Dehydrated skin is all too common during the colder months when our skin is exposed to and battered by the elements on the daily. No matter how much lotion or oil you rub in, your skin still feels tight and rough. It may look patchy, scaly or even be flaking. These symptoms are actually typical of both dry and dehydrated skin types. However, the causes for these are different so it’s important to understand where you fit in and how you can treat and soothe your skin accordingly with the help of some natural skincare powerhouses.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is a skin type caused by low levels of lipids and sebum (oil). Our skin is made from layers of water-based cells, which are protected externally by a mixture of lipids, such as sebum. When the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin, the top layer becomes damaged and creates dry skin. The roots could be anything from ageing, to hormone imbalance, or simply genetics. Read up on how you can balance your dry skin back to health with our tips here.
Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin is a condition, so it is usually temporary. It is marked by low water content and often caused by external elements such as weather, environmental factors and harsh soaps. Poor diet – consisting less of vegetables and more of caffeine and alcohol – can also play a part. Not only is dehydrated skin irritating but it’s a sure sign of internal dehydration too. When the body doesn’t receive enough moisture it becomes more vulnerable to illness. Untreated, dehydrated skin can also develop into dry skin.
Quench Dehydrated Skin During Winter
Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator
This hydrating marshmallow and vanilla-scented mist is so good that you will want to spritz it all throughout the day. Carefully chosen ingredients of Evening Primrose, Borage Oil, Sea Buckthorn and Calendula plumps skin, infuses pores with nutrients and boosts healing. It also contains Aloe Vera, the moisturising multi-tasker that eases even the most persistent of dehydrated skin.
Absolution Le Serum Anti-Soif
Formulated with potent moisture protectors and antioxidants, this organic treatment is a guardian angel for dry skin and is packed with deeply moisturising Aloe alongside soothing natural ingredients including Fucocert (known for its antioxidant and moisturising power – reported to be greater than hyaluronic acid – and its ability to calm reactive skin), Primrose Oil and Elderberry Flower. Applied every morning, it will soak up water and help to regain skin’s softness and elasticity while remaining perfectly matte. This is a hit with those who have that tricky skin type – combination or oily but also dehydrated! It does a wonderful job of preserving the skin from environmental aggressors and is suitable for all skin types.
Nazan Schnapp May Rose Hydrating Face Mist
This hydrating natural face mist contains May Rose, also known as “Rose de Mai”, which hydrates, moisturises, soothes and provides antioxidant protection for the skin. The addition of Hibiscus Flower Extract and Aloe Vera provide an intense boost of moisture, making this mist the ideal skin hydrator that doubles as a setting mist for makeup.
Twelve Ideal Moisture Level Serum
This natural skincare range has been formulated specifically for sensitive skin affected by temperature changes. It is a light, silky fluid that does precisely that, as it absorbs rapidly into the skin to lock in moisture and create an invisible barrier combatting the damaging effects of adverse weather conditions, central heating and air conditioning. Key natural ingredients include Mallow Flower Extract (a soothing, anti-irritant with gentle moisturising properties), Imperatoria Leaf and Butterfly Blush Leaf extracts, which contain powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-UV properties.
Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence
Our weapon of choice when skin needs that little bit of extra hydration. Spritz on your face to prep skin before serum and moisturiser. The natural humectant, Sodium Hyaluronate, helps to draw moisture into the skin and plumpness. In winter, we like to mist it throughout the day but it’s also a travelling essential to tackle dry, recycled air. It’s also loaded with organic antioxidant, skin-rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to organic Witch Hazel and White Willow extracts.
Pai Skincare Sea Aster & Wild Oat Instant Calm Redness Serum
A blessing for sensitive-skinned beauties, this super concentrated serum helps to stimulate the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin thanks to natural ingredients like calming Sea Aster, anti-inflammatory Wild Oat and Hyaluronic Acid. These will plump skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines.
#CONTENTapproved Tips for Dehydrated Skin
Increase your water intake. Drink 7-8 glasses of water in between meals and foods rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Zinc and Selenium.
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful nutrient that is proven to maintain hydration by retaining and increasing the skin’s moisture levels. Eat foods rich in hyaluronic acid like chicken, turkey, bananas and sweet potatoes. Also include foods rich in Vitamin C, such as lemons, oranges, guavas and grapefruits, which will help support the synthesis of hyaluronic acid.
Try using a humidifier at home to counteract the dehydrating effect on your skin of central heating and air conditioning. Or you could pop a bowl of water on top or underneath your radiator.
Shop Organic Skincare for Dry and Dehydrated Skin | Read More: Five Organic Skincare Tips for Dry Skin