Dehydrated skin: How to recognize and prevent it?

« You don't hydrate your skin; you prevent it from dehydrating. » according to Dr. A. Aron Brunetière.

Skin is a vital organ that plays an important role in protecting your body. It is made up of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. Within the epidermis, you'll find the outermost and topmost part of the skin:  the stratum corneum, which is responsible for protecting the skin from external damage.

It contains natural moisturizing factors (NMF), which come from the skin's natural oils in the stratum corneum, including lactic acid and urea. These factors help the skin hold onto water, keeping it elastic, firm, and supple. 

The dermis is the middle layer, made up of collagen and elastin fibers that give skin its elasticity and suppleness. The hypodermis is the deepest layer, composed of fatty tissue that helps with the body's temperature regulation.

Skin dehydration happens when your skin can no longer hold onto water effectively. If the amount of natural moisturizing factors decreases, the skin becomes dehydrated, meaning it is lacking water. When the moisture in the stratum corneum drops below 8-10%, your skin becomes rough, dry, feels tight, loses elasticity, and is prone to chapping. 

Skin dehydration can affect all skin types, but it is more common in dry skin than in oily skin.

How to recognize dehydrated skin?

Here are some signs that might indicate your skin is lacking water:

• Feeling tight, dry, and rough
• Peeling skin
• Dull skin
• Skin that feels a bit rough to the touch, along with a lack of suppleness and softness
• Dull complexion
• Skin that wrinkles more easily
• Enlarged pores
• Redness
• Itching

Certain illnesses and medications can also contribute to dehydration: 

• These include conditions such as hypothyroidism, psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), gallbladder issues, anorexia, diabetes, and more.
• Including certain acne medications (such as isotretinoin), certain diuretics, medications for prostate issues, or topical medications containing alcohol, for example.

How to prevent skin dehydration?

There are several ways to prevent skin dehydration:

• Drink enough water: Water is essential for the proper functioning of the body, including the skin. It is recommended to drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily.
• Use appropriate skincare products: Skincare products for dehydrated skin should be hydrating and non-comedogenic. They should also contain ingredients that help the skin retain water, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or shea butter.
• Limit sun exposure: The sun's UV rays can damage the skin and make it more prone to dehydration. It is recommended to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every time you go outside. Additionally, it's important to protect any scars on your face to prevent them from becoming more prominent. 
• Avoid irritating products: Certain products, such as scented soaps or alcohol-based products, can irritate the skin and make it more susceptible to dehydration.
• Avoid sugary foods : Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to skin dehydration. Sugary foods can disrupt your body's hydration balance. Try to reduce your sugar intake and opt for healthier alternatives, such as fresh fruits.
• External factors : While it's certainly impossible to avoid factors like cold, wind, and pollution, their effects can be reduced by choosing the right cosmetic products.

What skincare products should you use for dehydrated skin?

Skincare products for dehydrated skin should be hydrating and non-comedogenic. The skin needs daily pampering with a minimalist, gentle, and tailored beauty routine : specific steps and care.

They should also contain ingredients that help the skin retain water. The preferred active ingredient for dehydrated skin? Hyaluronic acid, which hydrates both the surface and deeper layers while retaining water within the skin. 

Here are some examples of skincare products suitable for dehydrated skin:

• Makeup Remover : A cleansing oil that will hydrate and preserve the skin for a gentle cleanse without aggressing it (no harsh foaming agents)
• Cleanser: A gentle and non-irritating cleanser, free of soap and alcohol. Vibre Paris's cleanser, concentrated with probiotics and salicylic acid, helps limit blackhead proliferation and control acne. It naturally leaves a hydrating finish. Its biomimetic formula deeply regenerates cells to strengthen the skin's natural hydrolipidic film and stimulate cell renewal for smooth, plump skin. Its fragrance-free formula features a fine, creamy foam that gently removes impurities and unclogs pores. 
• Toner: A hydrating, alcohol-free toner.
• Serum: A hydrating and nourishing serum, based on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or shea butter. Vibre Paris's serum, concentrated with p-refinyl, prebiotics, and niacinamide, provides this regeneration to the skin. Its action regenerates cells and allows the bacteria in your microbiota to act on three levels: against spots, anti-imperfections, and of course, for maximum hydration. 
• Moisturizer: A rich and creamy moisturizer, to be used morning and evening. It should give you a boost to achieve a radiant complexion ! 
• For example, Vibre Paris's plumping cream, concentrated with ceramides and peptides, promotes skin plumping and regeneration while reducing signs of aging. Its biomimetic principle targets cells and reactivates the internal resistance processes of the epidermis and dermis for increased firmness. This will subsequently result in plump and luminous skin. It can be used as a day or night cream.
• Mask: A hydrating mask to be applied once or twice a week.

The Importance of Natural, Certified Organic, and Biotechnology-Derived Cosmetic Products

Natural and biotechnology-derived cosmetics are beneficial for dehydrated skin because they are generally less irritating than conventional cosmetics. They contain ingredients that are often gentler on the skin and can help repair, regenerate, and heal it.

For example, vegetable oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil, are natural moisturizing ingredients that can help restore the skin's protective barrier. Plant extracts, such as aloe vera or chamomile, have soothing and healing properties that can help relieve irritation and inflammation.

This type of care can also be useful for treating burns, wounds, and skin lesions. For example, calendula oil is a traditional remedy used to alleviate skin problems. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help promote healing and skin repair.

Here are some examples of ingredients that can be beneficial for dehydrated skin:

• Vegetable Oils: olive oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, upcycled apricot oil found in our Purifying Cleanser
• Plant Extracts: aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, rose, lavender. These can help soothe the skin and promote the healing of a scar.
• Vitamin E: an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
• Vitamin C : Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, a protein that gives skin its structure and elasticity.
• Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides are the ideal combination, and they are present in our plumping cream with tetrapeptide.

However, be careful! If you want to consume eco-responsibly, natural ingredients are not necessarily the solution, as it depends on their origin! Jojoba oil that has traveled by plane and required tons of water to reach its bottle is not necessarily the best choice.

To be safer, choose skincare products derived from biotechnology or certified organic products.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for taking care of your dehydrated skin:

• Exfoliate your skin regularly: exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell regeneration.
• Massage your skin : massage stimulates blood circulation and helps the skin better absorb skincare products.
• Avoid smoking: smoking dries out the skin and increases the risk of dehydration.
• Take fatty acid/vitamin supplements if necessary : Maintaining healthy skin doesn't just depend on cosmetics or external factors; it also involves a stable diet.

By following these tips, you can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Your complexion will be radiant!