Dehydrated skin: How to recognize it and avoid it?

“ We don't hydrate our skin, we prevent it from becoming dehydrated. » according to Dr. A. Aron Brunetière.

The skin is a vital organ that plays an important role in protecting the body. It is made up of three layers: the epidermis , the dermis and the hypodermis. In the epidermis we find the most external and upper part of the skin: the stratum corneum which is responsible for protecting the skin against external aggressions.

It contains natural hydration factors (NMF), derived from the sebaceous lipids of the stratum corneum, including lactic acid and urea. Their hydro-retaining power helps preserve the elasticity, firmness and suppleness of the skin.

The dermis is the intermediate layer and is composed of collagen and elastin fibers which give it elasticity and flexibility. The hypodermis is the deepest layer and is composed of adipose tissue which plays a role in the body's thermal protection.

Skin dehydration manifests itself as a state in which the skin is no longer able to retain water optimally. If the quantity of factors decreases, the skin becomes dehydrated and lacks water. When the humidity of the stratum corneum drops below 8 to 10%, it becomes rough, dry , tight, loss of elasticity and prone to cracking.

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 may indicate that your skin is lacking water :

• Feeling of tightness, dryness and roughness
• Peeling skin
• Skin that lacks radiance
• Skin that is a little rough to the touch, accompanied by a lack of suppleness and softness
• Dull complexion
• Skin that wrinkles more easily
• Pores
• Redness
• Itching

Certain illnesses and taking medication also promote dehydration:

• Including diseases like hypothyroidism, psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), gallbladder problems, anorexia, diabetes, etc.
• Including certain drug treatments for acne (isotretinoin for example), certain diuretics, medications for prostate disorders, or locally applied medications containing alcohol, for example.

How to avoid skin dehydration?

There are several ways to avoid 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 per day .
• Use appropriate care products : care products for dehydrated skin must be moisturizing and non-comedogenic. They should also contain ingredients that help the skin retain water, such as hyaluronic acid , glycerin, or shea butter.
• Limit exposure to the sun : UV rays from the sun can damage the skin and make it more susceptible to dehydration. It is recommended to apply sun protection with factor 30 or more every time you go out. Additionally, it is important to protect scars if you have any on your face so that they do not become more marked.
• 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 foods high in sugar : Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to dehydration of the skin. Sugary foods can disrupt the hydration balance in your body. Try reducing your sugar intake and opt for healthier alternatives, such as fresh fruit.
• External factors : It is certainly impossible to avoid them like cold, wind, pollution but their effects can be reduced thanks to the choice of good cosmetic products.

What skincare products should you use for dehydrated skin?

Care products for dehydrated skin should be hydrating and non-comedogenic. The skin must be pampered daily with a minimalist, gentle and adapted beauty routine : special gestures and treatments.

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

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

• Make-up remover : a make-up removing oil which will moisturize the skin and preserve it for gentle cleansing without attacking it ( no foaming stripping agent)
• Cleanser: a gentle, non-irritating cleanser, free of soap and alcohol. The cleanser from Vibre Paris concentrated in probiotics and salicylic acid will help limit the proliferation of blackheads as well as control acne. It of course leaves a hydrating finish. Its biomimetic formula regenerates cells in depth to strengthen the skin's natural hydrolipidic film and stimulate cell renewal for smooth, plump skin. Its fragrance-free formula is characterized by a fine, creamy foam that gently eliminates impurities and unclogs pores.
• Toning : a hydrating, alcohol-free toner.
• Serum : a hydrating and nourishing serum, based on hyaluronic acid, glycerin or shea butter. The serum from Vibre Paris concentrated in p-refinyl, prebiotics and niacimide provides this regeneration to the skin. Its action regenerates cells and allows the bacteria in your microbiota to act on three levels: against stains, anti-imperfections and of course on maximum hydration.
• Moisturizing cream : a rich and creamy moisturizing cream, to use morning and evening. It should give you a boost in order to have a radiant complexion !
• For example, the plumping cream from Vibre Paris, concentrated in ceramides and peptides which promotes the plumping and regeneration of the skin while reducing the signs of aging. Its biomimetic principle will target the cells and re-start the internal resistance processes of the epidermis and dermis for more firmness. This will subsequently allow you to obtain plump and luminous skin. It can be used as a day/or night cream.
• Mask : a hydrating mask to apply once or twice a week.

The importance of natural cosmetic products certified organic and derived from biotechnology

Natural and biotechnology-derived cosmetics are good 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, plant-based oils, like olive oil or coconut oil, are natural hydrating ingredients that can help replenish the skin's protective barrier. Herbal extracts, such as aloe vera or chamomile, have soothing and healing properties that can help relieve irritation and inflammation.

This type of treatment 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 scarring .

Here are some examples of ingredients that may benefit 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 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 the production of collagen, a protein that gives the skin its structure and elasticity.
• Ceramides, hyaluronic acid and peptides are the ideal combo and they are present in our tetrapeptide plumping cream

However, be careful! If you want to consume in an eco-responsible way, natural is not necessarily the solution because it depends on the origin of the ingredients! Jojoba oil that has taken a plane and required tons of water to get into its bottle is not necessarily the best choice.

To go for the safest, choose treatments derived from biotechnology or certified ORGANIC treatments.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for caring for your dehydrated skin:

• Exfoliate your skin regularly : exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and promote cell regeneration.
• Massage your skin : massage stimulates blood circulation and helps the skin better absorb skincare products.
• Avoid smoking : tobacco dries the skin and increases the risk of dehydration.
• Take fatty acid/vitamin supplements if necessary : ​​Maintaining healthy skin does not only depend on cosmetics or external factors, it also requires a stable diet.

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