Is My Skin Dry or Dehydrated?
‘‘Dry skin lacks oil dehydrated skin lacks water’’
Two skin conditions which are regularly mistaken for one another are dry and dehydrated skins. These do appear on the surface of the skin with many similarities. Dry skin lacks oil and is often hereditary and cannot be changed but can be managed, dehydrated skin is a skin lacking in water a condition caused by environmental factors which can easily be remedied by making some significant changes to skin care routines and tweaking lifestyle.
Dehydrated and dry skins suffer from an impaired barrier function, the alteration of the surface barrier caused from a reduction in water content. When the skin continues to have water loss it cannot heal causing further dryness, dehydration, inflammation, and acne.
Dry skin has a reduction in lipids from deeper within the skin cells. Improving dry and dehydrated skin is a targeted 360-degree approach internally improving lipid content and hydration, emulsifying, or locking in water externally and changing homecare routines.
Dry Skin lacks oil dehydrated skin lacks water !!
Wash with a soothing creamy cleanser morning and evening also using this cleanser to remove make – up omitting the use of wipes or cotton wool to remove makeup first. Always double cleanse the first wash is to remove make up the second is to ensure a deeper cleanse and allowing the formulation of ingredients to target dryness and inflammation. Use tepid water rather than hot or cold and pat the skin dry using a soft towel.
Cleansers should contain ingredients which are mild with some oil content rather than acids to lift and remove impurities. Cleansing is the most important part of your routine, and an incorrect choice can have long lasting detrimental effects.
Apply a serum after cleansing an ideal choice is hyaluronic acid for dehydrated skins to help improve water stores within the upper cells. For those with a specific dry skin using serums containing hyaluronic acid in combination with vitamin E will help soothe and hydrate. Serums are always applied before moisturising and must never be used alone as serums can be air dry causing further water loss.
Lock in the serum with an emulsifying moisturiser for a dry skin and a water rich moisturiser for dehydrated skin.
Moisturising the skin is important to provide a protective barrier on the skin allowing the cells to repair protecting from external aggressors. Acne prone skins should look for oils such as jojoba for its anti-bacterial properties not oil is bad for oily skin. Ingredients to look for include glycerine, urea, and ceramides. Art Derma Hydra Peptide is a great overall choice as it contains tara seed extract is a powerful antioxidant which protects against free radical damage caused from UV exposure helping to reduce the risk of premature ageing. The large molecular weight of the tara seed allows it to remain in on the surface of the skin providing a barrier of protection from external aggressors and allowing the function of the cells beneath the skin to repair and retain water and oil. The hydra peptide cream is a perfect partner for dry skin, inflammation, and acne.
If skin is becoming dry and flaky this can be from working environments such as air conditioned offices or working from home in a dry heat. Running a humidifier will help to put moisture back into the air allowing your skin to retain moisture. It is beneficial for those with itchy eyes and allergies as it reduces irritation.
Supplementing your diet will internally help to provide your skin with oil for the skin cells not only improving dry skin on the face but the skin as a whole organ. Supplements can include marine collagen, evening primrose oil and omega 3 & 6. These ingredients are important for skin integrity and a healthy barrier function improving lipid content. They act as an anti-inflammatory and support overall skin immunity.
Eating the daily requirement of protein from plant or animal sources will help to provide amino acids to the skin supporting collagen production. Nuts and seeds are rich in vitamin E which supports the skins lipid layer ensuring better hydration. A diet rich in nutrients will help the skin barrier function there are foods that can hinder the function of the skin these includes sugars, caffeine, and refined carbohydrates.
Exercise is great for general wellbeing, but your favourite exercise may hinder your skin ensure you have the right protection to reduce adverse effects. Exercising outdoor can cause issues all year round in the winter with wind and cold can increase inflammation and in the heat increase water loss. Swimming regularly in chlorine can strip your lipid layer always have a good post aftercare skin routine to help reduce these side effects.