When we think we have a handle on the various skin conditions. we discover that skin could be dehydrated and oily simultaneously. While it's tempting to keep blaming this apparent skin paradox on "winter skin syndrome,". It's not always the cold weather's fault.
Dehydrated skin can be caused by arid climates, insidious air conditioning, excessive caffeine consumption, and excessive hot bathing. These external factors can cause a lack of sufficient water content in your skin (aka thirsty skin!). However, oily skin can coexist with skin drought. Your skin will frequently compensate for dehydration by creating even more sebum. Sub-level sebum production is a skin type known as Dry Skin.
What Factors Contribute to Dry Skin?
1. High Temperatures
Extreme hot or cold temperatures can harm your skin's natural barrier. While avoiding extreme temperatures may be difficult, keep your exposure to a minimum.
2. Excessive Exfoliation
Excessive exfoliation can harm your skin's natural moisture barrier. It can be even more damaging if you exfoliate your skin with harsh, abrasive products.
3. Strong Cleansers
Skincare products containing caustic, harmful ingredients can impair your skin's ability to retain moisture.
4. Climate Control
Reduced humidity caused by air conditioning units can harm your skin's health. A lack of humidity damages the skin's moisture barrier, causing it to become dehydrated.
DRY SKIN VS DEHYDRATED SKIN
Dehydrated skin is deficient in water, whereas dry skin is deficient in sebum. Medications or diseases can also cause dry skin.
Climate, lifestyle, age, and the skin care products you use can all contribute to a change in your type of skin.
How To Determine My Skin Type - DO I HAVE DRY OR DEHYDRATED SKIN?
Dry skin
Dry skin is frequently inherited and can be caused by a hormone imbalance. Or other health issues in which the skin produces fewer sebaceous glands than normal skin. Without sufficient sebum production, the skin lacks lipids to retain moisture and form strong barrier protection. This causes trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and the dreaded flaky, peeling skin, which can be extremely itchy. Excessive dryness can cause eczema (atopic dermatitis), characterized by redness, cracking, and fissures resulting in bleeding or bacterial infections.
Dry Skin Symptoms
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Dry, flaky skin
- Skin irritability
Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin can exacerbate fine lines and wrinkles, inflammation, congestion, dullness, and uncomfortable tightness. Pinching your cheek is easy to see if your skin is dehydrated. Run for the water faucet if the skin wrinkles easily and does not spring back.
Dehydrated Skin Symptoms
- Skin that appears dull/dark
- Visible dark circles and shadows around the eyes
- Itchiness
- The presence of fine lines/wrinkles
- Mouth dryness
- Puffy pupils
- Improved sensitivity
HOW TO MAINTAIN SKIN HYDRATION
Aside from drinking the recommended 8+ glasses of water per day, here are some skin care tips for Dry and Dehydrated Skin:
- Reduce the number of showers and baths you take. Plan every other day.
- Applying moisturizer to slightly damp skin is an effective way to moisturize it (right after your bath or shower).
- Regularly exfoliate. Exfoliate at least once every 4-5 days. However, keep in mind that excessive exfoliation can disrupt the natural skin barrier, resulting in moisture loss.
- Caffeine consumption should be reduced.
- Keep a humidifier in your home.
- Avoid using hot water on your face. Instead, aim for a tepid temperature when cleansing.
- Include a facial serums and facial oil in your skincare routine.
- Moisturize twice daily with gentle clean products containing hyaluronic, ceramides, glycerin, anti-oxidants, and oils (avoid fragrances, dyes, and acids).
AGE AND THE "WINTER SKIN SYNDROME"
The skin gets thinner and loses its capacity to retain moisture as we age, especially after age 40. Naturally occurring fats and oils in the epidermis, the thick top layer of skin, begin to ebb away. This weakens the barrier and enables vital moisture to escape.
To achieve a balance of water in the skin, try Hyaluronic Acid and oil-infused products and an omega-rich diet.
Here are some of the best nighttime products for dry skin for well-rested, supple skin that gives you that full night's sleep effect:
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Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum
Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum is the best skin moisturizing serum. It fights for aging signs, enhances and maintains hydration levels, and evening out skin tone. Hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to bind and retain water, is an essential ingredient for dry skin.0
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100% Pure Argan Oil
Argan Oil has high omega fatty acids and Vitamin E. It is one of the best face oils for dry skin and for combating that dehydrated, tight feeling.
• Squalane Oil
As a dry oil, Squalane oil keeps your glow without leaving an oily sheen, regulating oil production in the skin while locking in moisture.
It's not just about using moisturizing face serums for dry or dehydrated skin. It's also about knowing the difference between a face oil and a face serum and how to combine them.
Shelly Leggins, a Timeless Esthetician, recommends trying this PM Deep Hydration Treatment.
- Cleanse with a soap-free hydrating cream cleanser.
- Hydrate and treat with a serum containing hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. This will help to increase skin moisture without stripping it of its natural oils.
- Moisturize your skin deeply. For enhanced deep overnight moisture, combine equal parts of Argan Oil and Squalane Oil.
