Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin – We often hear that skin can be dry, normal or oily, with different redness characteristics, sensitivity, dehydration, and acne. But any skin can present a dehydration problem, with more or less noticeable effects depending on the skin type. Skin; dry skin will suffer more than oily skin, for example.
Usually, dehydration can appear on both the face and the body. The lack of water translates into general discomfort after hot showers or baths, itching and reddening the skin. Although the symptoms are similar, dry skin is not the same as dehydrated skin.
Table of Contents
Our body is composed of approximately almost 70% water in adulthood, of which about 15% represents the water that is concentrated in the skin.
The skin’s internal water moves from the deepest layers of the dermis to the outermost layers of the epidermis, hydrating and moisturizing the intermediate layers as it goes.
When we talk about the hydrolipidic layer of the skin, we refer to the barrier function, which is the essential function of the skin since it acts as a barrier preventing the loss of water, electrolytes and other components, also avoiding the penetration of harmful substances from the environment. Environment. The hydrolipidic mantle is a mixture of sebum and sweat that covers the outer part of the epidermis and that we have from the moment of birth.
Two substances reach the skin surface through the different pores of the skin: sebum (fat part, “lipid”), produced by the sebaceous glands; and sweat (aqueous component, “hydro”), which is by sweat glands. When they reach the skin’s surface, both secretions mix to form the emulsion known as the hydrolipidic layer. It has a double function: on the one hand, it helps maintain the degree of skin hydration, and, on the other hand, it is the cause of the characteristic velvety appearance of our skin.
The stratum corneum remains naturally protected thanks to the skin’s hydrolipidic layer, preventing the skin from “evaporating” the water and keeping it properly moisturized. If this protective barrier, the loss of hydration from the skin increases and there is a direct effect on the skin of dryness, tightness and discomfort. (If you don’t know what the stratum corneum is, dermis or epidermis, we recommend reading our article ” Know your skin ”)
The leading causes for which dehydration can appear are varied:
The main difference is the duration: dehydrated skin is a seasonal and temporary process that can affect any skin, being reversible with products and treatments adapted to the specific needs of said skin. On the contrary, dry skin suffers from a constant state of dryness, tightness, and discomfort due to a lack of water and lipids.
Dry skin is branded by a pale and lifeless appearance, peeling signs, cracks, inflammation, and loss of elasticity. In addition, dry skin tends to suffer from eczema and atopy, along with skin irregularities
Dry skin can be caused by different reasons, just as not all dry skin is the same. Normal dry skin will improve its appearance by being treated with moisturizing and nourishing creams for dry skin throughout the year. However, other skins with more extreme dryness will need more specific intensive hydration treatments to experience a sensation of comfort.
Dry skin can be:
As we have mentioned before, dehydrated skin is a temporary state of the skin. So with specific treatments to maintain skin hydration or with a return to normality in the face of stressful or complex situations, the skin will recover its normal state, and dehydration will disappear.
In both dehydrated and non-dehydrated skin, several active ingredients will help maintain the skin’s barrier function in optimal conditions:
If you’ve been keeping up with skincare trends, you’ve likely heard of LED light therapy.…
If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in a salon chair, trying to decide between ombre…
Your wedding dress is more than just an outfit. It’s a statement, a memory, and…
Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most exciting (and let’s face it, slightly…
When you think about gifting flowers, what comes to mind? A beautiful arrangement of vibrant…
Stress creeps up on all of us. Whether it’s juggling a packed schedule, managing work…