Water is to the skin as is to the soil of a plant: essential to thoroughly moisturize a plant’s soil before fertilizing, to ensure uniform distribution of the fertilizer and avoid burning the plant’s roots. The same applies to the skin, the epidermis must be sufficiently moist before it is fed any active ingredients, otherwise, the treatment will produce no tangible results.

What’s the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin?

Dry skin is a genetic skin type, while dehydrated skin is a temporary skin condition. A skin type is the skin you were born with and the way that your skin behaves, pretty much all the time, due to the genetic, makeup and hormones. A skin condition is usually a temporary concern and can be the result of outside influences, including weather, diet, stress, skincare products, allergies, etc.

Another distinction is that dry skin lacks oil, which means that it produces less than normal natural oil, therefore, the skin is dry. Dehydrated skin lacks water, which means that it has difficulty retaining water and moisture.

Dehydrated skin

• Skin condition
• Inability to retain water
• Can affect all skin types, regardless of age or sex
• Skin can feel oily, yet dry in certain places
• Comes and goes, based on weather, diet, skincare products, etc.

Dry skin

• Skin type
• Sebum deficiency or insufficient lipid production
• Weak/diminished hydrolipid barrier, inability to protect the skin
• Often becomes sensitive
• Becomes more prominent with age

Causes of dehydrated skin

• Poor cleansing routine (alkaline-based soaps)
• Sun exposure
• Dry climate or seasonal dryness
• Direct heat (fireplaces, forced-air heating)
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking and environmental pollutants
• Stress
• Compromised barrier function
• Air conditioning
• Physiological aging
• Aggressive treatments or products
• Improper diet
• Medication
• Improper skincare

Ingredients to look for in cosmetic products

• Acquacell: Increases natural moisturizing factor (NMF) elements in the skin
• Sustained Hydration Complex: Immediate and long lasting moisturization
• Hyaluronic Acid: Medium Molecular Weight that reinforces skin’s natural short and long-term moisturization & improves barrier function of the skin
• Low Molecular Weight: Very low molecular weight that penetrates the skin and delivers deeper action in epidermis and in dermis as well.
• Argan Oil: Helps restore the hydrolipid film to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Tips from aestheticians to stay hydrated

• Cleanse the skin with non-drying cleansers.
• Avoid alkaline products.
• Avoid hot showers, baths, and saunas.
• Always use an SPF and avoid intense sun exposure.
• During winter, all dehydrated skin types can benefit by applying a Daily Ceramide Comfort capsule, before or after their cream, to reduce transepidermal water loss, especially when outdoors.

Have questions about your skin type or condition? Your aesthetician will suggest the appropriate skin care routine for your skin.

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