OH NO! MY SKIN IS DEHYDRATED, NOT DRY!
My mother used to tell me that her best-kept secret to having that soft, youthful, and clear skin is hydration. I grew up thinking that Mom has dry skin, hence her regular skin-hydrating regimen. Well, I was wrong.
My mother has dehydrated skin, not dry skin, which I later learned after chatting with Beautrypreneur Nikki Tang, the CEO of DMark Beauty, who generously shared to me the difference between dehydrated and dry skin.
After that enlightening chat on skin types and conditions, I learned that dry skin is a skin type, which means you inherited it. It is characterized by a dry and dull complexion, because your skin does not produce enough natural oils. Dry skin can also be caused by thyroid issues or hormonal imbalances.
Meanwhile, a dehydrated skin is a skin condition. If dry skin is skin that lacks oil, then a dehydrated skin is skin that lacks water. In fact, even oily skin types can be dehydrated.
Dehydrated skin is characterized by a tired or rigid complexion, meaning when you touch a dehydrated skin, it doesn’t feel soft or supple. Also, your skin feels itchy, irritated, with redness. You may also experience itchy patches, dull and flaky skin, and dark under-eye circles, fine lines and wrinkles. The causes of dehydrated skin range from an unhealthy diet to alcohol or caffeine consumption, to weather or seasonal changes.
A dehydrated skin is a temporary condition and can easily be resolved by making necessary changes in your diet and lifestyle, as well as wisely choosing your topical skin care. Here is your quick guide to bringing back that soft, hydrated, supple skin.
Use a gentle cleanser
The type of cleanser that you use is critical in fixing your dehydrated skin. Pick cleansers that do not contain artificial fragrances and harsh chemical additives. Also make sure to use lukewarm water when washing with a cleanser.
Choosing the correct makeup remover is also important in preventing further skin dehydration. Our top pick that amazingly helps with cleansing and makeup-removing is Bioderma Hydrabio H20. This micellar water gently cleans and rids your face of makeup with its Aquagenium patent that helps improve your skin’s ability to retain hydration.
You can also opt for an extra mild, soap-free cleansing formula, like Sebamed Olive Face & Body Wash or the Sebamed Olive Cleansing Bar. Their ph value 5.5, combined with olive oil and a complex care formula, gently moisturizes your dehydrated skin.
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Increase your water intake
Before you are tempted to fix yourself a cup of coffee right after getting up in the morning, remind yourself to drink water first. Did you know that during sleep, your body has not replenished water for about 7 to 9 hours—the average time that a person sleeps? So when you wake up, your body is most likely severely dehydrated. So it’s important to drink lots of water in the morning.
Then drink small amounts of water throughout the day. You need to replenish water that is lost by sweating from activity or working out, and even from exhaling.
Also, don’t ignore that thirst before hitting the bed for fear of getting up in the middle of the night to head to the bathroom. A glass of water at night is crucial to hydrating yourself and can even help get you the needed 8-hours of sleep.
Use a daily moisturizing cream
Moisturizing creams can help assist in fixing your dehydrated skin, and you must do this religiously. Our go-to moisturizing cream designed to hydrate the skin is Bioderma Hydrabio Crème. We love this creamy, intensely nourishing skin care for its Aquagenium patent—the one responsible for reactivating the skin’s natural hydration process. Aquaporins, your skin’s natural channels that allow water to flow within the skin, is stimulated by this product’s apple seed extract. Its Vitamin E content prevents premature ageing while its Vitamin PP content strengthens your skin’s resistance.
But before you moisturize, it is also recommended that you apply serum, like Bioderma Hydrabio Serum., which is a powerful moisture-boosting product designed for dry to very dry, dehydrated skin. This serum is best applied before the moisturizing cream.
Eat right to hydrate your skin
Increase your intake of fresh produce, particularly water-rich vegetables, like cucumber, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and spinach. It would also help to pick fruits that support skin hydration, like oranges, apples, and tomatoes.
Meanwhile, decrease your intake of dehydrating snacks, like potato chips, sugary treats, fried food, and fast-food meals.Fizzy soda is also a major culprit when it comes to dehydrating your skin. Sodas cause this hypernatremic effect—it zaps water from your tissues and depletes your body of fluids. Same with energy drinks. So be careful what to put in your mouth, because it will always have a direct effect on your skin’s condition.
Use a moisture-boosting lotion or toner
After cleansing, it is ideal to use a moisture-boosting lotion or toner for added hydrating powers. Designed for dehydrated and sensitive skin, Bioderma Hydrabio Tonique is our recommended moisturizing toner as it works to hydrate and condition skin. You can also use this toner to eliminate traces of makeup or impurities. Hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic, it leaves your face fresh, clear, and radiant.
By following these easy steps, you will soon see the difference in your skin. Just make sure to speak with your doctor to discuss product compatibility for your dehydrated skin condition