Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin is not a type of skin but a condition that occurs when there is a shortage of water in the skin. As such, dry skin can affect anyone at any time, regardless of skin type, which unfortunately means, yes, you can have oily skin and still struggle with dry skin.
When your skin is dry, you will know its dull, tight, flaky, brittle appearance and visible rough patches. Fine lines and wrinkles will also be more noticeable due to the lack of hydration, which helps give our skin its plump and supple feel. Another sign may also be an increase in pimples, especially if your skin is very balanced.
Test
If you’re still not sure if your skin is dry or dehydrated, experts suggest trying the “disc test.” The best way to determine if your skin is dehydrated is to apply pressure to the skin on the cheek for a few seconds. If your skin bounces back right away but looks flaky, your skin is dry. If it takes a few seconds and your skin looks tight and wrinkled, you probably have dehydrated skin.
Dry skin care
What causes dry skin?
As for how your skin gets dehydrated, a number of internal and external factors have been shown to play a role. One of the most common reasons is not drinking enough water. Other potential factors include changes in the weather, indoor heating and cooling systems, sun damage, and products that remove or damage the skin barrier (think retinol and harsh exfoliators), all of which can lead to low water content within the skin.
How to treat dehydrated skin
Dry skin is relatively easy to treat. Here are some tips that experts suggest.
Drink more water: You may not want to hear this, but it’s true: Drinking more water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to plump and hydrate your skin. According to most experts, you should aim for at least eight cups a day, although this number may vary depending on your size and activity level. In addition to consuming more H2O, doctors suggest reducing caffeine.
Increase blood circulation: If your skin is dull, lifeless and dry, try applying your products in an upward motion, this will help stimulate blood circulation and deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin so that it looks more vibrant and healthy. For an easy facial massage at home, try using a gua sha tool paired with your favorite moisturizing serum or facial oil. It’s recommended to look for an oil-based formula like my Rejuvenating Serum, which will help strengthen the skin barrier and lock moisture in for deeper hydration.
Say no to harsh scrubs: While exfoliation is a great way to remove dead skin buildup and enhance overall skin tone and texture, the key is to take the right approach. Avoid using overly harsh exfoliators, especially those with rough or abrasive particles. Instead, reach for gentle exfoliating pads, which are formulated with lactic acid and Bakuchiol to help re-appear and brighten skin without drying or stripping its delicate barrier.
Use the correct mask: Adding a hydrating face mask to your weekly skincare routine is always a great idea. But remember: not all masks are created equal. For dry skin, look for products that contain hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, or even yogurt, as these ingredients help moisturize the skin and strengthen the barrier to help prevent water loss.
Consider a humidifier: If you live in an environment that gets a lot of dry heat and air conditioning, having a humidifier on hand can be a great way to put some moisture back into the air, so your skin stays hydrated. Keep one on your desk at work or near your bed at night to increase the water content of your skin while you sleep.
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