COLD, WIND, HEATING, FATIGUE... IN WINTER, THE SKIN BECOMES DEHYDRATED!
DO NOT CONFUSE DRY SKIN WITH DEHYDRATED SKIN...
Although the terms "dry skin" and "dehydrated skin" are often considered synonymous, there are major differences. Having dry skin does not necessarily mean that you have dehydrated skin, and vice versa. Dry skin is a skin type you are born with, similar to oily or combination skin. "Dehydrated" skin means that your skin lacks water.
All skin types can become dehydrated, even oily skin. In fact, combination and oily skin are often the most lacking in hydration because there is a tendency to use drying products to balance them. Dehydrated skin lacks water, while dry skin lacks lipids.
Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition caused by a lack of water in the upper layer of the skin. The good news is that it can be treated.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE DEHYDRATED SKIN
You can identify it quite easily by pinching a small area of skin on the back of your hand and holding it for a few seconds. If the skin takes a few moments to return to its original shape, you probably have dehydrated skin.
Dehydrated skin may feel tight, rough, dry, or dull. Your skin may also be irritated or show pronounced wrinkles and fine lines. It may also produce excess sebum to compensate for the lack of water. Dry skin is caused by a lack of sebum production. Normally, this oil keeps the skin healthy and hydrated, but sebum production can decrease with age, sometimes making the skin flaky or irritated.
Dry skin can be treated with oil-based skincare, while dehydrated skin needs water-based hydration.
WHAT CAUSES DEHYDRATED SKIN?
NOT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER
Your body naturally loses water through perspiration, urine, and even breathing. It is important to drink enough water throughout the day to compensate for this loss.
COMPROMISED SKIN BARRIER
A skin barrier that is not healthy enough can lead to water loss, and drinking water will not be enough to prevent skin dehydration. You therefore need to use skin barrier-repairing skincare to help prevent dehydration.
See our feature: TAKING CARE OF YOUR SKIN BARRIER
NOT HYDRATING YOUR SKIN ENOUGH WITH SKINCARE RICH IN HYALURONIC ACID
It is your skin’s “best friend” because it has the ability to retain more than 1000 times its weight in water! It provides immediate and long-lasting hydration, ideal for dehydrated skin or skin in need of plumping...
See our feature: FOCUS ON HYALURONIC ACID
LIVING IN A VERY HOT OR DRY CLIMATE
People living in hot or dry climates are more likely to lose water from the surface of their skin compared with those living in more humid areas. Likewise, heating can lead to dehydration. Dehydrated skin can also be caused by showers that are too hot.
See our feature: HYDRATE YOUR SKIN ACCORDING TO THE CLIMATE
OVER-EXFOLIATING YOUR SKIN
Using harsh soaps and skincare products, as well as over-exfoliating the skin, can weaken the skin barrier and therefore lead to dehydration.
See our feature: RETINOL, EXFOLIATION: TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING
RESTORING SKIN HYDRATION
Rest assured, dehydrated skin is a condition and not a skin type. Applying the right skincare will quickly restore your epidermis’s hydrobalance. To do this, focus on water-based skincare! Water is the first anti-aging molecule!
HOW TO TREAT DEHYDRATED SKIN
STAY HYDRATED
Drink enough water. It is generally recommended to drink 8 large glasses of water a day. To help you drink the necessary amount, you can also drink herbal teas.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
It is important to sleep well to give the skin time to regenerate.
HYDRATE YOUR SKIN
Use skincare rich in hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin, as well as products containing ceramides that help seal in hydration and repair your skin barrier.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR SKIN BARE
As soon as you have cleansed your face, apply the rest of your routine so as not to give your skin time to become dehydrated.
REASSESS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Are your products really suited to your skin type? Make sure your routine is not too harsh, too exfoliating, or too drying. Unsuitable products can contribute to dehydrated skin.
TAKE COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS
Collagen is known for its anti-aging effects, but it also contributes to skin hydration. Indeed, collagen acts like a barrier that helps retain moisture within the cells.
