Dry skin is often interchanged with dehydrated skin, but they are different. Dry skin is a permanent state whereas dehydrated skin is a temporary condition. Exaggerating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, either can contribute to an aged appearance. Unfortunately, they can coexist at the same time.
What is dehydrated skin?
Firstly, let’s talk about what normally happens on your skin surface, the epidermis. Your skin loses water to the environment by way of evaporation. If the outside air is dry or the epidermis becomes more porous, then this process speeds up. As a result, the moisture level within this layer drops making your skin dehydrated. Moreover, your skin does not shed its topmost layer meaning exfoliation slows down leading to a dry dull surface.
Dehydrated skin is not a permanent state but can occur because of using harsh skincare products, over-exfoliating, or seasonal weather changes. Harsh skin care products strip the skin of hydration. Over-exfoliation leads to a sensitive skin surface which compromises barrier function. Sudden changes in temperature as we go from heated indoors to freezing temperatures outside affect our skin. The air becomes dryer as humidity drops with lower temperatures. Dry air causes moisture loss from the skin’s surface. Thankfully, dehydrated skin can be treated to restore its plumpness and firmness.
What is dry skin?
Dry skin refers to a skin type whereby your skin lacks oil. This could be due to a combination of genetic, hormonal, or environmental factors contributing to your skin producing less of the natural oils. Consequently, your skin will look dull and have a lackluster appearance. It may be itchy, flaky, and feel rough. Your skin may feel tight, especially after showers or baths. Occasionally your skin may be red, and show lines and cracks that may bleed.
Additionally, your skin may be dry in other areas. Hence, it may be part of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. This is a permanent state and cannot be reversed however it can be managed.
How to treat dry or dehydrated skin?
If you have dehydrated skin, look for skincare products that repair the skin barrier and/or reduce transepidermal water loss. Ingredients that repair, restore, and strengthen the skin barrier include niacinamide and ceramides. Ingredients that are good at trapping water loss include occlusives and humectants. Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid moisturise by attracting and holding onto water like sponges. Occlusives such as shea butter and squalene moisturise by forming a protective barrier on the surface blocking moisture loss. If you have dry skin, emollients containing lipids and silicones may help by adding oil to the skin to soften, smooth, and repair it.
Unfortunately drinking plenty of water does not help dehydrated skin as the body does not prioritise your skin despite being the largest organ.
Seasonal skincare review
Here are 8 factors to consider during your seasonal skincare review in autumn and winter.
- Go for a creamy cleanser with gentle surfactants.
- Swap out your lightweight serums for richer moisturising agents.
- Consider reducing the number of active ingredients.
- Incorporate skin barrier-strengthening ingredients.
- Turn the water temperature down and speed up showers.
- Use a moisturiser.
- Don’t forget your broad-spectrum sunscreen as UVA radiation level does not change with the seasons.
- Book for clinic treatments aimed at hydration.
Whether your skin is dry or dehydrated is all down to the outermost layer of your skin. Occasionally, your skin may be dry and dehydrated at the same time. To get your skin looking and feeling its best, slow down the transepidermal water loss while supporting your skin barrier.
To get a tailor-made skincare routine for your skin, book a skin consultation by using the link below.
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