.jpg)
First, we need to distinguish between dry skin or dehydrated skin? Yes you heard right, there are two different types of dry skin. Let's see what situation you are in by answering the following questions:
For dry skin:
Do you have small pores?
Does your facial skin often feel dry, itchy, or peeling?
Easily irritated when using skin care products?
Do you feel like your skin is not absorbing lotions well?
If most of the answers are yes, then your skin is dry.
Causes of dry skin include insufficient oil to maintain the necessary moisture due to genetics, environmental factors and living conditions, using the wrong products, or over-cleansing. Other causes may exist but these should give you an idea on different causes for dry skin. As you can see, dry skin can come from a number of different sources to keep you on your toes!
Now let’s see if you have dehydrated skin.
Do you have both large or small hair follicles?
Does your skin have areas that appear shiny but not flaky, while other areas become oily, red, or prone to breakouts?
Does your skin quickly absorb skincare products but doesn't seem to show results?
Is your skin dull, especially when wearing makeup, with some areas absorbing foundation while others don't?
If most of the answers are yes, then your skin is dehydrated.
Causes of dehydrated skin:
When the skin does not maintain enough water
Lack of moderation in lifestyle
Using many products containing alcohol or high-strength chemicals
A bit more about dehydrated skin: it's a skin condition, not a skin type, so all skin types can experience dehydration. It often occurs due to environmental factors like spending too much time in air-conditioned rooms, pregnancy, or hormonal changes. Dry skin and dehydrated skin can coexist in some individuals.
After determining if you have dry skin or dehydrated skin, we can now talk about skin care. For dry skin:
Choose oil-based, rich moisturizers, and serums for both daytime and nighttime use. These products help lock in moisture.
Limit exfoliation! If you see dry, flaky patches on your skin and think exfoliating products will help, it's not entirely accurate. Exfoliation can make dry skin even drier and more prone to damage because it removes the limited natural oils on your skin. If you need exfoliation, do it once a week using products containing AHA, DHA, glycerin, or those with royal jelly extracts. These will cleanse deeply and remove dead skin gently while retaining essential moisture.
Use minimal foaming cleansers with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. Typical products with this pH range include shampoo, face cleansers, soaps, and body wash. Avoid hot water for your face and body. In winter, use water at temperatures ranging from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius, similar to a nice, warm shower.
Focus on hydration and nutrition. Drink enough water, but the standard 2 liters a day might not apply to everyone. Adjust your water intake according to your body size and needs. Incorporate yogurt, leafy greens, and omega-3-rich fish oil into your diet.
Establish a twice-daily skincare routine, in the morning and before bedtime.
Always remember to use sunscreen
For dehydrated skin:
Similar to dry skin, use gentle cleansers with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5 that offer moisturizing benefits.
Consider using a humidifier if you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned environments.
Always use sunscreen.
Drink enough water and reduce alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, sugar, and spicy foods.
Avoid prolonged stress, as it can exacerbate skin issues.
Consume fresh fruit juices like orange and apple, which can add fiber to your diet and improve your skin's radiance.
In short:
It's crucial to understand your skin type and choose appropriate products and routines, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and stay hydrated to keep your skin soft and smooth. Skincare is not always straightforward, but it becomes easier with knowledge and habit formation. Our bodies constantly change, and programming them through good habits is essential.
I hope that through this article, you'll better differentiate your skin's condition and adopt the most suitable skincare practices. Remember to embrace and care for your body, especially as women, as we are born to be beautiful and confident in various ways. See you in the next time and thank you for stopping by!