Dehydrated or Dry Skin: What is the difference?
Why would you care about the difference between having dehydrated skin, versus simply having dry skin? The difference is fundamental to your skin’s health!
Dry skin lacks oil and needs to be moisturized. Dehydrated skin lacks water and therefore needs to be hydrated.
So, how do you know which you have?
If your skin tends to the dry side you may experience red, irritated skin that flakes. These symptoms show that your skin is not producing enough lipid cells to form the protective barrier - it’s not locking in moisture. This is where choosing a topical cream will help. The correct lotion or cream will reduce the amount of water that evaporates, then locks and seals in the moisture.
“I know for my own body that when my lips are excessively dry I need to increase my water intake. This is my body telling me that I’m dehydrated.”
Dr. Sabrina Stewart, MD
So what is dehydrated skin? Dehydrated skin begins from within. All of our body’s systems rely on abundant water intake and the skin - our body’s largest organ - can receive only what is left over!
When we notice a dull or lackluster complexion and fine lines we can assume that we may be dehydrated. Excessive sun exposure and consumption of alcohol and caffeine can all cause dehydration. Leading a healthy lifestyle with sufficient daily water intake is essential to having a healthy complexion. Daily water intake does not include caffeinated beverages, so drinking six cups of coffee or six cans of pop a day don’t count as water! Consistently practicing healthful habits will result in long-term improvement in the skin’s hydration level.
Which treatments and skin care options will address these two skin conditions?
For Dry, Flaking Skin
Skin Care Options:
Switch from a gel cleanser to a cream cleanser (AlumierMD SensiCalm, or HydraBoost)
Gently exfoliate daily or weekly (AlumierMD Bright & Clear Solution, Lotus Scrub, or Enzymatic Peel)
Replenish the skin’s hydro-lipid barrier (AlumierMD Ultimate Boost Serum)
If you suffer from sensitive or redness-prone skin add AlumierMD Calm-R Serum
Finish your daily routine with an intensely hydrating cream (AlumierMD HydraDew, HydraCalm, or HydraRich)
Treatment Options:
Book a series of Renew 30 or “Red Carpet” Chemical Peels. These multi-functional alpha hydroxy peels contain 30% lactic acid. They diminish the signs of aging, exfoliate dead skin cells and boost cell skin turnover, with little to no “down time”! We suggest having treatments two to four weeks apart for best results.
Dehydrated skin has a lackluster appearance and can show fine lines and wrinkles more prominently
For Dehydrated Skin
Skin Care Options:
Choose products that work with the level of oil production you currently have. If you have oil by midday then opt for a lighter consistency moisturizer (AlumierMD HydraLight) and a lightweight oil-absorbing serum that helps reduce shine (AlumierMD Matticlear). If your skin is flaking then look at the above options for dry skin.
Treatment Options:
Our Beauty Booster micro-needling system is a unique device that results in significantly increased collagen production. It also deposits a unique and patented formula of a natural and free hyaluronic acid solution that contains additional anti-oxidants, amino acids, minerals and vitamins. We see an average improvement of +60% skin glow, +56% elasticity, +59% texture, and +61% hydration after the proscribed three injection sessions at three-week intervals.
Just like an apple that dries out, skin that is deprived of its sources of hydration will lose its shine over time.
Reminder: Using a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum SPF, drinking six to eight glasses of water daily, limiting alcohol and caffeinated beverages, and of course, leading an overall healthy lifestyle are the homework that will keep your entire body hydrated!