DEALING WITH DEHYDRATED SKIN
So what exactly is DEHYDRATED SKIN and what causes it?
While dry skin occurs due to a lack of oils and is considered more of a skin type, dehydrated skin refers specifically to a lack of water and is a temporary skin condition often resulting from a compromised skin barrier. Although it may feel like a contradiction it is quite common for people to have both oily and dehydrated skin.
The skin barrier is made up of skin cells and lipids. The types of lipids which make up the mortar of the skin barrier fall into three classes; Ceramides, Cholesterols and free Fatty Acids. It is normally a lack of these lipids which leads to a compromised skin barrier and its associated water loss and increased sensitivity. Some of the primary causes of a compromised skin barrier include:
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Over cleansing
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Over exfoliating
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Exposure to extreme weather/ temperature changes
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Stress
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Poor diet
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The effect of some medications
Healthy
Compromised
The difference between a healthy and a compromised skin barrier
If your skin barrier has been compromised you may feel a tightness within the skin and feel that your usual skin care products start to cause irritation. The damaged skin barrier becomes permeable and is no longer able to retain moisture through a process known as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) or keep out irritants. As a consequence the skin becomes dehydrated and sensitive.
How can DEHYDRATED SKIN be treated?
There are a few suggestions below which should help to combat the problems associated with dehydrated skin:
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Reduce the amount you are cleansing and if you are not already then use a cleanser which is gentle and has a pH of 4.5-6.5
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Reduce the frequency and strength of your exfoliation routine
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Temporarily avoid 'Actives' in your skin care such as; Retinoids, Vitamin C, AHA/BHAs etc
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Avoid extremes of temperature; always use luke warm rather than hot or cold water when cleansing
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If you wear make-up try to reduce or avoid this for a period as these products often contain drying ingredients
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Ensure that you are using fragrance free skin care products in order to avoid potential irritants and allergens
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Eat a greater amount of omega rich foods such as fish, nuts and seeds
If you do not already then it is recommended that you introduce skin care products into your routine which have the following properties:
Skin Barrier Repairing i.e. contain; cholesterol, ceramides and/or essential fatty acids to rebuild the skin barrier.
Moisture Boosting i.e. contain humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin which bind water to the upper layers of the skin.
Which Fragrance free skin care products could help combat DEHYDRATED SKIN?
Below are a some of our favourite fragrance free skin care products which have the properties listed above and which we hope will help you in your fight against dehydrated skin:
Apothaka - Barrier Support Serum
If your goal is healthy skin then you need to keep your skin barrier in check. The skin barrier is the first line of defence against environmental assaults and unwanted substances so it’s vital to keep it fully functioning and maintain its resilience. A compromised barrier can result in dry, dull skin and the potential for irritation and sensitivity as unwanted substances are more easily able to penetrate the skin.
This clear, hydrating serum is designed to support, protect and replenish the skin barrier, allowing it to maintain its optimal hydration balance and keep skin healthy. Silicone, oil and alcohol free, with a weightless gel texture, this layers perfectly under a moisturiser.
Some of the beneficial ingredients which this product contains are:
5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Strengthens barrier function (among a wide variety of other benefits), resulting in better water retaining abilities of the skin.
Ceramide Complex
Key components of your skin’s natural lipid mix, this skin-identical lipid complex contains 3 different types of ceramides, cholesterol and the ceramide precursor phytosphingosine to help form a protective layer and prevent moisture loss from the skin's surface.
Hyaluronic Acid
A wonderful humectant able to hold 1000x its own weight in water. Instantly hydrates, plumps and smooths the skin.
Green People - Hydrating Calming Serum
Brought to you by Green People this lightweight serum provides the moisture boosting properties someone with dehydrated skin will crave. In addition to glycerin which is an excellent humectant the product contains the following beneficial ingredients:
Everlasting Flower and Chamomile
Rich in flavonoids, instantly reducing oxidative stress and soothing skin inflammation.
Tara Bush
Rich in polysaccharides, has strong moisture-binding properties.
Green Marine Macro Algae
Ensures intense hydration to deeper skin tissues, increases collagen, regenerates, firms and softens the skin.
Marshmallow
Calming and anti-inflammatory helping to reduce redness and irritation and leaving a soothing, protective barrier on the skin to maintain moisture levels and aid wound healing.
Aloe Vera
Rich in mucopolysaccharides, giving it excellent soothing, healing and moisturising properties
Odylique - Superfruit Concentrate Serum
This organic face oil brought to you by Odylique is a blend of super-strength 100% organic rosehip oil, sea buckthorn and pomegranate, giving an exceptional synergy of 5 omega fatty acids, plus antioxidant vitamins and nature’s miracle phytosterols; a plant based equivalent of cholesterol. Some of the properties of the ingredients in this serum include:
Rosehip Oil
For skin smoothing and cell-renewal.
Pomegranate
Protecting and repairing.
Sea Buckthorn
Rich in vitamin E, carotenoids, omega -3 and omega -6 fatty acid this is a wonderful healing oil which stimulates the skin’s repair mechanisms. Owing to its high vitamin content (A and E), sea buckthorn oil is a powerful antioxidant which offers protection from free-radicals, one of the causes of premature ageing.
Avocado
Hydrating and vitamin-replenishing.
3 - Lyonsleaf - Calendula & Marshmallow Balm
An unfragranced balm from Lyonsleaf made with pure plant oils, beeswax, home grown herbs and nothing else. Great for those with dry and dehydrated skin particularly for those with inflamed skin but may be a bit heavy for those who are dehydrated but oily. Some of the beneficial ingredients include:
Calendula Flower and Marshmallow Root Extract
Calming and anti-inflammatory helping to reduce redness and irritation and leaving a soothing, protective barrier on the skin to maintain moisture levels and aid wound healing.
Babassu Oil
Calms redness and itchy inflamed skin.
Borage (Starflower) Oil
An amazing skin regenerator due to its gamma Linoleic acid (GLA) content. It is great for smoothing the complexion and moisturising the skin. In addition it reduces inflammation.
Avocado Oil
Rich in vitamins A, D and E the antioxidants it contains reduce free radical damage and promote natural collagen production.
Rosehip Oil
Packed with vitamins A, C and E, minerals and Omega 3. This is a wonderful oil for repairing and maintaining skin condition and it is light and easily absorbed.
Green People - Anti-Aging 24-hour Cream
Often products targeting concerns associated with ageing are perfect for combating dehydrated skin concerns due to them being richer and more focused on fatty acids which are heavier in Oleic Acids and aid barrier repair. Brought to you by Green People this day and night cream for very sensitive skin contains a moisture-retaining complex to soothe and revitalise whilst being rich in organic plant oils to support natural skin health. Some of the beneficial ingredients which this product contains are:
Evening Primrose
A rich source of Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) which is known to reduce skin inflammation. It also supports collagen and elastin structures within the skin.
Avocado
Rich in vitamins A, D and E the antioxidants it contains reduce free radical damage and promote natural collagen production.
Squalane from Olives
Conditions and moisturises the skin, reducing water loss and restoring skin suppleness and elasticity.
Baicalin
Works to reduce the visible signs of ageing by improving skin firmness and elasticity.
Green tea
Rich in antioxidants to prevent skin cell damage, protecting from collagen breakdown to preserve the skin barrier.
Myroo - Skin Boost Serum
Brought to you by Myroo this is unique blend of skin loving oils is packed with antioxidants, omega 3, 6 & 9, vitamins & minerals. The concentrated formulation gives maximum nutrition to undernourished skin. It helps protect and repair the skin's natural barrier to the elements. Prevents water loss and helps the skin maintain its natural moisture. The product contains the following beneficial ingredients:
Borage (Starflower) Oil
An amazing skin regenerator due to its Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) content. It is great for smoothing the complexion and moisturising the skin. In addition it reduces inflammation.
Rosehip Oil
Packed with vitamins A, C and E, minerals and Omega 3. This is a wonderful oil for repairing and maintaining skin condition and it is light and easily absorbed.
Jojoba oil
Helps to balance sebum levels, and is a highly protective oil rich in Omega-7 & 9 fatty acids to provide a non-sticky, light and soft skin feel.
Myroo - 100% Cold Pressed Marula Seed oil Super Boost Drops
Brought to you by Myroo these super boost drops are perfect for tackling dry and/or dehydrated skin either applied directly to the skin or as a boost to your moisturiser. The product contains the following beneficial ingredient:
Marula Seed oil
Marula Seed Oil is rich is Omegas 6 and 9 along with Vitamins C and E. It is a light textured oil that is fast absorbing, nutritive, and soothing for all skin types, including troubled and sensitive skin.
It moisturises and protects the skin and boosts cellular vibrancy. Helping to support and rejuvenate a damaged skin barrier and thereby keeping the skin hydrated.
This is a great oil to use for drier skin types that tolerate coconut oil well.
Myroo - 100% Cold Pressed Buriti Fruit oil Super Boost Drops
Brought to you by Myroo these super boost drops are perfect for tackling dehydrated skin either applied directly to the skin or as a boost to your moisturiser. The product contains the following beneficial ingredient:
Buriti Fruit oil
Buriti Fruit Oil has high levels of Vitamin A, Essential Fatty Acids and Beta Carotene making it a powerful antioxidant that supports the skin and defends against environmental challenges. Buriti oil is rich in nutrients meaning it can heal and give your skin the minerals it needs.
Fatty acids are another massive benefit that's extracted from the oil as they are a natural moisturiser than helps to keep your skin looking hydrated and refreshed all day long.
The Vitamin E that's found in the buriti oil is great for the protection against environmental stressors. This helps to shield you from the factors we face in everyday life, locking in moisture and keeping your skin looking healthy and protected. Beta-carotene goes hand in hand with Vitamin E benefits as it also helps to lock out external stressors.
Lyonsleaf - Unfragranced Beauty Balm
An unfragranced balm from Lyonsleaf made with pure plant oils, home grown herbs and nothing else. Perfect for use as an oil cleanser or simply as a nourishing skin balm that is great for those with dry inflamed skin. Some of the beneficial ingredients include:
Shea Butter
Rich in vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids. Has excellent moisturising and nourishing properties. Protective and healing for dry skin. High levels of phytosterols promote cell growth.
Babassu Oil
Calms redness and itchy inflamed skin.
Macadamia Nut Oil
This restructuring, softening and nourishing oil is rich in oleic acid so it is highly effective at preventing moisture loss. This regenerative oil is known for its ability to heal scars and irritations.
Calendula Flower Extract
Calming and anti-inflammatory helping to reduce redness and irritation and leaving a soothing, protective barrier on the skin to maintain moisture levels and aid wound healing.