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Dry or dehydrated skin? Are you making this diagnostic mistake?

Did you know that dry skin or dehydrated skin are distinct problems?

Dry or dehydrated skin – Why it’s not the same

Dehydrated skin is a TEMPORARY problem that can appear whatever your skin type (oily, dry, mixed…).

On the other hand, dry skin is a PERMANENT condition. It is a particular type of epidermis that lacks sebum (the skin’s natural oil). You can have dry AND dehydrated skin!

To understand everything in two words

Basically, if you have dry skin, nourish it with oil, if you have dehydrated skin, it means it needs water.

It is essential that you make the difference between the two problems to choose the right treatment! Otherwise, your inconveniences may persist. And in the long run, you may encounter complications, such as staph infection.

Here are my tips to help you distinguish between dry and dehydrated skin, as well as a list of treatments adapted to focus on both issues.

Take this test to get to know your skin better

As you can see from the image below, dry and dehydrated skin have similar symptoms – so it is difficult to distinguish them.

However, there are signs and actions to help you make the right diagnosis.

Do the test in front of your mirror: if by pinching your cheekbones, your skin folds are parallel, you have dehydrated skin. On the other hand, you have dry skin, if by pinching your cheeks, the folds go in all directions.

How your skin dehydrates

In winter, external aggressions (dry wind, cold, pollution, and heating) promote dehydration of your skin.

You can have dehydrated skin at any age.

However, the first wrinkles are most often dehydration wrinkles. If your skin lacks water, the very fine areas of your face (cheeks, eye and mouth area) eventually fold, and small lines appear.

The simple mistake not to make

“Nourishing creams” should not be confused with “moisturizing creams”:

The ingredients that moisturize your skin

If you want to regain toned, supple, and firm skin, here are the best active ingredients that will moisturize your face:

  • Hyaluronic acid that retains water in your skin (up to 1000 times its weight);
  • Shea butter is a powerful moisturizer that protects your skin;
  • Vegetable glycerin is a beneficial active ingredient for a thorough treatment;
  • Algae are also remarkable: they have powerful moisturizing properties to prevent drying out during tides.

However, if you have oily skin (pimples, blackheads, acne…), I advise you to use a serum to moisturize your skin. You can then apply your anti-imperfection cream.

Bonus tips if you have dehydrated skin

  • Drink plenty of water. Bring water to your skin by drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day. This renews the water contained in your organism;
  • Avoid heating, air conditioning and as much as possible pollution.

Why your skin is dry

If your skin is dry by nature, you should nourish it with oil (sebum).

It is the sebum that protects your skin and maintains its hydration. However, without oily protection, the water in your body evaporates more quickly. And your skin is dry.

Treat yourself properly to avoid unnecessary itching, or worse, infections. Dry skin promotes the entry of harmful bacteria (Staphylococcus), as well as complications such as eczema or psoriasis.

Dry skin also accelerates the appearance of wrinkles on your face and neck.

Here’s how to treat your dry skin as soon as possible

The most effective against dry skin is vegetable oil, which penetrates quickly and nourishes your skin deeply.

The oils bring to your dry skin:

  • Essential fatty acids: Omega-3, 6, 9 contribute to the suppleness and elasticity of your skin.
  • Phytosterols: these active ingredients soothe, regenerate and protect your skin. They are similar to the lipids (fats) you produce naturally and are very well absorbed by your body.

The oil allows your skin to retain water AND stimulates your natural sebum production. Your skin is adequately protected.

Here are some suggestions for oils and their actions. Be sure to choose them carefully, they must be first cold pressed, organic or wild, virgin and unrefined:

  • Argan oil: rich in fatty acids. Perfect if you have irritated and/or mature skin, as it slows down skin aging. Your skin recovers its tone and firmness.
  • Jojoba oil: it regulates your sebum production. It protects and softens your skin, and revitalizes your dry skin.
  • Apricot Kernel oil: ideal for the appearance of the first wrinkles, it is perfect for make-up removal and revives your complexion.
  • Rose Hip oil: perfect for mature skin. It accelerates the renewal of your cells and restores elasticity to your skin.

The right way to apply oil to your face

Lightly heat the oil between the palms of your hands, with circular movements gently massage your cheeks, then the sides of your nose to your ears.

Make small zigzags on your forehead and on areas prone to wrinkles, this will relax your skin and fill in the gaps.

Finally, remember to go down to your neck and use the excess product to nourish your hands.

Some additional tips if you have dry skin

  • Include sources of omega-3, 6, 9: fatty fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon…), avocado, walnut, and rapeseed oil… These foods are high in good fat.
  • Avoid micellar water – a mixture of water and small particles (micelles). This product damages the oily layer that protects your skin. Instead, use a milk or vegetable oil to remove makeup.

 
This is a guest post courtesy of Betty Parks, the Founder and Owner of MicrodermabrasionHome.com, an information site that focuses on beauty tips and natural skin care.