Dry & Dehydrated Skin

THE PROBLEM:
There’s a difference between dry and dehydrated skin, yet both tend to feel the same-just plain dry. Dryness refers to a skin type, while dehydration refers to a skin condition. Dry skin has a lack of oil or lipids, skin without lipids needs to retain moisture and build a strong barrier to protect against external aggressors. Dehydrated skin, does not have enough water in the top layer of the skin, leaving it feeling tight and looking dull and crepey. Dry, oily, and combination skins can all be dehydrated.

THE SOLUTION:
There are a few ways to assist dry skin, like using heavier nourishing creams, or adding a treatment serum to your routine. It also helps to pay attention to the seasons and modify your routine accordingly (i.e. more moisture in winter), mild exfoliation, drinking water, and adding healthy fats to your diet such as avocado, nuts, and Omega 3’s. Treating dehydration is slightly different. While hydration is key (intake of fluids specifically water) using hydrating treatment products, eating water-rich foods, and using a facial mist and a humidifier all help to rehydrate the skin.

THE CAUSE:
Dry skin is often a result of genetics, poor diet, the environment including overexposure to elements, and lack of good skin care and supplementation. Dehydration is also caused by external factors the most common are weather, environment, diet, and caffeine consumption – all of which can result in diminished water content in the skin, lots of airline travel, air conditioning, smoking, saunas, and steam baths all contribute to dehydrated skin.

LIFESTYLE TIPS:
Light exercise with breathing will assist in the blood supply to the skin. Eliminate harsh cleansers, use gentle cleansing milk to clean your skin, add a nourishing serum under your day and night cream, reduce the use of retinoids, and exfoliate with a mild AHA exfoliator once or twice a week. Take omega 3. Ensure skin is protected from sun, pollution, and wind with SPF50.