IS MY SKIN DRY… OR JUST DEHYDRATED?
A lot of us have been quick to label our skin type as ‘dry’ at the first glimpse of it looking not-so-nourished. But, there’s a good chance that it could just be dehydrated.
They might sound pretty much the same, but one is all about lack of water and the other, a lack of oil. Dehydrated skin simply means that the top layers of the skin have low moisture levels. This can happen to any skin type at any point in time. Dry skin on the other hand is a type like combination or oily, one that features less sebum than others and a weakened lipid barrier that can make it challenging to keep moisture locked in.
The differences between the two can alter your approach to treating it. So here’s our guide to help you decode which one you might be dealing with and how to make it work for you.
Dry skin: what to look for and how to treat it
If your skin feels dry to the touch with rough, flaky or peeling patches then you could indeed have a dry skin type. You might notice signs like this intensify as we move into the cooler months, where central heating can also aggravate your complexion.
With reduced sebum levels in your skin already, it’s a good idea to use gentle products that don’t lower them further like our Miracle Cleanser. Try (where you can) not to cleanse your face in the shower, as the temperature we like to warm up our bodies in winter can be too intense for the delicate skin on your face. Using a lightly exfoliating mask like our Refine & Polish Miracle Balm a few times a week will also help you buff away dead, flaky skin.
We love to add a few pumps of our CBD Super Serum + Probiotics morning and night to help flood the skin with hydration and give it a boost of balancing probiotics. And because no good dry skin routine would be complete without a nourishing cream, our Cell Revitalise Day Moisturiser is a great choice. Its lightly whipped, soothing formula is infused with an array of botanicals like sustainably sourced baobab, hibiscus and argan oils.
Dehydrated skin: what to look for and how to treat it
Dehydrated skin can feel tight and irritated. It may not have its usual glow, there could be unexpected congestion and any fine lines that you might have could look more prominent than before.
There’s a lot of different reasons your skin could be dehydrated from caffeine through to the weather. A quick way to test if you’re dehydrated in general is to pinch the skin on the back of your hand and release. If it’s slightly slow to return to normal then that’s a sign to grab a glass of water. We all know we should be aiming for at least two litres of water a day to stay adequately hydrated, but the optimum level is different for every person. So, if you feel like you’re not getting enough it could be a good idea to keep a note of how much water you manage each day and how you (and your skin) are feeling to work out what’s the best amount for you. A humidifier is also a wise investment if the air in your home is on the dry side.
Taking a look at your skincare regime can also help if your current line-up isn’t quite meeting your needs. Our Revitalise & Glow Serum helps restore moisture, as well as giving your skin a beautiful glow – ideal if you’ve been dealing with dullness lately.
Or, opt for The Probiotic Concentrate™ to help restore your skin’s balance with a welcome dose of probiotics and hyaluronic acid. The hero of hydration, hyaluronic acid is always a good addition if your face is feeling a little parched because of its ability to both hydrate and attract moisture to the surface of the skin.
For a quick top-up, a nourishing treatment is a solid choice. Our beautifully replenishing Overnight Recovery Mask works in harmony with your skin’s natural repair processes, so it’s the perfect way to soak up some much needed moisture while you rest.
Did you work out that you have dry or dehydrated skin after reading this? Let us know what’s helped you over at @aureliaskincare #aureliaskincare