Defeating dehydrated skin
As the temperatures continue to plummet and we begin to hibernate away from the cold weather with our central hearing turned right the way up, it's important that we spare a thought for our skin. The harsh winds and freezing temperatures of winter can have a huge impact on the skin, but it's vital that you know the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin in order to restore your skin to its former glory. With this in mind, we've compiled this FAQ guide on how to differentiate between dry and dehydrated skin in order to effectively treat it.
What's the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?
Dry skin is a skin type, whereas dehydrated skin is a skin condition. Dehydrated skin is a temporary problem which makes it easier to treat, as opposed to dry skin which is a permanent skin type that requires a targeted skincare regime.
What is dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin is a common condition that is unsurprisingly caused by lack of water and hydration in the skin. If you have dehydrated skin, then you may suffer with flaky skin that can feel less supple and itchier than normal.
What causes dehydrated skin?
One of the biggest contributing factors to dehydrated skin is the environment. The wind, cold air and central heating will quickly dry out your skin. Your diet, lifestyle and genetics also play a role in contributing to dehydrated skin.
How can I treat dehydrated skin?
When suffering with dehydrated skin, many people think that upgrading to a moisturiser for dry skin will solve the problem. This won't help treat the problem. You need to opt for nourishing or hydrating products that specifically aim to target the symptoms of dehydrated skin. If you find yourself suffering with this then the La Roche-Posay Hydraphase range is a great way to rehydrate the skin.
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is a skin type that is caused by lack of oil production. Normally, the skin creates its own light hydrolipid film out of oil and moisture from the air. However, people who suffer with dry skin lack this hydropolid film, which means that the skin will quickly absorb all of the moisture that is obtained through normal hydration, leaving the skin feeling tight or overly dry.
How can I identify whether I have dry skin?
Those that suffer with dry skin will notice that the skin feels tight with an unpleasant prickling sensation. If dry skin isn't cared for properly, the skin can become inflamed and lead to dry eczema.
What causes dry skin?
As dry skin is a skin type, it's normally something that you are genetically predisposed to. Of course, there are certain factors that can further dry out the skin. If you have dry skin then you should avoid powdery makeup and any harsh skincare products that will strip the oil from your skin.
How do I care for my dry skin?
As dry skin is a skin type, you can't permanently cure it but there are plenty of products that you can use that will help you to care for your dry skin. Make sure you use gentle products that specifically cater towards dry skin types. Also keep your eyes peeled for products that contain retinol or hyaluronic acid as these ingredients have been known to help add moisture to the skin. If you suffer with dry skin then daily moisturising should be increased. The La Roche-Posay Hydreane range contains added thermal spring water that will nourish dry skin.
At Online Pharmacy UK, we stock a variety of products for both dry and dehydrated skin. If you have any other skin concerns or queries, then get in touch with our pharmacist today. We're always happy to help.