There is this common misconception that dehydrated skin is dry, but according to skincare science and anatomy, this cannot be further from the truth.
While someone may say that dehydrated skin feels dry, just as dry skin feels dehydrated, the truth is that there is a big difference between the two.
Dry skin is a skin type, one that one is born with and is encoded in the DNA. Simply put, dry skin is lacking oil (lipids) due to underproduction of sebum and it can experience regular flaking, cracking, sensitivity issues or issues like eczema, itching or feeling tight.
Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that refers to the amount of water in the skin. Healthy skin contains about 30% water which is essential for maintaining the skin’s structure, strength and resiliency. This condition can happen to anyone temporarily or longer, the main problem being that the skin is lacking water, due to environmental aggressors like extreme temperatures or spending too much time in a steamy shower, or using the wrong products for your skin. The symptoms may include roughness and loss of elasticity.
It is vital that you nourish and protect your skin barrier, as if the skin barrier is damaged it will result in excessive water loss, leading to dehydrated skin, increased sensitivity and frequent irritation.
The skin barrier is the outmost layer (stratum corneum) that consists of tough skin cells (corneocytes) that are bound together by lipids. The inside of this layer of cells consists of cholesterol, fatty acids and ceramides.
One of the most important roles of the skin barrier is that it controls the water evaporation from your body and helps keeping your body functioning properly. So, is the skin barrier is damaged, the skin will suffer from dehydration, post-breakout marks, and difficulty to repair the signs of aging.
Therefore, it is essential that the skin barrier is kept healthy and prevention is always better than cure. Make sure that the cleanser is mild, the toner is alcohol-free with active ingredients that restore the ph of the skin, the scrubs are not abrasive so not to cause micro-tears to the skin’s surface, and when using active ingredients like AHA, BHA, retinol, or anti-acne treatments, always proceed after consulting a skincare professional that will recommend the frequency and concentration according to a protocol designed only for you based on your skin’s needs. Last but not least, always always always protect your skin with the suitable sunscreen of SPF at least of 30.
On the topic of water, based on our clinical experience many clients tell us that they are drinking water but their skin still feels dry and the simple explanation is that the skin is the last organ to receive nutrients we consume, which means that it is the last to get the water you sip. Concluding that you really need to use the suitable hydrating serums and masks, and nourishing and hydrating creams on all skin areas that are exposed.
