COLD, WIND, HEATING, FATIGUE... IN WINTER, SKIN GETS DEHYDRATED!
DO NOT CONFUSE DRY SKIN WITH DEHYDRATED SKIN...
Although the terms "dry skin" and "dehydrated skin" are often used interchangeably, there are key differences. Having dry skin doesn't necessarily mean you have dehydrated skin, and vice versa. Dry skin is a skin type you were born with, similar to oily or combination skin. "Dehydrated" skin means your skin lacks moisture.
All skin types can become dehydrated, even oily skin. In fact, it's often combination and oily skin that suffers the most from dehydration because we tend to use drying products to try and balance it. Dehydrated skin lacks water, while dry skin lacks lipids.
Dehydrated skin is a temporary problem caused by a lack of water in the upper layer. The good news is that it can be treated.
RECOGNIZING 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 can feel tight, rough, dry, or dull. Your skin may also be irritated or have pronounced wrinkles and fine lines. It may also produce excess sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture. Dry skin is caused by a lack of sebum production. Normally, this oil keeps 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 treatments, while dehydrated skin needs water hydration.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DEHYDRATED SKIN?
NOT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER
Your body naturally loses water through perspiration, urine, and even respiration. 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 alone will not be enough to prevent skin dehydration; therefore, it is necessary to use skin barrier repair treatments to prevent dehydration.
See our article:TAKING CARE OF YOUR SKIN BARRIER
NOT ENOUGHLY HYDRATING YOUR SKIN WITH SKINCARE PRODUCTS RICH IN HYALURONIC ACID
It's your skin's "best friend" because it has the ability to retain over 1000 times its weight in water! It provides immediate and long-lasting hydration, ideal for dehydrated skin or skin that needs plumping...
See our dossier: A CLOSER LOOK AT 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 to those living in more humid areas. Similarly, heating can lead to dehydration. Dehydrated skin can also be caused by showers that are too hot.
See our guide: HYDRATE YOUR SKIN ACCORDING TO THE CLIMATE
OVEREXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN
The use of harsh soaps and skincare products and excessive exfoliation of the skin can lead to a weakening of the skin barrier and therefore dehydration.
See our report: RETINOL, EXFOLIATION: TOO MUCH IS THE ENEMY OF GOOD
RESTORE SKIN HYDRATION
Rest assured, dehydrated skin is a condition, not a skin type. Applying appropriate skincare products will quickly restore your skin's moisture balance. For this, focus on water-based products! Water is the primary anti-aging molecule!
HOW TO TREAT DEHYDRATED SKIN
STAY HYDRATED
Drink plenty of 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.
SLEEP ENOUGH
Getting a good night's sleep is important to allow time for the skin to regenerate.
HYDRATE YOUR SKIN
Use skincare products rich in hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and products containing ceramides that help seal in moisture and repair your skin barrier.
- Holi (Water) Cream - NATEUR AGENT
- Derm-Restore Super Serum - ODACITÉ
NEVER LEAVE YOUR SKIN BAREFOOT
As soon as you have cleansed your face, apply the rest of your routine to prevent it from becoming dehydrated.
RE-EVALUATE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Are your products truly suited to your skin type? Make sure your routine isn't too harsh, too exfoliating, or 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. In fact, collagen acts as a barrier that helps retain moisture within the cells.