Welcome to the second part of our Back To Basics skincare series. Our first post was all about figuring out exactly what skin type – and possible concerns – you may have. So, if you’re within dry or dehydrated categories – find out the causes, what ingredients you should be looking out for and how to care for your skin:
The difference between dry and dehydrated skin is that dry means there is a lack of oil and dehydrated means it’s lacking water.
How to tell the difference: If your skin looks plump and happy after stepping out of the shower, but quickly feels incredibly thirsty – you’re most likely dehydrated. If your skin is red, flaky, inflamed or sore and then becomes dull, it’s probably dry.
Dry skin occurs when you lack lipids (natural oil) in your skin barrier. It’s worth noting that our skin often reflects our general health (e.g. stress or hormonal changes), so try taking essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 supplements and see if you notice a difference.
Dehydrated skin is down to environmental factors like not drinking enough water, using overly-stripping cleansers or smoking. Seek out products high in hyaluronic acid, which holds up to a thousand times its weight in water. It occurs naturally inside your skin, located beneath the dermis (outer layer) and helps your tissues stay hydrated. When you apply it to your skin’s surface, it holds onto any water that you may apply afterwards (in a moisturiser) and plumps up cells by forming an elastic film of moisture, instantly smoothing rough surfaces.
Whether you have just dry or dehydrated – or both – here are our must-haves:
- Yu-be Moisturizing Skin Cream contains glycerine – a natural plant extract renowned for soothing and treating serious dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and skin burns. It draws moisture from the air and retains it in the skin. Yu-be is one of the richest all-purpose moisturisers we’ve used and can be used everywhere – from flaky complexions to cracked elbows and chapped lips.
- Elemental Herbology Bio-dynamic Facial Souffle is perfect if you’re skin is seriously thirsty. Apply this intensive hydration mask at night and you’ll wake up with much plumper, quenched skin. Their Cell Plumping Facial Moisturiser SPF8 contains super-nourishing bioactive essential oils to repair and renew dry, mature skin.
- Dr Bragi Age Management Moisturiser is a lightweight but high tech serum and moisturiser is one. It contains hyaluronic acid and (patented) marine enzymes to provide long-lasting hydration. It’s a wrinkle-preventative treatment that’s ideal for those with dull and/or mature skin. Dehydration can (confusingly) go hand in hand with oiliness or spot-prone skin, so you can use hydrating skincare like this one, which doesn’t contain oils that could lead to breakouts.
- Clarins Double Serum is for those with both dry and dehydrated skin, containing hydrating properties (hyaluronic acid) and nourishing macadamia oils. Perfect for those with mature skin, but not if you have any oily or combo skin.
- Wei Gingko Leaf Repairing Face Treatment Pads: These effective face sheet masks are packed with hyaluronic acid, infused with exotic botanical extracts and also a healthy dose of the water-binding acid. Peel off the top layer of the mask and place over your face – let it start to work its magic and sit tight for ten minutes (yes, the tingly sensation is normal). Skin is left bright, plump and youthfully dewy.
Let us know your go-to products for dry or dehydration skin in the comments below, we’re always on the look out for more must-haves!
– Grace