Recognising the Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

 
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According to Sally Penford, Director of Education, “often people mistake dehydration for dryness but each needs a different product approach. If skin is dry it lacks oil and will usually feel dry over the whole body. Dehydrated skin lacks water and affects almost all of us due to the dry environment of central heating and air condition. Make sure you know your skin as it is important to know the difference so you can feel confident that the products you’re choosing will yield the best results. It’s important to remember that the skin is the last organ to receive the water you drink, making moisturisers a must for skin to feel comfortably hydrated.”

Dry and dehydrated skin are both flaky, itchy or sensitive, tight and dull however other than this, they vary greatly.

Dry Skin

  • Lack enough lipids

  • Is genetic

  • Feels dry all over, including hands and scalp

  • Is constant, especially in winter

  • Can also be dehydrated

Dry Skin needs lipid-rich products for barrier support. The skin’s lipid barrier acts like a strong wall to keep moisture in and irritants out. Lipid-rich products help restore this barrier to defend against dryness.

Ingredients to look out for: Phytoactives (plant oils), Shea Butter and Ceramides

Dehydrated Skin

  • Lacks enough water

  • Can be experienced by anyone (a treatable condition rather than a skin type)

  • Can feel oily and dry

  • Comes and goes

  • May experience breakouts

Dehydrated skin needs water-rich products for more hydration. Dehydration can send skin into overdrive trying to protect itself, resulting in tightness, oiliness and breakouts. Water-rich products help rehydrate and balance skin.

Ingredients to look out for: Hyaluronic Acid, Cucumber, Algae

 
CosmetologyNatalia KulakCosmAes