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Why your skin might be dehydrated instead of dry

Why your skin might be dehydrated instead of dry
Amber Voller
Writer and expert2 years ago
View Amber Voller's profile

Beauty Editor Amber Voller explores a common skincare misconception

What do you get when you combine over-exfoliation, too many acids and an office with the central heating cranked up? No, it's not a bad joke but the recipe for a *very* dehydrated face – something that's plaguing an increasing number of us.

The biggest problem? Dehydrated skin is so frequently mistaken for other conditions which means it's easy to mistreat it and end up making the problem a whole lot worse.

What is dehydrated skin?

Not to be confused with dry skin (that refers to a lack of oil), dehydrated skin suffers from a lack of water. This means it's possible to be both oily and dehydrated at the same time. In fact, this is particularly common, as the skin begins to over-produce oil in an attempt to combat that parched feeling.

Many people suffer from dehydrated skin for a long time without realising, but there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for.

While flaky skin is a symptom of dryness, dehydrated skin tends to be dull, sensitive and rough to the touch. There may be an increase in fine lines, stretched pores, a papery texture and any oil may look as though it's sitting on top of the skin's surface. Cute, right? You can also test for it by gently pinching your skin. If it doesn't bounce right back, you may be suffering from dehydration-induced loss of elasticity.

Take note of your complexion a few hours after applying your makeup, too. Does it do a vanishing act before you've even got round to your mid-morning mocha? This could be because your skin's slurping up the water in your foundation in a bid to quench itself.

What are the biggest causes of dehydrated skin?

Cold weather, air con, central heating and hard city water are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to moisture-zapping.

So, why are some experts reporting an additional rise in cases of dehydrated skin now? It's all down to trending beauty routines. From potent retinols to skin-sloughing glycolic acids and spot-busting salicylic acid, our obsession with actives is likely fueling the problem. While effective, these powerful ingredients can give our skin's important protective barrier a beating when overused, as can too much exfoliation.

When this essential 'shield' starts to break down, moisture escapes and irritants enter. Cue: thirsty skin that reacts faster than you can say 'H2O, please.'

The best products and ingredients to treat dehydrated skin

Hydration thieves – identified. Now you're probably wondering what you can do to pump lost moisture back in and, crucially, prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated again. The good news is, dehydrated skin is easily treatable. It's not a skin type, like 'oily' or 'dry,' but a temporary condition that can be rectified with a few clever products. The magic lies in repairing that protective barrier. Treat it like a queen and it'll reward you with comfortable, resilient skin with one hell of a glow. Promise.

The best approach is to layer your ingredients up so you're injecting hydration at every stage. A moisture sandwich, if you will. Rosehip oil is one of nature's own maestros for helping restore your barrier wall. Start with the Super Facialist Rosehip Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser that melts away makeup without stripping away the good stuff.

Hyaluronic acid is a dehydrated face's BF. Make that BFF. Found in the Super Facialist Hyaluronic Acid Firming Intense Facial Serum, it acts like a turbo moisture magnet that's capable of holding 1000 times its weight in water. For maximum results, pop it on while your face is still a little damp post-cleansing so it can draw water into the surface layers of the skin.

Next, apply a moisturiser. Look out for those loaded with glycerin – another supercharged skin drink that also works to soothe redness and irritation. Super Facialist Rosehip Hydrate Radiance Day Cream SPF15 acts like the ultimate comfort blanket without blocking pores.

And what about all your beloved actives and exfoliators? Sideline these for a couple of weeks while your skin recovers then reintroduce them slowly, restricting them to once-a-week use.

Keeping a humidifier machine in your bedroom or home office can also help by ensuring there's plenty of moisture in the air for your skin to slurp up. Happy quenched skin? We'll drink to that!

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Amber Voller
Writer and expert
View Amber Voller's profile
Amber Voller is a beauty editor and lifestyle journalist with ten years' experience writing for titles including Grazia, Stylist and Good Housekeeping. Having spent several years running the beauty desk at showbiz weekly Reveal, the mum-of-one knows her Ariana from her Aniston and loves seeking out an affordable skin, hair or makeup gem.
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