Is your skin DRY or DEHYDRATED?

Today's topic would be on how to differentiate between dry & dehydrated skin.

This was something that even I, did not know..
(Till 2 days back)

I read an article on Beautybay.com & this sparked an interest in me to find out more!
After much researching, I have decided to share what I have learnt with you, my readers..

Hoping this would educate you guys & help you to better solve your skin problems! :)

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

So what exactly is the difference between the terms DRY & DEHYDRATED?

1. DRY

- Dry skin is a skin type, not a skin condition.

- A skin type naturally means, what you are born with.

There are a few categories: Dry, Sensitive, Normal, Combination, Oily.

- Dry skin is caused by a lack of oil content in the skin, not water.

- Dry skin tends to be irritated easily, and can be made worse by unsuitable products.

- Dry skin causes dullness.

- Pores are small, but can still have blemishes & blackheads etc.

- Dry skin does not absorb skincare products well.

2. DEHYDRATED

- Dehydrated skin is a condition, NOT a skin type.

- Usually a temporary situation that overlaps with dry skin.

- Caused by a lack of water in the skin.

- Can be brought about by makeup & skincare products that are unsuitable, & also weather conditions.

- Can be corrected easily, compared to DRY skin.

- Common for acne-prone or oily skin, and may be aggravated by harsh products ie. alcohol, or long exposure to water.

- Pores can be small or large, with blackheads, spots & produces oil.

SO, does drinking more water help?

NOT REALLY..

That totally debunks the myth that my mum has about drinking more water to have nicer skin.

It is not really about the water..

But yes I do need to admit that water is a crucial ingredient in our body, since we are made

of about an approximate 65% of water content..

& we honestly need water to detox & to function in general!

So still, please take your 8 cups of water religiously!

*PS: Note to self!!!!!

So how do we treat our DRY or DEHYDRATED SKIN?

3. Treating Dry Skin

- Choose moisturisers which contain protectants and emollients.

These will create a protective shield over skin preventing moisture loss.

Look out for ingredients such as:

Ceramides, Shea Butter, Beeswax, Squalene, Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil and Cetyl Alcohol.

* Rosehip oil is another good ingredient.

- Try to avoid leaving skin bare for more than 60 seconds after washing.

Quickly apply toner, any treatment you may use and moisturiser to keep moisture locked in..

* Remember this 5 steps (both morning & night): Cleanse, Tone, Serum, Emulsion, Lotion.

For evening regime, add a night cream/ night leave on mask.

- Make regular use of a gentle exfoliating product to remove dead skin cells and flaky patches.

This will help to promote cell renewal and improve the barrier function of the skin.

* Do not exceed more than 2x a week. else it will damage & irritate the skin further.

- Avoid harsh cleansers etc & opt for gentle ones more suited for dry skin types.

- Moisturising treatment serums used under moisturisers are ideal to add an extra layer of protection and hydration to skin.

* An important point I have noted after introducing serums into my skincare regime.

It really makes a huge difference!

4. Treating Dehydrated Skin

- Look for moisturisers with ingredients like: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium PCS, Allantoin & Propylene Glycol.

They are humectants that help to attract water from the environment to the skin.

- Avoid leaving skin ‘bare’ after washing skin – it can quickly dehydrate if left unprotected, especially after using harsh cleansers.

Tone and moisturise quickly to seal in moisture.

- Try not to over-exfoliate skin.

Excessive use of peels and scrubs can increase surface dehydration and inflammation.

- Avoid foaming products which can further dehydrate skin.

- Try to avoid Sulphates.

They can exacerbate dehydration & strip skin of its natural moisture.

5. Products for Dry Skin

* Products mentioned below are recommendations from Beautybay.com & other relevant skincare websites.

Available at Sephora - Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion & Vit. E Night Cream

- Yes To Carrots Nourishing Repair Night Cream

- NUXE Crème Fraiche 24h Soothing & Moisturising Cream

- First Aid Beauty Aloe Plus Soothing Gel

6. Products for Dehydrated Skin

* Products mentioned below are recommendations from Beautybay.com & other relevant skincare websites.

Available at Sephora - Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Herbs & Protective Day Cream

- Talika Photo Hydro Day Cream

- Alpha H Liquid Gold

*my fav - First Aid Beauty Instant Oatmeal Mask

- Yes To Blueberries Intensive Skin Repair Serum

** Point to note: Not all products are strictly in that category of DRY or DEHYDRATED.

I have dry skin, but I use some dehydrated products too.

Always remember the skin is made of BOTH Oil & Water.

A healthy balance of them 2, is the way to go!

Know your skin type, & replenish more of what you need, what keeping the other in check!!!

That's all for now, xoxo.

Follow me on Instagram for daily updates: www.instagram.com/clarabeltan