Does Your Skin Feel Tight, Dry or Itchy?
If so, your skin may be dehydrated. Dehydration is a common skin condition that can occur in all skin types. Most people will experience skin dehydration at some point in their lives. If you have ever had a sun burn or wind burn you have experienced a more severe form of skin dehydration. That tight, hot, itchy feeling is your skin crying out for moisture. Dehydration doesn’t have to be that severe to be damaging though. Even subtle signs of dehydration can lead to premature aging and a dull, lackluster complexion.
In accessing your own skin, it is important to know the difference between dry skin anddehydrated skin.
Dry skin generally refers to skin that is lacking oil.
Dehydrated skin refers to skin that is lacking water in the outermost layers (the stratum corneum).
Although dehydration often accompanies dry skin, dehydration can also occur in the oiliest skin types as well.
Your body is made up of 80% water, but maintaining it on the skin’s surface can be difficult. A healthy, efficient epidermis should hold 13.5% of water, yet if it loses just 3.5% of that then it can become dehydrated. The environment is a large contributing factor to dehydrated skin. In the winter dry, cold air outside and electric heating inside can dehydrate the surface of the skin. In the summer hot sunshine and air-conditioning can contribute to the condition.
Does Your Skin Feel Dehydrated?
Signs of Dehydration in the Skin
- Skin feels tight. This is especially noticeable when you smile. You may feel pulling around the nose and mouth.
- Skin feels irritated. Dehydrated skin may feel hot or itchy. Windburn is a form of dehydration.
- Skin develops superficial lines. If you lightly pinch a section of skin, dehydrated skin shows fine, dry lines and sometimes flaking.
Does Drinking Lots Of Water Prevent Dehydration?
It is a common myth that drinking water will help prevent skin dehydration. Although drinking plenty of water is good for your general health, it will do very little to prevent skin dehydration. Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr Sam Bunting says, “Drinking water to rehydrate dry skin is a bit like sitting in the bath and expecting it to quench your thirst.”
Does Diet Make A Difference?
Yes. Eating a well balanced diet that includes essential nutrients like Omega 3 fatty acids can help the skin hold onto water and stay hydrated. Dr. Howard Murad, who wrote the book “The Water Secret” recommends eating your water by replacing some of the water you would drink in a day with a serving of “juicy” fruits and vegetables. Dr. Murad says, “‘Eating foods that are rich in structured water, especially raw fruits and vegetables, will not only help your body hold onto water longer, you’ll get the added boost of important antioxidants, fiber and other nutrients.”
Eating “juicy” fruits and vegetables can help your body hold onto water longer.
Does Skincare Make A Difference?
Absolutely! One of the best ways to hydrate the skin from the outside in is with a serum containing Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid is produced naturally in the body however over time the synthesis of hyaluronic acid decreases. A baby’s skin is full of hyaluronic acid which explains why babies and children rarely experience skin dehydration. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin hold onto water, plumping up cells and giving skin backs its youthful appearance. It not only hydrates the surface of the skin (the epidermis) but also penetrates deeply into the dermal layer, increasing the viscosity of the connective tissues and giving the skin the soft supple glow that it has been missing.
At Derma MD we are known for producing products with a high percentage of active ingredients and our Replenish Hydrating Serum is no exception. It contains 8-10% Hyaluronic Acid combined with a mega peptide complex including Copper Peptide Complex, Matrixyl 3000 and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 to stimulate collagen synthesis. Use morning and night after cleansing but before applying other treatments and moisturizers to increase hydration and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. To learn more about peptides, see our article Let’s Talk About Peptides. Used daily skin texture and hydration will significantly improve and your once thirsty skin will be quenched.
Feel free to contact me directly for any question you may have regarding your skin…
sheila@dermamdskincare.com - Founder of Derma MD...your personal skincare specialist!
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