How to recognize dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin can affect all skin types at one time or another in life. It can affect sensitive, combination, oily and normal skin.
It is a temporary and reversible phenomenon characterized by a localized and occasional feeling of tightness, due to a lack of water and poor fixation of water to the skin layer.
Skin dehydration is characterized by uncomfortable, rough facial skin , sometimes with flakes and a lack of radiance. Fine lines and wrinkles are also more pronounced due to a lack of hydration.
Dehydrated skin can appear oily and dry at the same time because it overproduces sebum to compensate for the lack of hydration.
What causes dehydration and how to treat it?
Skin dehydration can be caused by various external and internal factors, such as:
- Environmental factors
- Way of life
- Improper skin care
- Physiological factors
Certain health conditions, hormonal changes, or age can also influence the skin's hydration level.
Dehydrated skin can therefore be treated by increasing water intake to help replenish the skin's hydration from within, using suitable moisturizing treatments rich in hyaluronic acid, ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol and environmental control (avoiding harsh cleaners, adopting a healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in antioxidants).
How to recognize dry skin?
Dry skin is a skin type, like oily skin . It is therefore not a reversible symptom.
This skin type is caused by a dysfunction of the sebaceous glands, responsible for the production of sebum. Thus, the skin will lack fatty substances (lipids) and will not be able to protect itself effectively against external aggressions.
What causes dry skin?
Dry skin is a skin type caused by various external factors .
- Disruption of the hydrolipidic film
The skin barrier is made up of a hydrolipidic film which plays a crucial role in protecting the skin against external aggressions . This barrier is a complex mixture of lipids and water.
In dry skin, this barrier is impaired. The skin's ability to retain moisture decreases, leading to increased water loss and therefore dryness of the skin. Fatty acids are also deficient, which affects the integrity of the skin barrier.
- External factors
External aggressions such as wind, sun, cold, and pollution can damage the upper layer of the skin. Additionally, frequent use of stripping soaps and cleansers can also disrupt the skin's natural pH and strip away its natural oils, leading to even drier skin.
- Insufficient hydration
Drinking insufficient water throughout the day can lead to general dehydration, which also affects skin hydration. Internal hydration is just as important as external hydration to maintain healthy, glowing skin.
- Sebaceous gland production imbalance
Insufficient production of sebum by the sebaceous glands can also be a cause of dry skin.
- Age
As we age, the sebaceous glands produce less sebum, which can lead to a decrease in the skin's natural moisture and make the skin drier and more fragile.
- Genetic factors
Some people are naturally predisposed to having dry skin due to their genetics, which can influence the lipid composition in the skin and its ability to retain moisture.
How to treat dry skin?
Treating dry skin aims to restore hydration, strengthen the skin barrier and relieve symptoms such as itching, tightness and flaking.
Here are some effective ways to treat dry skin.
- Strengthen the lipid barrier
To strengthen the hydrolipidic film and combat dry skin, it is crucial to choose products containing ingredients that nourish, repair, and hydrate the skin. The hydrolipidic film is a thin layer on the surface of the skin, composed mainly of sweat, sebum, and water, serving as a protective barrier against external aggressions and maintaining the skin's hydration.
Here is a list of beneficial ingredients to strengthen this protective film and improve skin hydration:
Ceramides
Ceramides are essential lipids that help restore the skin barrier and retain moisture. They strengthen the hydrolipidic film by replenishing the skin's natural lipids which are depleted with age and environmental aggression.
Essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6)
Fatty acids, such as those found in fish, flax, and borage oils, are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. They help reduce inflammation and nourish dry skin, making the skin more resistant to external aggressions.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a powerful humectant that draws water into the top layer of the skin, helping to maintain hydration and support the hydrolipidic film. It is particularly effective in hydrating the skin .
This ingredient is capable of retaining up to 1000 times its weight in water, contributing significantly to the hydration and volume of the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate the superficial layers of the skin and strengthen the hydrolipidic film.
Shea butter
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, shea butter is an excellent emollient that helps nourish the skin and restore the lipid barrier, while offering protection against external aggressions.
Vegetal oils
Plant oils (like sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and coconut oil) are rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids. They help to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin by strengthening the hydrolipidic film.
Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, improves skin elasticity, and increases the production of ceramides. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and irritation associated with dry skin.
The aloe vera
Aloe vera has moisturizing, soothing, and healing properties. It helps calm irritation and deeply hydrate, thus supporting the skin's hydrolipidic film.
By integrating products containing these ingredients into your morning and evening skin care routine, you can effectively strengthen the hydrolipidic film, improve hydration, and combat skin dryness . It is important to choose products suited to your skin type and perform skin tests to avoid allergic reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Change bathing habits
- Make environmental changes
Use a humidifier to increase air humidity in living spaces, especially in winter when heating can dry out the air. Protect your skin from cold, wind, and sun by wearing appropriate clothing and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen even during the winter months.
- Adopt a healthy diet
Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseed oil, which can help strengthen the skin barrier. Drink enough water throughout the day to help hydrate your skin from the inside out.
Treating dry skin requires a comprehensive approach that includes topical care, lifestyle adjustments and, if necessary, medical interventions to address and relieve symptoms.