Dehydrated Skin - Characteristics and Care
Characteristics
- continuously uncomfortable skin that sometimes or locally also feels tight.
- fine lines and rough skin where it is dehydrated.
- a dull complexion that does not glow.
- a 'normal' sebum production in the T-zone.
Dry or dehydrated ?
The terms 'dry skin' and 'dehydrated skin' are often used interchangeably where people mean the same thing. What is this exactly?
Dry skin lacks fat/tallow and dehydrated skin lacks moisture. Dry skin is a skin type while dehydrated skin is a skin condition that can occur in anyone. For example, someone with oily skin can also have dehydrated skin at the same time. The confusing thing is that people with both dry and dehydrated skin can suffer from flaky, itchy, sensitive, tight and dull skin.
So here's an overview of the differences :
Dry skin is dry everywhere, including on hands and scalp, is very susceptible to premature ageing and needs constant nourishment through oil-rich products. Dry skin has a thin texture and very fine pores. In addition, dry skin often has a dull appearance and immediately feels tight after washing. Dry skin is also prone to wrinkles and rarely suffers from pimples.
Dehydrated skin can feel oily and dry at the same time. This skin condition is often temporary and can arise due to environmental factors such as the weather or diet. In dehydrated skin, the skin's natural protective layer (the lipid/fat layer) is too low, causing moisture to evaporate from the skin. Dehydrated skin therefore constantly needs hydration and can be recognised mainly by fine lines, flaking and a tight feeling. A tight glow is often visible on the forehead and cheeks. In addition, impurities can be a sign of dehydration.
Causes dehydrated skin
Many people suffer from dehydrated skin. The most common causes are :
- Use of wrong care products that affect the skin's protective layer.
- Rough weather conditions - hot, cold and dry air.
- Seasonal changes - symptoms of dehydrated skin are often more severe in winter or summer.
Excessive sunlight can accelerate skin ageing and increase susceptibility to dehydration. - Too much or too long, hot bathing or showering: this removes the lipids that form the skin barrier.
Medication use: certain drugs (e.g. regulate blood pressure ) and medical treatments (e.g. radiation, dialysis or chemotherapy) are known to cause dehydrated skin as a side effect. - Skin moisture is also partly determined by hereditary factors.
- Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause, can cause dehydrated skin.
- As people age, the skin's ability to produce perspiration and lipids decreases due to reduction in the functioning of sebaceous and sweat glands in the skin.
- A lack of nutrients, unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins can increase the likelihood of dehydrated skin.
Prevention and treatment
- Avoid using a lot of water on the face, this dries out the skin!
- Avoid dry air by spending less time outside in hot and cold weather and by using a humidifier indoors when the heating is on.
- Don't shower too long and not too hot.
- Drink enough water (1 to 2 litres a day): this has a positive effect on your skin from the inside out.
Cleanse your skin with mild products that do not dry out your skin. - Ingredients like collagen and hyaluronic acid can greatly improve the moisture balance in your skin.
- The skin around the eyes is also often dehydrated, so use a specific eye care product.
- Use a hydrating face cream twice a day and a hydrating face mask once a week.