Distinguishing dehydrated skin from dry skin and how to care for it!

Dry or dehydrated skin? Here’s how to determine

Dehydrated skin is in need of water. Easily confused with dry skin, the basic dehydrated skin symptoms are the same as dry skin: itching, peeling skin, discomfort. Yet it is important to recognize the differences between dehydrated skin and skin that lacks oil. The dehydrated skin treatment and relief methods are specific yet simple to grasp.

The main symptoms of dehydration

A dehydrated face will be easily spotted: the skin is dry and has a rough texture, also known as “crocodile skin”. Dehydration skin also affects several other aspects like the firmness and the appearance of wrinkles.

  • Here are the most common symptoms:
  • Tugging sensation and lasting discomfort
  • Stinging or itchy skin
  • Skin that folds when pinched with fingertips
  • Dull and flat complexion
  • Visible signs of desquamation (film formed on the surface of the skin)
  • Roughened skin plates
  • Oily patches by the nose, forehead or chin despite an overall dry face

Your skin is thirsty? Treating dehydrated skin!

The skin may have a natural tendency to lose its water, but dehydration can be accelerated or increased by external factors:

  • Medication
  • Indoor heating and air conditioning
  • UV rays from the sun and heat
  • Wind and cold
  • Ageing skin
  • Pollution (atmosphere)
  • Hormonal fluctuations
  • Frequent or harsh face cleansing
  • Insufficient water intake
  • High coffee or alcohol consumption
  • Poor skin care routine (use of serums, exfoliating creams or masks with an AHA or retinol base)

At the first signs of dehydration, avoid…

  • Air drying your face after showering: evaporative drying increases the water loss.
  • Drinking a lot of coffee and alcohol: these drinks are dehydration agents. Instead, opt for a glass of water or a cup of herbal tea while your skin is in particular need.
  • Fats: remember, the best moisturizer for dehydrated skin contains no fat. Your skin does not need oil, it needs to be rehydrated. Using “fats” may accentuate the problem of oily areas and even create comedones (blackheads) or acne

Dehydrated skin care and tips

It only takes a few simple gestures performed daily to quickly relieve your thirsty skin. Even men skin care can be adapted to fix this skin problem.

1) Drink more water!
The first treatment for dehydrated skin is to drink water. It is recommended to drink a daily minimum of 1.5 liters (about 8 glasses) of water per day. As long as you drink small quantities of water throughout the day, your skin should rehydrate well.

2) Balanced lifestyle
How to have beautiful skin? One must have a healthy and balanced lifestyle! A healthy body and mind can help take control over dehydrated face skin.
– Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep
– Eat healthy
– Manage your stress
– Don’t smoke
– Stay active

3) Adopt adequate care routine
In treating dry dehydrated skin, it is important to adopt a daily hydration care routine that will help your skin restore its flexibility and regain its softness.

The key is to allow the skin to preserve its protective barrier and thus better retain water in the skin tissue. One of the best products for dehydrated skin is a gentle cleanser with a balanced PH: it does not dry out the skin and will not change its acidity.

Integrate a moisturizing serum in your skincare routine. A good facial serum will help your skin retain much of its water. Hyaluronic acid or vitamin B5 for example its very good anti-thirsty allies!

Twice a day, apply an oil-free moisturizer to the face and neck. Do not forget to treat your hands as they are also exposed to the rigors of climate! A fluid or a moisturizer will create a thin layer on the surface of the skin, which will promote the retention of water in the epidermis. The best dehydrated skin products contain emollients that will allow your skin to restore suppleness and elasticity of the tissues.

Apply sunscreen every day to protect the skin from harmful sun rays . They are responsible for premature aging and various skin cancers. Sunscreens are the allies of well hydrated skin!

Once or twice a week, use a hydrating mask to plump up the tissue and relieve symptoms of discomfort associated with skin dehydration.

Different skin types mean different caring techniques. The way to healthy skin is to be educated on the ways to take care of your specific skin type. Please contact us if you have any doubts or concerns about skin care for dehydrated skin.