Dry or dehydrated?

Are you DRY or DEHYDRATED? (or both!) 

Dry and dehydrated skin have similar characteristics but different causes. 

Dry skin – usually a skin type, but can be a temporary skin condition

* caused by lack of oil in the skin

* small pores

* "tight" feeling

* can be flaky

* Milia, blackheads and pimples may still be present

* The skin looks dull

* The skin is not plump

* Does not absorb products easily

* easily irritated – more likely to react to products

* aggravated by poor skin care

Dehydrated skin – is a skin condition that affects every skin type – even dry

* caused by a lack of water in the skin (not by a lack of water taken orally!)

* Pores can be large or small

* Skin feels tight and dry, although sometimes confusingly it looks oily and has breakouts

* Absorbs moisturizers very quickly

* Blackheads and pimples are still visible

* Makeup disappears (and becomes patchy) over the course of the day as the skin absorbs the water from the foundation

* Skin looks "ashen"

* aggravated by life circumstances – may suffer from severe headaches

The skin is made up of 70% water – about 20-30% of which is in the epidermis (top layer of skin). 

Under normal circumstances, your hydrolipid film acts as a regulator and barrier – it stores moisture and protects against germs. 

When – for whatever reason – the moisture in the epidermis evaporates too quickly and the normal, healthy condition of the skin is impaired. 

The reality is that most of us experience dehydration from time to time. 

All of the following can lead to dehydration – standby:

1. Environment – ​​wind, cold air, dry air, too much sun, air conditioning, central heating

2. Nutrition – wrong foods, alcohol, caffeine, too little water-rich foods, not drinking enough

3. Lifestyle – stress, poor skin care, use of wrong products, medications – including contraception, smoking

4. Genetics – monthly cycle, pregnancy, hormones

It's not uncommon to be both dry and dehydrated, but if the points above have helped you determine whether you are one or the other, these do's and don'ts might help.

Do and Not:

* Upgrade your moisturizer to something suitable for dry skin if you recognize the signs – opt for products labeled “nourishing.”

* Change your moisturizer to something labeled "Hydra" or "Moisturizing" if you suspect you are dehydrated.

* In either case, it wouldn't hurt to add a little hyaluronic acid to your routine.

* Make sure you don't use products that are too aggressive or stripping for either.

* Avoid foaming – save the bubbles for your dishes

* Do not use balms, oils and serums on dry skin.

* Use milk, certain oils and treatments for dehydration.

A word about supplements – Omega oils found in either flax or fish oil supplements will help both dry and dehydrated skin – however, you will need a good three months to see the benefits on your skin.

Be Natural, Be Beautiful, Be You - Emma x