How can I recognize and care for dehydrated skin?
Tight, uncomfortable skin? Your skin may be dehydrated! Learn how to tell the difference between dry and dehydrated skin, and how to restore supple, luminous skin.
Dry or dehydrated skin: how to care for it?
Dry or dehydrated skin is a type of skin that requires special attention. Although the symptoms are similar, the two conditions need to be treated differently. Find out how to differentiate one from the other, and adopt the right skincare routine to restore healthy, luminous skin..
Dehydrated skin is skin that lacks water and is not sufficiently hydrated. This type of skin is not only linked to dry skin, but can also appear in the case of oily or combination skin.
Even if the symptoms can be similar, it's important to identify whether you're dealing with dry or dehydrated skin in order to treat it correctly.
Whether you have dry or dehydrated skin, symptoms usually include rough, reddish or cracked skin.
As mentioned above, the symptoms of dry skin and dehydrated skin may be similar, but there are differences that can help you tell them apart.
Dry skin is skin that doesn't produce enough sebum, while dehydrated skin is skin that doesn't contain enough water.
Dry skin is particularly prone to cracks and skin conditions such as eczema. This state of dryness is a long-term condition. Dry skin is sensitive, easily irritated, lacks elasticity and often itches. Scaling of the skin can also occur.
In addition, dry skin may be susceptible to signs of premature aging. Dry skin is particularly common among the elderly.
Dehydrated skin is a short-term condition resulting from significant water loss from the body. This phenomenon varies according to the activities performed during the day, the season and the skin care products used.
Dehydrated skin can affect all skin types: oily, combination, normal or dry. In the case of dehydrated skin, we generally observe problems with acne or blackheads, dilated pores and oilier skin on the famous T-zone between the nose, forehead and chin. What's more, dehydrated skin is dull and lacks luminosity.
Many factors can lead to dry skin, such as extreme temperatures, poor eating habits and skin problems.
To prevent dry skin, wash with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Use nourishing emollient creams with repairing ingredients, fatty acids and antioxidants.
The Bioderma Atoderm product range is specially designed for dry and very dry skin.
The shower oil gently cleanses and provides instant hydration. It can be used on both face and body.
Ultra cream is an ultra-nourishing and protective daily care product that reinforces the skin barrier.
Find out more in our skin care routine for dry skin (link to article).
What to do about dehydrated skin?
Skin dehydration can be caused by a number of external factors, including stress, lack of water, lack of sleep, air pollution, cold, overexposure to the sun and irritating skin care products.
Other factors, this time internal, can also be blamed for dehydrated skin, such as heredity, skin aging and hormonal changes.
There are a number of good practices you can follow to keep your skin hydrated:
- Drink plenty
- Opt for non-irritating, pH-neutral products containing thirst-quenching agents such as glycerine, sorbitol, lactic acid or hyaluronic acid
- Reduce alcohol and coffee consumption
- Avoid greasy, oily creams
- Apply a day and night moisturizer to create a protective layer that retains water in the epidermis
Dehydrated skin needs small quantities of fatty substances to restore the barrier function of the epidermis, as well as large quantities of moisturizing active ingredients to keep the skin hydrated.
Bioderma's Hydrabio range is specially designed for dehydrated skin and is suitable for all skin types. From cleansers to moisturizing serums, by adopting a complete skincare routine dedicated to dehydrated skin, you'll regain radiant, moisturized skin.
H2O Micellar Water is a cleanser that effectively removes impurities, debris and make-up. In addition to its cleansing action, it also provides deep hydration.
The serum offers a burst of hydration to dehydrated skin with its instant and long-lasting action. It helps to smooth skin and restore its radiance.