Water imbalance: how to tell dehydrated from dry skin

According to statistics, the most common skin types are combination and dry. Moreover, about 40% of clients of dermatological clinics suffer from dryness. As a rule, moisturizers, masks, serums and other cosmetics help to cope with it. However, if the skin is severely dehydrated, it needs extra care. Together with the cosmetologist Elena Gretsova we figure out how to recognize skin dehydration and what to do about it.

Signs of dehydrated skin

Special care may be needed if you notice any of the following:

• Feeling dry and tight - especially after washing with water.
• Dull and gray complexion - when dehydrated, the skin does not renew itself well and loses its usual shade.
• Oily shine - while the skin is flaky and itchy.
• Fine lines - usually appear on areas with active facial expressions, such as the forehead or around the eyes.
• Hypersensitivity - even the usual remedies cause irritation.
• One layer of moisturizer is not enough - the product is quickly absorbed and the skin needs additional moisture.
• Foundation does not hold well .

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Elena: The main causes of dehydration are natural age-related processes, which begin after 25 years, and excessive ultraviolet radiation. Internal diseases, bad habits and poor diet are also considered aggravating factors.

How to distinguish between dehydrated and dry skin?

Often the terms dehydrated and dry are used synonymously. In fact, these are different phenomena.

As the dermatologist explains, dry skin is a specific type. It is characterized by a feeling of tightness, peeling, and increased sensitivity. With dry skin, the level of damage is in the uppermost layer - the epidermis. It weakens the lipid barrier, and as a result, increases the loss of moisture.

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Dehydration is a condition that can occur with absolutely any skin type. In this case, the focus of damage is located deeper - in the dermal layer. Outwardly, dehydration manifests itself in a decrease in tone, loss of elasticity, the appearance of wrinkles and a dull complexion. The reason for these changes is the decreaseincrease in the amount of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin.

What to do if your skin is dehydrated?

Dehydration is a temporary skin condition that can be corrected.

It is worth starting with the restoration of water balance - drink plenty of fluids, mostly pure mineral water. This will not only improve skin condition, but also have a beneficial effect on the body as a whole.

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The second step will be external moisturizing - with the help of creams, serums, face masks and other cosmetics. You need to use them regularly. They will help trap moisture and prevent dehydration. At the same time, for washing, you should choose products that do not dry the skin.

However, these steps are not always enough for a complete restoration.

Elena: When dehydration is deeper than the surface layer, so more drastic measures are needed. Hardware procedures that stimulate the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid are very effective (for example, photorejuvenation, radiofrequency lifting, non-injection mesotherapy), as well as injections of hyaluronic acid and vitamin cocktails (biorevitalization, mesotherapy). Using cosmetics alone will not solve the problem of dehydration.

Stop signals for dehydrated skin

If your skin is dehydrated , it is worth giving up washing with soap, harsh scrubs and clay masks. You should also temporarily refrain from a contrast shower and going to the bathhouse.

In addition, it is extremely important to choose the right care products. A dermatologist recommends avoiding cosmetics that contain irritating ingredients such as alcohols and harsh surfactants (surfactants).

You should also not neglect sunscreens - they have a preventive effect and help prevent dehydration.