Have you ever felt as though your skin was extremely dry, but noticed that even the thickest of face creams doesn't seem to help rehydrate it?
Have you tried lathering on an assortment of "intense hydration" serums and potions, but found that the dryness doesn't seem to go away?
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! This is where it’s important to find out if your skin is dry or dehydrated, so that you can give her what she really needs!
To understand the difference between dry and dehydrated skin, we need to go back to basics. The first thing we need to know is what makes skin healthy.
Healthy skin contains two main components: water & oil. Our skin barrier is made up of lipids (fats) and ceramides (fatty acids) and when it is working optimally, it keeps the water in your skin while keeping any harmful outside elements out.
In simple terms, healthy skin contains the right balance of water and oil.
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is a lack of oil.
Dry skin is a skin type and is often genetic. It is determined by how your sebum is produced and distributed on your face. People with oily skin produce too much sebum, while people with dry skin produce too little sebum. Individuals with dry skin will often experience flaking, tightness, and cracking of the skin. Dry skin can also be aggravated by harsh chemicals or low humidity environments.
What is dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin is a lack of water.
Dehydrated skin is a condition that is most commonly caused by external factors, such as sun exposure, stress, and diet and lifestyle choices - particularly smoking. Internal factors, including hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy, can also lead to dehydrated skin. Other lifestyle habits that may contribute to dehydration include drinking alcohol or caffeine, eating processed foods and frequent exercise.
How do I know if my skin is dry or dehydrated?
Both Dry and Dehydrated skin can feel similar, and particularly tight and dry. However, if you pay a little attention, you can distinguish the 2 skin conditions quite easily:
Dry skin:
- Is a lack of oil
- Has small or invisible pores
- Is flaky, dry and red.
- Feels tight, irritated and itchy
Dehydrated skin:
- Is a lack of water
- Has different pore sizes
- Is sunken, looks depleted and dull
- Feels tight, lacks elasticity, can also be oily
How do I target dry skin?
The best way to target dry skin is to add a facial oil into your routine. This will help to plump up the dry area, targeting fine lines and wrinkles and softening any rough patches of skin.
Our Seed Face Oil is one of our customer’s favourite products, and for good reason. It contains nourishing plant oils such as jojoba, prickly pear, rosehip and buriti, as well as seabuckthorn extract. Together it effectively soothes redness and dry patches, even after only a few uses.
In the colder months, layering your facial oil with your moisturiser brings about the best results. Look for moisturisers that are free from alcohol and artificial fragrances, as these ingredients can be harsh on our delicate skin barrier. Our Flower Face Cream is high in antioxidants (check out our antioxidant experiment to find out more!) and soothing plant oils, which help to replenish dry skin without leaving a heavy feeling.
How do I target dehydrated skin?
The best way to target dehydrated skin is to give it what it wants. It needs hydration – or water – rather than oil; this is why applying thick creams won't necessarily help solve the problem.
Dehydrated skin loves products that are rich in humectants (also known as water-binding ingredients). These will help to draw moisture into your pores and lock in hydration, creating a plumper appearance.
Our Le Calme Serum contains PENTAVITIN® (Saccharide Isomerate) which is a 100% naturally derived plant complex that is bursting with hydrating properties. It helps soothe sensitivity, refill thirsty skin cells and bind water for 72 hours straight! When layered with our Flower Face Cream which contains 2 types of hyaluronic acids, it’s a power combination that will have you in hydrating heaven.
Whether you’re dry, dehydrated or have combination skin, our range of gentle and natural skincare products will have you on your way to beautiful, supple and glowing skin in no time!
