DEHYDRATED? IT MIGHT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH YOUR SKIN BARRIER
Dehydration is a common but annoying skin condition that can affect almost any skin type. Typically, symptoms include skin tightness and discomfort, as well as dullness and flaking – none of which are ideal!
There are countless reasons as to why dehydration occurs (more on that below), but it’s important to know that it’s easy enough to remedy if you have all the right beauty intel.
With winter on the way – plus, all those European summer vacations – now is the perfect time to talk skin dehydration and how to correct it.
Keep scrolling for our top tips.
Why Is My Skin Dehydrated?
Dehydration is a temporary condition where water content within your skin is diminished. It’s usually triggered by external or environmental factors, including air travel, air conditioning, cold weather or harsh soaps – if your face and lips ever feel like they’re about to crack after a long-haul flight, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.
It’s important to point out that all skin types (normal, dry, oily, acne-prone, combination) can experience dehydration, but with the right ingredients, habits and skincare steps, this condition can be corrected and prevented.
What Are The Main Signs Of Skin Dehydration?
When the skin becomes dehydrated, it typically feels tight, uncomfortable and in some cases, irritated. You might also notice it looks dull, rough or textured underneath makeup. And as if that isn’t enough, water loss can result in more pronounced lines and wrinkles, which adds to that ‘ageing skin’ look.
Exactly What Role Does The Skin Barrier Play?
The skin barrier is a lipid layer – or membrane – that prevents water loss. When it is damaged, moisture within your skin can escape, triggering dehydration. Because it’s also responsible for keeping irritants out, dehydration is often accompanied with redness, itching and sensitivity.
A strong barrier is essential to ensure water remains in skin cells – as a result, the body is then able to maintain a plump, bouncy and hydrated complexion.
What To Do (And Not To Do) To Keep Your Complexion Hydrated:
Do…
Reach For Humectants
Humectants are water-binding ingredients that draw moisture into the skin, leaving it smooth and supple. Our 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum contains three humectants: Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol and Pentavitin. When combined, this trio promises deep, long-lasting hydration.
Try: 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum
Use A Mist
A mist is such a beneficial and easy skincare step, especially when it comes to treating dehydration. Not only does it afford an easy means to top up moisture, a mist can be used to dampen the skin for better ingredient absorption. Multi-Active Mist contains both Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin to further encourage moisture retention.
Try: Multi-Active Mist
Lock It In
Doing all this prep work is no good if you don’t seal it in (especially if your barrier is already compromised). To do this, reach for a great moisturiser and apply it on top of a hydrating serum. If your skin is feeling dry, you can even add a facial oil to the mix.
Try: Moisture Defence Normal Skin
Try: Multi-Active Oil
Wear Sunscreen
Not only can sun damage increase the risk of cancer, it also directly contributes to the ageing process and can damage the skin barrier. Keep your skin safe every day with Age Defence SPF50+, applying it as the last step in your morning routine before you put on makeup.
Try: Age Defence SPF50+
Have An SOS Treatment On Hand
If you are travelling or dealing with extreme weather, it pays to have a quick-fix hydrating skin treatment on hand. Expert Revitalise Hyaluronic Jelly Mask is jam-packed with Hyaluronic Acid to amp up water levels, while our Hydrating Mask contains lipid-rich Shea Butter to soothe the barrier and prevent moisture loss.
Try: Expert Revitalise Hyaluronic Jelly Mask
Try: Hydrating Mask
Don’t…
Have Hot Showers
Tempting as they may be, piping hot showers can damage your skin barrier, allowing water to leach from the cells below and cause further dryness. Instead, opt for a lukewarm shower and use a great moisturiser on damp skin straight after.
Try: Moisture Defence Normal Skin
Over-Cleanse
Excessive cleansing can damage the delicate barrier, too, triggering redness, tightness and moisture loss. We recommend Gentle Cleanser in the morning and evening, and twice at night as part of a double cleanse if you’re wearing sunscreen or makeup.
Try: Gentle Cleanser
Over-Exfoliate
Over-exfoliating is a one-way ticket to an impaired skin barrier, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it entirely. The ideal amount of exfoliation and how often you do it will depend on your individual skin type. For oily, congested skin, try exfoliating either daily or every second day. Normal, dry and sensitive skin types should do so even less often.
Want to learn more about how to care for skin that’s compromised? Read up on our go-to ingredients for sensitive complexions here.
