When your skin lacks moisture, it’s nearly impossible for it to reveal its brilliance. Today, we’re going to teach you how to fix dehydrated skin for a healthy, radiant, and nourished face. After all, putting a stop to dryness is the best way to help you achieve your best skin.
Do You Have Dry or Dehydrated Skin?
Though they’re often confused, it’s vital to distinguish between dry and dehydrated skin.
Dry skin is a skin type that produces fewer natural oils than normal or oily skin. Since dry skin lacks oil, it’s typically less elastic and tends to have a rather dull appearance. Although it’s a permanent condition, you can improve the look and feel of your face with the right products.
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a temporary condition. It’s the result of external factors, such as weather, diet, and lifestyle choices, which lead to water loss. So while dry skin lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water. Your face may feel tight, itchy, or have fine lines. And your skin feel is probably less supple than usual.
Can Oily Skin Be Dehydrated?
Yes! Any skin type can experience dehydration, including oily kinds. You may even be mistaking dehydrated skin for oily skin.
Why? Because when the skin is dry, it may still be producing oil. In fact, it may overproduce oil to compensate for the dryness. And we may unintentionally make this problem worse by trying to reduce shine with harsh products that strip the skin of moisture.
The Importance of the Skin Barrier
A healthy skin barrier is, without a doubt, the foundation for bright, healthy skin. The skin barrier is essentially what holds our skin cells together. It stops harmful things like pollution and dirt from getting in, and it locks moisture beneath the skin’s surface.
And we suffer the effects when it’s compromised. Skin conditions like sensitivity, breakouts, and premature aging are all signs of a damaged skin barrier. You may also experience inflammation, itchiness, or flakiness.
What Damages the Skin Barrier
Here are some common ways we damage the skin barrier.
Harsh Cleansers
One of the most common external factors that damage the skin barrier is using harsh cleansers. Harsh cleansers irritate the skin and strip it of natural oils.
Overusing Active Ingredients
Applying active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) too frequently can also damage the skin barrier. Overuse causes issues like inflammation, irritation, and, yes, skin dehydration.
Skipping Moisturizer
Neglecting moisturizer allows your face to dry out, sometimes to the point that it compromises the skin barrier. Regardless of how hydrated your skin feels, you should always moisturize. Aside from feeling the immediate benefits, you might also be saving your future self from issues like deeper wrinkles down the line.
Genetics/Hormones
Genetics and hormones also determine the strength of your skin barrier. While it’s not an external factor you can control, it’s vital to realize that some people are more genetically likely to have a weaker skin barrier.
How to Fix Dehydrated Skin
Here are some fail-proof ways to help your face retain moisture for perfectly hydrated skin.
Re-evaluate Your Skin Care Routine
Are you using harsh products? (We’re looking at you, cleansers.)
Make sure to use a gentle cleanser that will melt makeup and impurities away without causing irritation. A good rule of thumb is if you feel tightness or a dry feeling after washing your face, the product is too harsh. Similarly, avoid using scrubs, which can be unforgiving on dehydrated skin.
And perhaps just as vital as the products you use is water temperature. Make sure you’re washing your face with lukewarm water, and pay attention to shower temperature. Hot showers, though they feel great, have an incredibly drying effect on the skin.
Say No to Chemical Additives and Fragrances
Chemical additives strip skin of its natural moisture, so avoid any products that have them. Likewise, pass on any fragrances, either natural or synthetic, which have a similar harsh effect.
Choose Skincare Products Carefully
Always read the ingredient label before purchasing a new product. Stay away from anything with sulfates, parabens, or drying alcohols, which are known to damage the skin barrier.
Use Moisturizing Products
And of course, make sure to use moisturizing products morning and night.
Hyaluronic acid is one of our favorite products for plumping up dehydrated skin. It’s capable of holding up to a thousand times its weight in water, which is why we recommend adding a Concentrated Hyaluronic Acid Serum to your regimen. Make sure you know how to use hyaluronic acid correctly, and it will become your number one defense against dryness.
Vitamin C is another ingredient that will help restore and lock in moisture. Add an Advanced Vitamin C Serum to your morning routine for smooth, bright, and hydrated skin. Bonus—vitamin C protects against UV rays, pollution, and free radicals!
Retinol is a fantastic product, but unless you’re using a dedicated Intensive Retinol Moisturizer, you may experience dryness. If you prefer retinol serum, it’s critical to follow up with a moisturizer. A hydrating cream locks moisture in while allowing you to take advantage of the many benefits of retinol.
Eat Healthy and Drink Water
Lastly, remember your diet when working to improve your skin’s overall health.
Try to eat healthy foods as much as possible, especially ones that are rich in essential fatty acids.The skin cell membrane is made of omega acids, and you need to keep this membrane healthy for hydrated skin. Foods like salmon, egg yolks, and walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3s.
And finally, remember to hydrate your body from the inside out. Drink lots of water, preferably two liters per day.
The Key to Hydrated Skin? Time and Patience
It may take a while to see results, so give these tips some time to work their magic. Remember, with patience and consistency, you’ll be well on your way to properly nourished skin. Good luck, and be sure to leave us a comment with any questions you have below.
