Recognizing and taking care of dehydrated skin
It feels tight or turns red… dehydrated skin is skin that lacks water. It is often confused with dry skin. How do I know if my skin is dehydrated? What are the tell-tale signs? And above all how can I care for it? We’ll tell you everything.
1 - Hypodermis | 2 - Dermis | 3 - Epidermis | 4 - Water
What is dehydrated skin?
Adult skin consists of 70% water. This shows its importance. As its name indicates, dehydrated skin is skin that lacks water. And when it occurs, this dehydration becomes a vicious circle.
As the skin lacks water, the hydrolipidic film suppresses the protection is deficient. Cells in the epidermis, expected to be united, lose their cohesion. The water evaporation contained in the skin is accelerated, causing cutaneous dehydration… and so on. A situation that can affect any skin type – dry skin, but oily or combination skin too.
Thankfully, this state is usually temporary. Triggering factors are clearly identified. And the care that comes to your skin to restore suppleness and comfort is highly effective. Here is our advice.
How do I know if my skin is dehydrated?
To find out if your skin is dehydrated, you should ask yourself: have you experienced any skin changes recently? Do your cheeks get tight at times? Have you noticed small wrinkles when you smile? Does your make-up stay even throughout the day? etc.
All of these issues are clues to skin dehydration. Because skin that lacks water is often dull, wrinkled, and tends to get scaly in winter... This discomfort can last all day, even if you use greasy creams. In addition, the make-up does not hold up as well...
I have very dehydrated skin, it's a disaster, it's rough, it's not smooth and I have a lot of dead skin.
What causes dehydrated skin?
The phenomenon of dehydration is linked to and accentuated by a whole range of factors, both internal (or endogenous) and external (or exogenous):
Among the endogenous factors are:
- Skin ageing;
- A dysfunction of certain components of the epidermis;
- Certain diseases (like eczema, etc.);
- Taking certain medicines (for example, some anti-acnetics, etc.).
Exogenous factors include:
- Cold, overly dry atmospheres, UV rays, pollution, air conditioning, etc.
- Unsuitable hygiene products, detergents;
- Shaving, hair removal.
How to care for dehydrated skin?
Thinking About “hydration” for the skin is good. Adapting your daily hygiene routine is even better. Because, contrary to what you might think, moisturizing your skin isn’t simply applying a cream in the morning. It is a complete skincare routine to pamper your skin. A ritual that consists of 3 steps. Don't worry, nothing is impossible:
- Cleanse your skin (and remove make-up) morning and evening. This is the first beauty step in every skincare routine to keep skin luminous and maintain its balance.
- Soothe. A few sprays of Avène Eau Thermale after cleansing will help fight discomfort;
- Revitalise your skin with a serum.
All our tips for caring for dehydrated skine
Essential hydration!
The challenge is to rebalance the skin. Moisturizers can be used to provide water, a vital element to rehydrate cells, as well as lipids, to help rebuild a skin barrier to fight external agents.
The aim, as you can see, is to put an end to the vicious cycle and combat insensible water loss. The skin must remain moist (hydrated) for better cell regeneration, but also to avoid the penetration of external agents and thus fight against all the resulting symptoms: feeling of discomfort, tightness, redness...
FRIENDLY (AND EXPERT) ADVICE
Serum, your face's best friend! All year round, the skin on the face is first line and subjected to climatic changes, heat, cold, rain... it springs back tired, dehydrated skin. Using a serum prior to your usual skincare will enhance its effectiveness and restore your skin’s freshness. A moisturizing mask, several times a week, will give your skin a real boost.
Properly moisturize your body
While a lot of us pay particular attention to facial hydration, some tend to neglect their bodies. However, it is just as important. Because, as with your face, if water is just outside, you can feel very quickly that your skin is uncomfortable (crocodile skin, etc.)
Using a daily beauty routine will help prevent this dryness, help to eliminate dead skin cells, facilitate cellular renewal and, something that is not neglectable, will prevent it from itching.
When it comes to formulation, choose a milky or cream texture that fights against dehydration and moderate dryness, and a balmy texture for more intense dryness. This little tip is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to taking care of your body.
WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS
Sorting out the truth from the false: that's what we're here for
FALSE. Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition. Oily skin is a skin type. And the two are not mutually exclusive. It is possible to find a skin care product that combines hydration and the reduction of sebum. After cleansing and removing your face make-up, apply this lightweight treatment especially to oily skin.
FALSE. Although, let's face it, the make-up tends to hold less well. The aim is not to make the dehydration lines more visible with make-up, and not to accentuate the flaking. To do so, the winning combo combines a serum with a base makeup moisturizing cream. For foundation, choose fluid textures applied with a sponge and a tap action.
TRUE AND FALSE. There is nothing stopping you. But it is worth adapting your care to the seasons. For more protection and comfort in winter, opt for creamier formulas. As for summer, go for a little lightness with fluid textures and favour formulas with sun protection.
Our solutions for dehydrated skin
Eau Thermale Avène skincare products designed to make you feel better about your skin
This must-have cream soothes the skin! My skin and my face are revived.
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