Skin types vary from person to person: oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, or combination skin. Each of these skin types can be affected by dehydration. This condition is temporary, unlike skin type which is often permanent. In other words, due to various factors, everyone is likely to experience skin dehydration at one point or another. But how do we identify the signs related to skin dehydration?
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How can I tell if my skin is dehydrated?
Summary
- Water in the skin, in short
- What are the signs of skin lacking hydration?
- What should I do if my skin is dehydrated?
Published September 26, 2022,
updated on February 14, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
6 min read
Water in the skin, in short.
The skin is an organ composed of three layers: the epidermis (the most superficial), the dermis, and the hypodermis. It contains 30% of our body's water and is itselfmade up of an average of 70% water. The dermis contains 80% water. It is stored in the form of a gel thanks to hyaluronic acid , which retains water molecules like a true biological sponge. At the dermis-epidermis junction, this concentration rises to 70%. At the level of the stratum corneum and the upper layer of the epidermis, water is present at 10%. As a reminder, the stratum corneum is the most superficial layer of skin, composed of dead cells (corneocytes).
What are the signs of skin lacking hydration?
A dehydrated skin is due to a failure in the hydrolipidic barrier that is no longer able to retain water. This recurring but temporary and reversible phenomenon is often linked to environmental factors (cold, wind, pollution, sun, etc...), stress, fatigue, lifestyle (smoking, insufficient hydration, alcohol consumption, use of overly aggressive/abrasive cosmetic products) and the intake of certain medications (anti-cholesterol, anti-acne, etc...). Skin aging is an intrinsic factor that also promotes dehydration due to the drastic drop in hyaluronic acid it causes over the years.
Several signs can indicate a state of skin dehydration:
A loss of radiance and comfort ;
Feelings of tightness, particularly after cleansing or showering;
More pronounced fine lines, typically on targeted areas of the face (corners of the eyes, cheeks, forehead) ;
Flakes of skin (small dead skin cells) that appear after applying makeup;
An excessive production of sebum. Indeed, to combat this lack of water, the skin deploys defensive measures. It increases the secretion of sebum in order to strengthen the protective barrier. This hyperseborrhea then promotes the development of bacteria responsible for imperfections. A dehydrated skin can therefore present acne, blackheads, or closed comedones. Thus, oily skin with imperfections can also be subject to episodes of dehydration that will only worsen their condition!
Tip : To determine if your skin is dehydrated, pinch a small part of your cheek. If it wrinkles, your skin needs to be hydrated.
What should I do if my skin is dehydrated?
The first step in rehydration involves drinking enough water throughout the day. This helps to clarify the complexion. Then, during one's skincare routine, it is crucial to rely on formulas rich in humectant ingredients (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, etc...) that will retain water in the skin layers. Here is a Typology routine suitable for dehydrated skin.
Cleaning one's skin.
Morning and evening, opt for a gentle and non-drying cleanser like our hydrating milk with chamomile extract. Enriched with hydrating active ingredients, this skincare product removes impurities and cleanses the skin without damaging its hydrolipidic film. After use, rinse your face thoroughly with clear water.
Rebalance the skin's pH.
Thehydrating toner works to rebalance the skin's pH, while eliminating limestone residues present on the face. Concentrated in hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, this lotion helps to rehydrate the skin and reduce feelings of tightness. It is only after these initial steps are completed that targeted anti-dehydration treatments can be applied.
Hydrate.
Hyaluronic acid is the key compound for hydrating your skin. This active ingredient acts like a molecular sponge: it is capable of retaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Morning and evening, on clean and dry skin, apply the hydrating serum made with hyaluronic acid and provitamin B5, followed by the 9-ingredient moisturizing face cream. These treatments compensate for the natural decrease of hyaluronic acid in the skin, resulting in hydrated, plump, and smoother skin.
Diagnostic
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