Identifying dehydrated skin can be tricky, as it is often mistaken for dry skin. However, there are telltale signs, such as lack of suppleness and a feeling of tightness. A good skincare routine, including the use of creams, serums and masks, is essential to retain water in the skin and prevent dehydration. Find out how to spot and effectively treat dehydrated skin.
Symptoms of dehydrated skin
There are a number of signs that your skin is dehydrated. The appearance of your skin can be a key indicator: Dehydrated skin can look dull and lack radiance. It can also have more pronounced fine lines and expression lines.
The sensations you feel are also very revealing. Dehydrated skin often causes feelings of discomfort, including tightness or itching.
The appearance of scales , small dead skins that peel off, is also a common symptom. These scales can appear anywhere on the body, not just on the face.
Other, more subtle signs may also be present. For example, darker circles under the eyes or a rough or even ridged skin texture.
It is crucial to know these symptoms so that you can react quickly and prevent the skin from becoming further dehydrated.
Understanding the causes of skin dehydration
Skin dehydration can be caused by various factors, both internal and external.
Internal factors : Insufficient water intake can affect skin hydration. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, can also lead to skin dehydration.
External factors : The environment plays a major role in skin hydration. Intense cold, wind, sun, lack of humidity in the air can all contribute to skin dehydration. In addition, using overly aggressive hygiene products or using water that is too hot when bathing or showering can alter the skin's hydrolipidic film and promote water evaporation.
Hormonal changes, such as those related to the menstrual cycle or menopause, can also affect skin hydration.
Finally, stress and lack of sleep can cause skin dehydration, so taking care of your overall health is essential to maintaining beautiful skin.
Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin: The Differences
Distinctive signs of dry skin
Dry skin has several specific characteristics. It is often rough to the touch and may present flaking, that is, the presence of small particles of skin that come off. This condition is usually accompanied by feelings of tightness, especially after cleaning or exposure to adverse weather conditions.
Redness , irritation and cracking are commonly associated with dry skin. Dry skin can also lack elasticity, resulting in skin that is less supple and less plump to the touch.
Dry skin is often sensitive, reacting excessively to external aggressions, such as wind, cold or unsuitable cosmetic products.
Finally, one of the most obvious characteristics of dry skin is the visual aspect . It can have a dull, lackluster appearance, due to a loss of hydration in the stratum corneum, the superficial layer of the epidermis.
Distinctive signs of dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin also has its own distinctive signs. For one, it tends to be less smooth, with a rough feeling to the touch. Tightness is often more intense, especially after washing. You may also notice streaks, especially at the corners of the eyes or on the cheeks.
Another indicator: loss of radiance . Skin that lacks water can appear dull, lackluster, and lack vitality. Darker circles can also appear under the eyes.
It should be noted that unlike dry skin, skin dehydration is a temporary condition . This means that it is possible to restore the skin's water balance by adapting your skincare routine and lifestyle.
When to consult a dermatologist?
Consulting a dermatologist is recommended when symptoms of skin dehydration persist despite the care provided. If your skin remains comfortable , tight , red or has imperfections despite good daily hydration, professional intervention is necessary. Consulting a dermatologist is also recommended in cases of severe dehydration , or if other symptoms appear such as itching , red patches or imperfections . The dermatologist will be able to provide you with personalized recommendations and treatments adapted to your specific needs.
How do you know if your skin is dehydrated?
Facial Skin Self-Assessment
A key step in detecting dehydration is to self-assess your facial skin. Start by looking closely at your skin in a well-lit mirror. Look for signs such as fine lines, especially around the eyes and cheeks, and roughness to the touch. You can also do the pinch test: gently pinch the skin on your cheek between two fingers. If it takes a while to return to its original shape, this could be a sign of dehydration. Also, notice if you feel any tightness, especially after washing your face. This tightness, combined with a dull complexion and discomfort, can be signs of dehydrated skin.
Body Skin Self-Assessment
For a body skin self-assessment, the process is similar to that of the face. Observe your skin closely, especially after showering or bathing. Signs of dehydration may include tightness, itching, or flakes, which are small particles of skin that break off. The pinch test can also be applied to the body. When in doubt, note that body skin is generally more resilient than facial skin, so it can handle richer or more concentrated products.
Professional tests to detect skin dehydration
There are professional tests available to confirm skin dehydration. These tests, performed by a dermatologist, may include a visual and tactile examination of the skin, as well as more specific tests. For example, skin analysis with Visia 7 can assess criteria such as skin texture and hydration levels.
Some dermatologists may also use specific diagnostic tests, based on three threshold values for each result, to assess the skin's dehydration status. These tests help identify potential dehydrating factors, including environmental changes or the use of harsh skin products.
Beauty routine for dehydrated skin
Choosing the Right Facial Cleanser for Dehydrated Skin
For dehydrated skin, choosing the right facial cleanser is crucial. Opt for a gentle formula that doesn't contain alcohol or harsh agents to avoid further drying out your skin.
Certain types of cleaners are particularly suitable:
- Cleansing gels with moisturizing active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or aloe vera.
- Cleansing oils , which effectively remove impurities while nourishing the skin.
The importance of serum in the care of dehydrated skin
The serum , thanks to its light texture and high concentration of active ingredients, is a major asset in the care of dehydrated skin. It quickly penetrates the epidermis, providing intense and targeted hydration.
- Some serums contain hyaluronic acid, a molecule capable of retaining up to 1000 times its weight in water, thus ensuring optimal hydration of the skin.
- Other serums are enriched with antioxidants, such as blueberry extract, which strengthen the skin barrier and prevent dehydration.
Regularly applying a serum before your moisturizer helps boost your skin's hydration, improving its suppleness and radiance.
Solutions for treating dehydrated skin
To effectively treat dehydrated skin, there are several solutions to consider.
On the one hand, internal hydration is fundamental. Consuming a sufficient amount of water every day is essential to maintain the skin's water balance.
On the other hand, external hydration is just as important. The use of specific products, such as moisturizers enriched with hyaluronic acid or ultra-hydrating serums , can help retain water in the epidermis and restore the skin's barrier function.
Adapting your beauty routine to seasonal changes is also a key point. Indeed, skin type can vary from one season to another, sometimes requiring the use of more or less moisturizing products.
Finally, it is recommended to limit sun exposure and apply adequate sun protection to prevent skin dehydration.
Dehydrated skin which cream?
Time To Repair treatment is the ideal treatment for dehydrated skin. It regenerates the skin while you sleep. It deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin while activating collagen production. Increases skin elasticity, redensifies the dermis and reduces the depth of wrinkles.
When and how to apply your moisturizer?
To maximize the benefits of your moisturizer, it is recommended to apply it twice a day, morning and evening, to clean, dry skin.
Start by taking a small amount of cream with your fingers and warm it slightly by rubbing your hands together. This activates the active ingredients and softens the texture of the product for easier application.
Then apply the cream to the face, neck and décolleté using circular movements, from the center to the outside of the face.
- For the morning, choose a day cream, which will protect your skin from external aggressions and prepare your epidermis to receive makeup.
- For the evening, opt for a night cream, often richer, which will soothe and regenerate your skin while you sleep.
Those with particularly dehydrated skin may also want to consider applying a hydrating serum before their cream for even more intense hydration.
Be sure to follow these application tips to ensure optimal hydration of your dehydrated skin.
Masks and oils: allies for well-hydrated skin
How to use the hydrating mask for dehydrated skin
For intense hydration, the use of a specific moisturizing mask for dehydrated skin can be considered. This mask should be applied to clean skin, ideally after exfoliation to facilitate the penetration of moisturizing active ingredients.
- For optimal effectiveness, leave the mask on for around ten minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
- Some masks can even be left on overnight for even deeper action.
- Among the ingredients of choice for a hydrating mask, we can cite hyaluronic acid , known for its capacity to retain water in the [cells of the epidermis], or aloe vera for its soothing properties.
Vary the pleasures by opting for homemade masks, such as a mask made with cucumber and plain yogurt, excellent for hydrating and soothing the skin.
The benefits of oils for dehydrated skin
Oils, whether vegetable or essential, can offer many benefits for dehydrated skin. They act as a protective film that prevents water from evaporating, thus helping to maintain good skin hydration.
- Sweet almond oil is appreciated for its moisturizing and softening properties. It is rich in vitamins A, D and E, which deeply nourish the skin.
- Jojoba oil is another great option. It is very similar to human sebum, which allows it to easily penetrate the skin without leaving a greasy film.
- For those who prefer essential oils, carrot essential oil is recommended for its ability to regenerate skin cells and promote radiance.
It is important to note that, despite their benefits, oils are not a substitute for moisturizers. They should be used in addition to moisturizers to maximize their moisturizing effect.
How do you know if you have dry skin?
There are several signs that can help you determine if you have dry skin. A feeling of tightness is a common sign of dry skin, especially after showering or washing your face. If you notice that your skin feels rough to the touch or has flaking , which is small dead skin cells that come off, it is likely that your skin is dry. The appearance of fine lines can also indicate dry skin. Finally, a dull and lackluster complexion can be another sign. However, it is crucial not to confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin, which are two different skin conditions.
