
- Barrier-repair ingredients help to repair, restore and strengthen your protective outer layer. Ingredients such as ceramides and niacinamide are well-tolerated by most skin types and are found in serums or moisturisers.
- You should also look to adjust your skincare at the beginning of each season. In colder climates, it’s a great time to remove any ingredients that might be negatively impacting your skin barrier function. This is particularly important if you have rosacea or sensitive skin as dry, cold air can often be a trigger.
- Switch out products that contain drying alcohols and perfumes and consider lowering the potency of your actives if your skin is looking lacklustre.
To see visible results, you often have to wait several weeks, in line with your skin cell cycle.
Consistency with your skincare will always remain essential to its effectiveness.
Products take time to work so try to avoid jumping from one product to another.
Obviously if you are not experiencing any benefits - seek advice to ensure the product is suited to your needs.
Skin care suited to this skin type.
SkinCeutical Ultra 50 https://uqlgkigsc1a0poha-8722415680.shopifypreview.com/collections/skinceuticals/products/skinceuticals-ultra-facial-defense-spf-50-very-high-protection-30ml
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SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3https://uqlgkigsc1a0poha-8722415680.shopifypreview.com/collections/skinceuticals/products/skinceuticals-metacell-renewal-b3-50ml
OBAGI Hydrate https://uqlgkigsc1a0poha-8722415680.shopifypreview.com/collections/obagi-medical/products/obagi-hydrate-facial-moisturiser
Eminence Organics Firm Skin Moisturiser https://uqlgkigsc1a0poha-8722415680.shopifypreview.com/collections/eminence-organics/products/eminence-firm-skin-acai-moisturiser
