Water imbalance: how to distinguish dehydrated from dry skin

According to statistics, the most common skin types are combination and dry skin. And about 40% of clients of dermatology clinics suffer from dryness. As a rule, moisturizing creams, masks, serums and other cosmetics help to cope with it. However, if the skin is severely dehydrated, it requires additional care. Together with cosmetologist Elena Gretsova, we understand how to recognize skin dehydration and what to do about it.

Signs of dehydrated skin

Special care may be needed if you notice the following signs:

• A feeling of dryness and tightness – especially after washing with water.
• Dull and gray complexion – with dehydration, the skin is poorly renewed and loses its usual shade.
• Oily shine – when the skin is flaky and itchy.
• Fine wrinkles – usually appear in areas with active facial expressions, such as on the forehead or around the eyes.
• Hypersensitivity – even familiar products cause irritation.
• One layer of moisturizer is not enough – the product is quickly absorbed, and the skin requires additional moisturizing.
• Toner does not hold well.

Elena: The main causes of dehydration are natural age processes that start after 25 years old and excessive UV radiation. Also aggravating factors are considered internal diseases, bad habits and irrational diet.

How to distinguish dehydrated skin from dry skin?

Often the terms “dehydrated” and “dry” are used as synonyms. In fact, they are different phenomena.

As the dermatologist explains, dry skin is a certain type of skin. It is characterized by a feeling of tightness, flaking, increased sensitivity. With dry skin, the level of damage is in the uppermost layer – the epidermis. In it there is a weakening of the lipid barrier, and as a consequence, the loss of moisture increases.

Dehydration is a condition that can occur in absolutely any type of skin. In this case, the focus of damage is deeper – in the dermal layer. Externally, dehydration is manifested in a decrease in tone, loss of elasticity, wrinkles and dull complexion. The cause of these changes is a decrease in the amount of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin.

What should I do if my skin is dehydrated?

Dehydration is a temporary skin condition that can be corrected.

You should start by restoring water balance – drink more fluids, mainly pure mineral water. This will not only improve the condition of the skin, but will also have a beneficial effect on the body as a whole.

The second step will be “external” moisturizing – with the help of creams, serums, face masks and other cosmetics. You should use them regularly. They will help retain moisture and prevent dehydration. At the same time, for washing should choose products that do not dry the skin.

However, these steps are not always enough for full recovery.

Elena: When dehydration occurs, the damage is deeper than the surface layer, so more radical measures are needed. Hardware procedures that stimulate the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid are very effective (e.g. photo rejuvenation, radiofrequency lifting, non-injection mesotherapy), as well as injections of hyaluronic acid and vitamin cocktails (biorevitalization, mesotherapy). Using cosmetics alone will not solve the problem of dehydration.

Stop Signals for Dehydrated Skin

If your skin is dehydrated, you should avoid washing with soap, harsh scrubs and clay masks. You should also temporarily refrain from contrast showers and baths.

In addition, it is extremely important to choose the right care products. Dermatologist recommends avoiding cosmetics that include “irritating” ingredients, such as alcohols and aggressive surfactants (surfactants).

Also do not neglect sunscreen – it has a preventive effect and will help prevent dehydration.