Welcome to SPRING, friends! After a long and crazy Winter (South Carolina weather, am I right?), your skin is likely buzzing out of control.
Raise your hand if you have dry, irritated, itchy, red, or scaly skin? More than likely, almost everyone reading this has at least ONE of those skin issues right this minute.
But the question you may not have thought about is if your skin irritations are from dry skin OR dehydrated skin? The two may have some of the same symptoms, but there are several key differences that will help you determine what you need to do to help treat your skin.
What Is Dry Skin?
Dry skin is very common and has LOADS of causes.
-Dry skin can result from factors such as humidity or frequent hand-washing, however, aside from the environmental and lifestyle factors, dry skin results from your sebaceous glands not producing enough oil to keep your skin hydrated.
Symptoms of dry skin include flakiness, sensitivity, scales, itching, and cracks.
NOTE – Dry skin may come and go on its own, or it may be caused by a chronic condition. In some cases, your dry skin may be associated with disorders such as eczema. If you are unsure what is causing your dry skin, it’s best to always consult with your doctor.
What Is Dehydrated Skin?
While dry skin is likely the common skin “type” that you always hear about, dehydrated skin is also a condition that anyone can experience.
-Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin typically DOES produce enough oil but it does NOT retain the moisture needed. Dehydrated skin has a number of causes, which can present due to sun exposure or even from taking prescription medications.
Commons signs of dehydrated skin include redness, lots of congestion, and inflammation. Additionally, if your skin is dehydrated, it will feel tight, look dull in the mirror, and you may notice wrinkles in places you do not remember having them or they may be more exaggerated. You may also take note to the dark circles beneath your eyes being darker than usual.
NOTE- A good way to possibly test if your skin is dehydrated is to pinch your the back of your hand. If you notice that it begins to wrinkle with gentle pressure instead of holding its natural shape, it’s possible the skin cells are pleading with you for some good H20. If you believe you may have dehydrated skin, it’s best to always consult with your doctor.
Treating Dry Skin
Dry skin the problem for you? Then moisturize is now going to be your BFF!
Throughout the day, apply a moisturizer several times to help improve the look and feel of your dry skin. This will be to seal in as much moisture as possible.
It’s best to apply your moisturizer with clean hands and after you have bathed or washed your hands.
NOTE- Dry skin can be sensitive so be sure to use products (such as soap) that are not harsh and do not have lots of fragrance.
Treating Dehydrated Skin
Unlike dry skin that is looking for oil, dehydrated skin needs water.
SO, it’s best to use water-based skin care products that will help add the moisture back into your skin without adding excess oils.
NOTE- Drink plenty of water and limit your intake of other beverages, such as coffee and alcohol, when treating dehydrated skin.
Important Information
It’s important to get a skin analysis and speak with a professional to help you diagnose if your skin is dehydrated before you start treatment.
If you begin to treat your skin, believing you have dry skin and it’s actually dehydrated, you can worsen the condition by increasing the oil production and leading to further dehydrated and irritated skin.
FOR A SKIN ANALYSIS, VISIT OUR ESTHETIC LOCATIONS:
*Garners Ferry Road (Columbia), Spartanburg, Goose Creek (Charleston), Florence, and Rock Hill campuses*
All services are performed by students under the direct supervision of licensed instructors.
