DEHYDRATED SKIN

Dehydrated Skin can be caused by lots of factors such as makeup, diet, incorrect product use, weather; it goes on. But here's where it gets tricky: When skin is dehydrated, it creates more oil to make up for the missing water. This can cause breakouts, irritation and dry patches. Skin can even feel oily and dry at the same time.

You don’t need to have dry skin to have dehydrated skin. Oily and combination skin can be dehydrated as well.

What does dehydrated skin look like? dull, feels tight, feels rough, super sensitive, shows fine lines and accelerated signs of ageing such as sagging and wrinkles.

What are the key factors that contribute to dehydrated skin?

Sun Exposure

You may have thought wind, rain and cold were the major causes of dehydrated skin when it comes to weather, but in fact UVA in sunlight is the one to watch.

“The sun can make the skin dehydrated, UVA is the main factor that can affect our skin, increase the ageing process, increase oxidants in the skin, dehydrate it and increase free radicals in the cells, damaging the skin.

Hard water, hot showers and baths

I have a lot of clients with very dry and dehydrated skin, if you live in a hard water area consider adding Intensive Calming Facial Wash to your face washing water, this will naturally soften the water and rehydrate skin.

Hard water contains limestone, which can remove water from the skin. You can have a shower every day, but make it a short shower, and stick to water that’s warm rather than hot. Hot showers and baths can make the skin more dehydrated.

AGEING

It’s a factor in many skincare issues, and dehydrated skin is no different. As your skin gets older, you may find it more difficult to keep its moisture levels high.

The ageing process makes our bodies more dehydrated, including the skin, it can create a slow-down of cell turnover.

And when skin becomes dehydrated, it can start to look older, dehydrated skin will have a rough-feeling texture, with fine lines becoming more prominent.

AIR-CONDITIONING & CENTRAL HEATING

While air con and heating can make the temperature more comfortable during hot or cold weather, they could be doing more harm than good to your skin.

Air conditioning and central heating can affect the skin’s hydration,

If you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms, or with the central heating turned up, you might find these factors are making dehydrated skin conditions and dryness feel worse.

Computer Screens can also be very drying to the skin so if you spend many hours a day in front of a computer remember to spritz your face with Intensive Floral Facial Toner that contains glycerin to keep skin hydrated all day through.

SKINCARE

If you’re using products that are too harsh, too light, or you’re using them infrequently or not enough product, your skincare could be contributing to your dehydrated skin concerns.

Here in the UK ,especially in the winter, the environment is very cold and dry, which can aggravate dry and dehydrated skin even more so it is important to use an oil serum to boost your daily moisturiser to lock in essential moisture.

Experiment with using an oil serum to boost your existing moisturiser in the day and at night, usually you can use more at night, at least 1-2 drops gently massaged in.

In the day start with 1 drop mixed with moisturiser, let it sink in for a few minutes then blot off with tissue.

Avoid harsh scrubs when you cleanse your skin, only use cream cleansers or oil cleansers as scrubs and gels dehydrate the skin even more.

What should you do if you have dehydrated skin?

Drink more water !

Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies, so it’s very important to use top-quality ingredients to keep your skin hydrated, oil serums are especially good for keeping water in the skin and helps prevent the effects of ageing, dehydrated skin will plump up and help retain water in the skin. Serums penetrate the skin more deeply and quickly than creams or lotions.

What else can I do?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle alongside your skincare routine will help support plump, radiant skin and prevent issues like dehydration. Good diet, healthy habits and drinking lots of water are all ways to bring out the best in your skin.

Penny’s 5 lifestyle recommendations for dehydrated skin:

1. Use sun protection
2. Avoid alcohol
3. Avoid smoking
4. Eat a balanced diet
5. Drink a lot of water

For a full range of skincare designed to rehydrate skin, explore Intensive Serums