Does your skin live peeling, has a rough texture and sometimes itch and burn? Do you live using an arsenal of specific dry skin products, including moisturizers, soaps and even sunscreen, but nothing seems to work?
If you identify with this situation, we have a revelation: maybe your skin isn't really dry? In fact, she may be dehydrated.
The problems are similar
Both dry and dehydrated skin have similar symptoms, such as tightness, peeling, whitish areas, rough texture, tenderness, and cracking.
Another similarity is in those regions of the body that are most prone to dryness, which include cheeks, elbows, knees, shins and feet (especially the heels).
However, although they manifest in similar ways, dry skin and dehydrated skin are caused by different factors, so the treatment will also be specific to each.
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Understanding Dry Skin
When we talk about 'dry skin', we mean the skin type? as well as normal, mixed and oily skin. In this case, it is considered dry because it produces little sebum, a trait that may accompany us from birth due to a genetic predisposition or that may arise with advancing age.
This lack of sebum impairs the formation of hydrolipid film, a thin layer of oil mixed with perspiration that prevents the loss of water from the skin to the environment. Thus, even if the skin receives water, it will not be able to retain these molecules due to the lack of this protective barrier.
As a result, dry skin tends to look dull, and signs of aging (such as wrinkles and fine lines) appear earlier. In addition, it is more susceptible to inflammation and infection because the barrier is not as effective at protecting it from foreign substances and microorganisms.
It is important to remember that external factors, such as the use of grease products (which bothers some people even when natural, especially in the T zone) and some medicines, can make the condition worse or turn normal skin to dry, even temporarily. .
Understanding Dehydrated Skin
Unlike what happens in dry skin, what characterizes dehydrated skin is the low amount of water, not the insufficient production of sebum? so much so that people with this condition may show signs of greasiness, such as glow in T zone, blackheads and pimples.
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Thus, dehydrated skin is not a skin type, but rather a generally temporary condition that may arise due to some reasons like these:
- Environmental factors such as dry weather and high winds;
- Excessive sun exposure
- Constant use of heating or air conditioning apparatus;
- Use of unsuitable skin products such as high alcohol toners, abrasive lotions and very acidic cosmetics or with irritating ingredients;
- Very high water temperature during bath and face wash;
- Removal of hydrolipid film due to excessive cleaning;
- Smoking and alcohol consumption;
- Excessive salt intake and stimulating drinks such as coffee.
In this case, the use of dry skin products may not be enough to solve the problem or, worse yet, leave the skin very oily rather than hydrated, favoring the appearance of acne and enlarged pores.
Pinch Test
If you are still in doubt about what is causing your skin to dry out, there is a very simple test that can help you: just lightly pinch your face.
If the skin is slow to return to its original position, it is dehydrated. If she comes back quickly, the amount of water is normal and probably her face has dry skin.
From this you can choose the most appropriate treatment and take the necessary steps to correct the problem.
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How to care for dry skin
If your problem is insufficient oil production, it is worth investing in specific products for dry and sensitive skin. When choosing a moisturizer, opt for those with a denser, greasy texture that contain emollient and humectant ingredients to help restore the balance of the hydrolipid film such as niacinamide, ceramides and vegetable oils and butters.
For cleansing use warm water and neutral pH soaps suitable for this type of skin. In the case of sunscreen, cream versions are usually more suitable.
Also, it is important to do a light exfoliation to remove dead cells and allow the active ingredients to penetrate the skin. Just be careful not to overdo it, as it can aggravate sensitivity and increase dryness.
How to care for dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin needs products that help replenish the amount of water, such as moisturizers containing urea, lactate and glucoglycerol. If so, can the texture be lighter, such as fluid or gel-cream? especially if you tend to have oiliness.
But more than that, it is essential to ensure that you drink at least 2 liters of water a day, reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages (which dehydrate your skin) and give preference to moisturizing foods that are high in good fats such as green leaves (especially spinach and kale), avocado, salmon, eggs, nuts and seeds.
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Remember that dry skin and dehydrated skin can happen simultaneously, so you may need more intensive care or aesthetic procedures such as red LED light therapy. If these tips have no effect in a few weeks, be sure to look for a dermatologist.
????How to Treat Dry VS Dehydrated Skin????Most Effective Skincare Routine + Tips for Both (April 2024)
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