Do you know the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin? If you thought they were the same, you were wrong. Dry skin, apart from being a skin type, lacks natural oil. Dehydrated skin is a condition that arises from a lack of water. A water-deficient diet, drinking less water, weather and climate conditions, and increased caffeine intake can lead to dehydration. When your skin isn’t producing enough natural oils and lipids, skin becomes dry. Genetics and hormones control dry skin but, it can worsen with extreme weather, medication, over-exfoliation, too much cleansing, and, most importantly, harsh chemicals in skin products. Dry skin may appear to be scaly, rough, flaky, and can lead to psoriases, dermatitis, and eczema. Dehydrated skin exaggerates fine lines, wrinkles, and under-eye dark circles.
As we age, collagen and lipid production decreases, our skin becomes drier, less elastic, and it loses its ability to retain moisture. Moisturisers with high organic oil content help repair the barrier function of the skin. Use cream cleansers, gentle mists, vitamin C induced products, antioxidant-rich products, and eye oils. Avoid using beauty products with sulphates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and plastic microbeads. Exfoliate using products that have natural ingredients. Pat dry your skin rather than rubbing, and use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Treat your dehydrated skin with lifestyle changes, such as drinking more water, and using moisturisers with hydrating ingredients.
