When it comes to skincare, one of the more confusing self-assessments is determining whether you have DRY or DEHYDRATED skin. We are here to help!
Firstly - DRYNESS is a skin TYPE, whereas DEHYDRATION is a skin CONDITION.
Dry skin is characterized by fewer sebum(oil)-producing glands and therefore it has minimal oil production. Another feature of dry skin is small-sized pores and skin that could feel rough, thin and/or tight, as well as flaky and itchy.
The lack of sebum (oil) means the skin lacks the lipids (fats) it needs to retain moisture and build a strong barrier that can protect against external aggressors.
The areas of the face that are typically most susceptible to dryness are near the eyebrows and around the corners of the nose and mouth.
Another sign of dry skin is when applying moisturizers and lotions; you may notice the skin absorbing them really quickly.
Dehydrated skin refers to a lack of water in the skin, not oil. Which is why skin can be oily AND dehydrated at the same time.
Dehydrated skin is skin that does not have enough water content. Common signs of dehydration in the skin include dullness, more exaggerated wrinkles, congestions, and inflammation.
Dehydration can cause breakouts.
Dehydration is caused by a variety of factors, with the most common being the weather, your diet, and caffeine consumption.
HOW TO TEST IF YOUR SKIN IS DEHYDRATED?
A good tes, is to gently pinch your cheek or forehead. Pinch a small amount of skin in those areas and hold for a few seconds. Then let go.
If the skin bounces immediately (yet it feels dry or flaky), you have dry skin, but you’re likely hydrated.
If it takes a few seconds for the skin to bounce back, potentially leaving some fine lines as well, your skin is probably dehydrated and your skin cells are thirsty for water.
While this test isn’t definitive, it’s a great way to start. Consulting with a dermatologist or esthetician will help confirm.
WHAT CAN HELP?
- Gentle exfoliation can help both concerns, but keep in mind that strong acids or aggressive physical exfoliants can damage the already fragile skin barrier of dry skin.
- A serum before moisturizing will be key.
- Hyaluronic Acid is an ideal ingredient for both dry and dehydrated skin.
- Glycerin, Aloe and Honey based formulations are mostly ideal for dehydrated skin.
- Shea butter, Squalene, Jojoba are more helpful for dry skin.
- A heavier (oil-free and non-comedogenic) moisturizer at night, ideally formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides will be very helpful for both skin concerns.
- Don’t skip eye-focused products. The skin around the eyes is thinner and drier than the rest of your facial skin and as such, it needs adequate maintenance.
- Drink plenty of fluids- ideally water and antioxidant-rich green juices.
- Incorporate water-rich foods into your diet, such as cucumber, celery, broccoli, lettuce, watermelon and strawberries.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (if approved by your doctor) can also help nurture the skin.
DID YOU KNOW?
The skin is the last organ to receive the nutrients we consume, which means that our everyday-lives should be based on a healthy eating foundation as well as being mindful that what we puppet onto the skin will really make a large impact.
THINGS TO AVOID:
- Excessive caffeine.
- Alcohol.
- Hot showers.
- Low humidity environments (consider using a humidifier).
- Avoid harsh or foaming cleansers that may strip the skin.
The Vrea Cosmetics biodegradable eye masks are formulated using 3 different molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid. They work across all layers of the skin to provide hydration.
High molecular weight fraction has a range of ~1500 kDa to ~2000 kDa & is primarily used to hydrate the skin, repair barrier function, firm, lift, soothe & moisturize skin.
Mid-molecular weight fraction (range of ~300 kDa to ~500 kDa) penetrates deeper into the stratum corneum, stimulates corneocyte differentiation & protection of skin’s NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor), making it the ideal ingredient to restore moisture & aid against inflammation & irritation (both natural and introduced). Helps heal sensitive, dry & damaged skin.
Low-molecular weight fraction ( ~12 kDa to ~15 kDa) penetrates deeper into the epidermis, upper layer of the dermis & into the narrow extracellular space between the stratified keratinocytes layers to induce production of native HA while aiding in proliferation of the keratinocytes.
