Dry vs. Dehydrated
If your skin is feeling lacklustre and starting to flake, instinctively you reach for rich face creams and oils but if the flakiness isn’t budging and your skin refuses to be supple, it’s likely that your skin isn’t dry at all; it’s dehydrated.
It’s a common misconception that dry skin and dehydrated skin are the same things. Being able to recognise the signs of both will enable you to treat and care for your skin far better than ever before.
So, how can you tell the difference?
If you can spare 2 minutes, do a mini skin analysis so you can recognise the signs of dry and dehydrated skin.
Gently slide your hand up the side of your cheek. Does your skin feel flaky, dry and rough? Is your skin tight after cleansing? These are signs of dry skin – a lack of oil in the skin and a weak lipid barrier.
Now look in the mirror, are there fine lines present on the forehead and eyes? Does the skin look dull and lacklustre? Does your foundation patch throughout the day? These are signs of dehydrated skin – a lack of water in your skin.
Dry is a skin type whereas dehydration is a skin condition that can occur in all skin types, even oily skin.
Finished your skin analysis? Keep scrolling to find out how to treat your skin effectively.
If you have dry skin...
Look forward to: Our Gently Does It facial which is a saviour for dry skin. This treatment harnesses the power of live probiotics to boost your skin’s microbiome and strengthen your lipid barrier which is responsible for locking in moisture.
AT HOME
Focus on restoring your lipid skin barrier. This is your skin's first defence and is made from fats that bond skin cells together to create a strong 'wall' from the outside world. Lack of oil will weaken the barrier so make sure you're using an oil in your routine and always moisturise to create an extra barrier so your skin is better prepared to retain essential moisture.
Avoid hot showers and baths. High temperatures strip the skin’s natural oils so try to keep the temperature low when washing your face.
If you have dehydrated skin...
Look forward to: Our Ultra Synergy. The star of this treatment is needling, used to improve skin health and reduce dehydration. This high-tech method establishes a pathway for the potent cocktail your therapist personalises for you, that will plump, firm and refresh your face. It also boosts circulation, bringing water from within to the surface of the skin.
AT HOME
Incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine. This wonder molecule holds 1000 times its weight in water and is the key to your skin retaining moisture. Make sure you seal this hydration in the skin with a moisturiser.
Drink and eat your water! Our skin is on the bottom of the priority list for water so make sure you are drinking and eating enough water-rich foods. Higher hydration levels boost circulation ensuring your skin gets all the water it needs to function.
