How To Take Your Skin From Dry & Dehydrated to Glowy & Vibrant

My journey from dry, dehydrated and irritated skin to healthy glowing skin involved me realising that I was dealing with both dry and dehydrated skin, sometimes simultaneously which often made my skin sensitive. During the winter, my skin tended to be both dry and dehydrated, whereas in the summer, it was predominantly dehydrated. Traveling, coffee and daily stress also impacted my skin. My initial lack of understanding about these conditions led to difficulty in finding the appropriate creams and skincare routines, often resulting in irritated and tight skin that was prone to breaking out or flaking especially around my nose, mouth and chin. Recognising that my skin was affected by both dryness and dehydration was a pivotal moment in improving its health and appearance.

Do you suspect that your skin might be dry?

Dry skin is often characterised by a lack of natural moisturising oils, leading to a dull and sometimes red or irritated appearance. Here are some definitive signs to help you determine if you have dry skin:

1. Rough Texture: Your skin may feel rough or coarse to the touch.
2. Flakiness or Peeling: You might notice your skin flaking or peeling, especially under certain conditions.
3. Dullness and Irritation: The absence of your skin's natural oils can leave it looking dull, and you may experience areas of redness or irritation.

Understanding Dry Skin:

• Lack of Oil: Dry skin arises from reduced sebum production, your skin's natural oil. This oil plays a dual role – it forms a protective layer to shield the skin from environmental damage and helps to retain moisture within the skin barrier.
• Vulnerability Across Skin Types: While those with oily skin are less likely to experience dryness, all other skin types can be prone to it. It's important to note that individuals with oily skin might confuse signs of dryness with dehydration, which necessitates a different treatment strategy.
• Combination Skin Considerations: This information is particularly relevant for those with combination skin, where managing dryness can be more complex due to the varying oiliness levels across different areas of the face.

For those dealing with dry skin, it's crucial to adopt a skincare routine that addresses the lack of natural oils and focuses on restoring the skin's moisture balance. 

Addressing Dry Skin:

Opt for a lipid-based cream or lotion. Lipid-based products help to replenish and repair the skin's lipid barrier by supplementing the oils that aren't being produced naturally. If you have combination skin, choosing the right formula is key however starting off with a light lipid-based face lotion is a good start.

Could your skin be dehydrated?

Dehydrated skin is often characterised by having a 'water deficiency' in the skin profile. Here are some definitive signs to help you determine if you have dry skin:

1. Tightness or Uncomfortable Skin: T he skin feels tight and uncomfortable, especially after cleansing or showering.
2. Oily Yet Dry Feeling: It's possible to feel oily and dry at the same time, as the skin can overproduce oil to compensate for the lack of water.
3. Dry Feeling After Moisturising: It is possible to feel dry even after you have applied your products, this is an indication that you need more hydration in your skin care routine.

Dehydrated skin is marked by a noticeable decrease in the skin's water content, which is vital for its proper functioning. Interestingly, even those with oily skin, who naturally produce more sebum, can suffer from dehydration if their skin doesn't retain moisture effectively. In such cases, oily skin might still feel dry, a key sign of dehydration.

Several factors can contribute to skin dehydration. These include not drinking enough water, living in arid climates, or using skincare products that strip away moisture. It's also worth noting that dry skin, which lacks oil, can compound the problem of dehydration due to a weakened skin barrier, leading to further moisture loss. Therefore, it's entirely possible to experience both dry and dehydrated skin simultaneously.

Managing Dehydrated Skin:

Even though your moisturisers and lotions usually have a high water content, ranging from 60-80%, your skin might still need extra hydration. Incorporate an Alcohol-Free Toner into your skincare regimen. Using an alcohol-free toner can provide additional moisture, effectively tackling skin dehydration.

When selecting a toner, opt for one with beneficial ingredients to elevate your skincare routine. For addressing dry and dehydrated skin, seek out toners enriched with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and botanical extracts. These components not only boost hydration levels but also soothe and calm the skin, enhancing overall skin health.

Making the move the glowy skin

1. Selecting the Right Cleanser:

   • While gel and foam cleansers are popular, they can sometimes be drying. Ensure your chosen cleanser is gentle enough for twice-daily use.
   • If you find gel cleansers too harsh or if you're dealing with a compromised skin barrier, consider switching to milk or cream cleansers. These are typically surfactant-free and much gentler on the skin.
   • Tailoring your cleanser to your skin's needs can make a big difference. For example, using a milk cleanser in the morning and a gel cleanser in the evening could be a great strategy if your skin has specific sensitivities.

2. Incorporating an Alcohol-Free Toner:

   • Although your moisturizers and lotions may contain 60-80% water, you might still need extra hydration. An alcohol-free toner can provide this, helping to combat dehydration.
   • When choosing a toner, look for one with active ingredients rather than just water. Toners with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and botanicals are ideal for dry and dehydrated skin, as they enhance hydration and soothe the skin.

3. Choosing Lipid-Based Moisturizers:

   • Opt for lipid-based creams and lotions to help restore and reinforce your skin's lipid barrier, compensating for naturally lacking oils.

4. Adding AHA or BHA Exfoliants:

   • Including an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) in your skincare regimen can aid in removing dead skin cells, promoting a brighter and more even skin tone. However, remember to use these products cautiously, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Remember, the key to achieving glowing skin is a balanced approach that addresses both hydration and nourishment while being mindful of your skin's unique needs and sensitivities.