Dehydration can affect all skin types, including combination to oily skin. Knowing the cause is a great way to prevent it and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.
How do I know if my skin is dehydrated?
Dehydrated skin can be identified by the discomfort felt in localized areas of the face, such as the cheeks and chin. These symptoms usually appear after cleansing the skin or spending time outdoors. The epidermis loses its suppleness, its texture becomes rough, and pores become more visible. These symptoms closely resemble those of dry skin, which is why dehydration is often confused with dry skin.
However, these do not refer to the same skin requirements and require distinct actions. Indeed, dry skin is a skin type, a permanent condition mainly resulting from genetic inheritance. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a temporary condition resulting from external factors such as stress, cold or the application of unsuitable products. Furthermore, dehydration and dryness of the skin do not reflect the same need of the hydrolipidic film. Dry skin lacks oil while dehydrated skin lacks water. To summarize, we can say that dehydrated skin is skin that, temporarily, cannot retain water in its internal layers and needs to be quickly quenched.
Why is my skin dehydrated? Focus on 5 main causes
Cause #1 - Temperature variations
The body needs to be maintained at 37°C. When this is not the case, on very hot or very cold days for example, the skin's sensors immediately alert the nervous system to regulate the body's temperature. Temperature variations therefore force the skin to draw on its adaptive capacities to maintain its balance until, under excessive stress, its barrier function deteriorates. The result: the skin becomes more permeable, water evaporates quickly and the epidermis becomes dehydrated. In the case of an air-conditioned or overheated room, in addition to the change in temperature, air that is too dry or too humid can attack and damage the skin.
Cause #2 - Pollution
Whether indoors (a poorly ventilated room) or outdoors (cigarette smoke, fine particles, etc.), pollution generates free radicals. In fact, proteins and lipids degrade, the skin's natural functions are altered, the DNA of skin cells changes, and the skin becomes damaged. It's just like leaving an apple exposed to the air after cutting it in half: it oxidizes. While this mechanism works much more slowly in the body and takes several decades, skin oxidation accelerates in the presence of free radicals.
Cause #3 - Hard water
It may seem counterintuitive, but putting water on your skin doesn't actually hydrate it. On the contrary, water can even dehydrate the epidermis, especially when it's hard, meaning it contains a large amount of limescale. Almost invisible, limescale deposits on the skin in the form of microcrystals that attract all the water around them. They thus suck up the skin's natural moisture and quench its thirst. For this reason, it's important to apply a toner after rinsing your skin with water, as well as a moisturizer to counteract the harmful effects of limescale.
Cause #4 - Inadequate care
A skincare routine that isn't suited to your skin's needs can also weaken the hydrolipidic film and lead to skin dehydration. These unsuitable cosmetic products include, for example, certain soaps with a high pH, astringent lotions, or overly purifying lotions. These products remove sebum from the surface of the face, which is essential for retaining water in the inner layers of the skin.
Cause #5 - Age
Episodes of skin dehydration increase with age. Over the years, the skin produces less sebum and hyaluronic acid. This "sponge" molecule is capable of retaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It thus limits water evaporation to keep it deep within the skin. From around the age of 30, it is recommended to regularly replenish the skin with hyaluronic acid and other water-rich active ingredients through targeted skincare.
How do I take care of my dehydrated skin?
One watchword: hydration. Remember that dehydrated skin is reversible. To make dehydration a thing of the past, treat your skin to a thirst-quenching bath. The new Source range provides tailored hydration to help your skin resist daily environmental stress. Source skincare strengthens the skin barrier and boosts your skin's natural hydrating power. Their formulations, inspired by the power of nature, and their ultra-sensory galenics adapt to your skin's needs throughout the seasons and your emotions. Cream, jelly, serum, eye contour, or even facial mist—your skin will regain all its vitality and comfort!
