Dry skin generally refers to skin that is lacking oil, whereas dehydrated skin is characterized by the lack of moisture in the Stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis.
Both dry and dehydrated skin is often irritated, inflamed and itchy, and it is generally worse in areas with relatively few sebaceous (oil) glands such as the arms, legs and torso, as well as the cheeks and eye area.
There is also a widespread misconception that dehydrated skin is the opposite of oily skin. “Dehydrated” refers to lack of moisture (not a lack of oil), while “oily” refers to levels of sebum or oil on skin. While adequate sebum does help maintain water levels on skin, oily skin can be dehydrated. Dehydrated skin may lack water only in the outermost layers of the epidermis while maintaining normal levels in the deeper layers.
Other symptoms of dry skin can include a feeling of tightness or tautness, especially after showering, bathing or swimming, skin that feels and looks rough rather than smooth, slight to severe flaking or scaling, fine lines, cracks that can sometimes bleed, and severe redness.
The top five causes of dry, dehydrated skin
Intrinsic Aging
Intrinsic aging, also known as healthy aging, is the normal process of physical change over time that is more about genetics than lifestyle. (Lifestyle-induced aging is known as premature aging)
Over-Cleansing
The loss of existing sebum (oil) is commonly caused by excessive bathing or showering, or the use of harsh soaps that dissolve the protective layer of sebum.
Cold Weather and Low Humidity
Cold winds and low temperatures can dry out your skin, depriving it of balanced levels of sebum (oil) that keep skin lubricated. Without these oils, skin becomes dry, and is more prone to premature aging because of the lack of protective oils.
Lifestyle
Surviving on a litany of diet sodas and fat-free fad food items means you miss out on vital, skin-friendly essential fatty acids (EFA) and fat-soluble vitamins. (And don’t forget that fat-free foods often substitute sugar with artificial sweeteners that can cause skin sensitivity.)
Smoking can also have a drying effect on skin, as smoking inhibits the body’s ability to provide oxygen and nutrients to skin. Smoking drains skin (and the body) of vitamins A and C and restricts blood vessels. And, an excess intake of alcoholic beverages and certain medications (such as nasal decongestants) can also contribute to dry skin.
The Sun
The sun can also contribute to dry skin. Prolonged exposure to the sun causes water to evaporate from the skin, which is why skin that has been recently tanned or burned often requires more moisturisation than areas that were not exposed.
Treatment for results
There are many steps you can take to help with dry, dehydrated skin. Professional skin treatments coupled with the right lifestyle choices and a great at-home regimen.
Sunscreens formulated with antioxidant vitamins provide enhanced daylight protection against damaging UV light and free radicals. Dermalogica’s Solar Defense System delivers this antioxidant technology through UV Smart Booster Technology, a microcapsule containing antioxidant vitamins that bursts upon contact with UV light, spilling the antioxidants onto skin, providing protection when it’s needed most.
Make sunscreen as much a part of your skin care regimen as cleansing and moisturising. Apply at least a walnut-sized amount of sunscreen to skin and neck before going out into the daylight, and after swimming or exercising, to impede the damage caused by UV light.
Also important is proper home skin care products and techniques. Do not use hot water when cleansing, don’t use excessive or abrasive movements (instead, go for gentle, upward circles), and stay away from products that contain artificial fragrances or colours.
Keep your surrounding temperature as moderate as possible, and never place any heat directly at your skin. The use of a humidifier will also help add moisture to surrounding air. And when in colder temperatures, use a protective salve or extra rich moisturiser containing Zinc Oxide which helps soothe skin, provides anti-itch relief, moisturises and promotes skin repair.
Some products that may be suggested to keep your skin at its healthiest between professional treatments could include:
Seasonal effects on dry skin
Similar to the seasons, skin goes through its own fluctuations. Combine nature’s weather cycle with air conditioning and forced air heating devices, and you have skin that’s constantly under assault.
Cold winds and low temperatures can dry out skin, depriving it of balanced levels of oils, contributing to dryness, sensitivity, and premature ageing.
Prolonged exposure to the sun causes water to evaporate from skin, which is why skin that has recently been burned or tanned requires more moisturisation than unexposed areas. Forced air heating also dries out skin: warm, dry air acts like a sponge, soaking up moisture from everything it touches.
To help skin stay healthy with the seasons, speak with your professional skin therapist about modifying your skin care regimen accordingly. Chances are just a few product updates (for example, going from a moisturiser to a more emollient cream) can keep skin healthy year-round.
