Dehydration is not a condition reserved only for dry skin. It affects all skin types from oily to sensitive, combination and even acne-prone. The reason? When the skin is dehydrated, there is a common denominator – a weakened moisture barrier.
Dehydrated vs Dry skin
Dehydrated skin is very different from dry skin. Dry skin is characterized by dull, flaky skin with pores that are almost invisible. While dry skin lacks moisture, dehydrated skin lacks water.
They can occur together, but will require a customized skin care routine. Dry skin can be hereditary or in some cases it can be caused by medications, hormonal imbalance or environmental stressors.
Today, we cover dehydrated skin. If you want some expert advice on dry skin, Barbara has shared her top tips on our website.
How the moisture barrier works
“Your skin cannot heal unless the moisture barrier is maintained. The moisture barrier acts as a protective layer, protecting it from water loss and environmental stressors,” explains Barbara.
You’ll know your moisture barrier isn’t working as it should if you notice signs of redness or inflammation, dehydration, itching, peeling, or acne breakouts. In short, if it’s not working as it should, your skin can’t retain its beautiful natural oil. Without the moisture barrier intact, your skin will become dehydrated.
How to protect skin barrier function
Unfortunately, your moisture barrier can be weakened by many things: hormonal changes, not drinking enough water, stress, environmental stressors, and more. While some of these things cannot be avoided, there are steps you can take to keep it strong and functioning as it should.
First, avoid over-cleansing as it will dry out your skin. Choose natural products and don’t get bored with glycolic, AHA and salicylic acid products.
Keep your water intake regular throughout the day and avoid caffeinated drinks, this will provide an instant hydration boost internally that will show on your skin. A good quality Omega 3 supplement will promote skin healing, reduce inflammation and rebalance hydration levels.
What to avoid to restore dehydrated skin
Caffeine and alcohol can really dehydrate your system. They are both diuretics that strip your body of needed hydration. Limit your intake as much as possible and replace these drinks with water.
Hot showers combined with constant air conditioning is a recipe for disaster! Switch to lukewarm showers and if you can, forego the air conditioning.
Your skin’s repair starts from within, so avoid excess sugar, trans fats and highly processed foods. Instead, stock up on Omega 3 foods like salmon, walnuts, flaxseed and egg yolks (if your diet allows!) and you’ll notice a difference in your overall health.
How to rebuild your skin’s moisture barrier
To address dehydrated skin and restore moisture, consider switching up your skin care routine to rebuild it.
If you have oily and dehydrated skin, we recommend a gentle cleanser like ours Purify Facial Cleanser which is packed with calming ingredients like chamomile and echinacea root extract. If your skin type is dry, acne-prone, sensitive or dehydrated, our Soothing olive cleansing cream it will gently cleanse your skin without disrupting your moisture barrier.
Make sure you are peeling twice a week to remove dead skin cells. This will encourage skin renewal and help your products absorb better. Our non-abrasive cream-based formula has an invigorating aromatic blend of moisturizing Roman Chamomile, Vanillin and Grapefruit.
For instant, long-lasting hydration, adding a pre-moisturizer serum is essential. Our Olive Skin Serum is clinically proven to fight dehydration at the cellular level. Our key ingredient, squalene, protects your skin, which will help you maintain that hydration!
Using a heavy moisturizer at night for intense hydration. Us Repair olive cream it actively works to protect your skin from environmental elements while providing a deep moisturizing action.
If you need further advice, please do not hesitate to contact us!
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