I think you will agree with me when I say dull-looking, dry skin that refuses to cooperate is frustrating, and disheartening. With the seasons changing is can seem like our skin has a mind of its own!
Well, it turns out that many people have been treating their skin wrong the entire time, and that by understanding the difference between Dry Vs. Dehydrated skin, you can begin to get your glow back!
In today's blog post we will outline the signs and symptoms of Dry Vs. Dehydrates skin and help you understand how to treat it.
Dehydrated Skin - Symptoms
Dehydrated skin is when there is a lack of water within the skin. This can happen to anyone! Yes... even you with the oily or combination skin can be a victim to a lack of hydration. The telling signs of dehydrated skin is dull looking skin, a loss of elasticity, darker under-eye circles, itchiness, and wrinkles (eek!)
Have You Tried the Pinch Test?
- Pinch a small amount of skin on your cheek, abdomen, or the back of your hand and hold for a few seconds.
- If your skin snaps back, you are likely not dehydrated (yay!)
- If it takes a few moments to bounce back, you are likely dehydrated (don’t panic, maybe swap the double espresso for a double water?)
Dry Skin – Symptoms
Dry skin is a specific skin type, much like oily or combination skin. Dry skin occurs because there is an imbalance in your skins complexion where you may lack oils, or lipids needed to lock in your skins moisture and keep it protected from the environment. Dry skin shows itself in several ways such as: scaly appearance, white flakes, redness or irritation and increased incidences of psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis.
Dry Skin Treatment
The best treatment is a combination of both hydration and moisturisation. The important factor to remember here is that people with dehydrated skin may be able to skip the moisturiser and just hydrate, whereas people who suffer with dry skin cannot, and often need both to really see results!
- Exfoliate: Dry, dead skin can build up on the skins surface making it more difficult to absorb any moisturisers and treatments. Exfoliating once a week is usually a good amount to remove dead skin cells - but remember to be conscious of the types of exfoliators your using, if they suite your skin type and monitor how your skin feels especially for people with very sensitive dry skin.
- Serums: Adding a serum, especially one with hyaluronic acid before your moisturiser can work wonders for retaining moisture in the skin.
- Heavy Moisturisation At Night: Heated dry air causes us to naturally lose moisture while we sleep, using a heavier oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer at night can counteract this so you can wake up glowing!
- Drink Water: Internal hydration is vital, try to drink plenty of fluids, and eat water-rich fruits and vegetables and essential fatty acids.
- Consider a Humidifier: Consider putting a humidifier in your office or home to keep the air adequately humid so your skin doesn't release moisture to the air.
Other Factors to Consider:
- Hard Water & Hot Showers: Hard water contains limestone, which can remove water from the skin. If your someone who showers every day, its beneficial to your skin to keep it short and use water that is warm, not hot – even though some of us like bathing in lava, it’s a sacrifice worth making.
- Air Conditioning & Central Heating: While air conditioning and heating can make the temperature more comfortable (especially in Ireland) they could be doing more harm than good to your skin, So If you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms, or with the central heating turned up, you might find these factors are making dehydrated skin conditions and dryness feel worse!
- The Wrong Skincare: If you’re using products that are too harsh, too light, or you’re using them infrequently, your skincare could be contributing to your dehydrated skin concerns. Take the time to put together a skincare routine for your skin type or come speak to an expert on what products may work best for you!
Recommended Products
Check out our specially selected range of products to help you combat dry skin & get your glow back!
Aveeno Dermexa Moisurising Cream 200ml |
Trilogy Hyaluronic Acid+ Booster Treatment 12.5ml |
Trilogy Triple Action Jelly Exfoliator 75ml |
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet AP+ Lipid Replenishing Cream Wash |
Check out our full skincare range and offers below: