Focus & Fixes – Dehydration
Happy 2018!
We’re starting the year with our Focus & Fixes series, highlighting achievable and effective daily routine tips for a wide array of skin concerns. Let’s start with one that affects us all – dehydration.
Am I dry or dehydrated?
Dryness is a skin type that lacks oil. Like all skin types, it’s in your genes. Dehydration refers to insufficient water at the skin surface and can happen with any skin type. It’s usually by external factors e.g air-conditioning, alcohol consumption, unsuitable products.
We cannot ‘drink our way’ out of dryness or dehydration.
An obvious sign of dehydration is tiny, uniform fine lines over a relatively big area. Skin appears dull, due to the lack of water.
Daily routine focus
- Non-drying cleanser
- Avoid high temperatures
Your cleanser shouldn’t remove excessive natural oils, and must rinse off completely so no surfactants in the cleanser are left on your skin.
Heat encourages water loss from skin, so avoid hot water or showers. Room to lukewarm temperature is optimal for cleansing.
- Humectants
- Timing
Choose a moisturiser high in humectants e.g. glycerin, propanediol, amino acids, sodium hyaluronate. They draw water to your skin, directly increasing water content.
Our skin is most receptive when slightly damp. To get the most out of your moisturiser, apply it within 3 minutes after cleansing to lock in maximum moisture.
Other tips
For a quick hydration hit, place cotton pads/sheets saturated with water on clean skin for 10 minutes. Don’t use hard water*. Remove cotton pads, then follow with moisturiser.
Water is importance to the health of our skin and body and skin. Stay hydrated on the inside and out!
*Hard water contains calcium/magnesium carbonates, leaving white deposits on solid surfaces. If your area’s tap water is hard, use distilled or thermal spring water instead.
