Does any of this ever describe your skin:
Dull
Tight
Sensitive
Feels rough but still breaks out
Make-up becomes patchy during the day
Fine lines are suddenly more visible
Not sure if this describes your skin, but think you might be dehydrated?
Try this simple test. Pinch the skin on the back of your hand. When you release it, does it immediately spring back into place or does it take a couple seconds to settle? If time is required (and / or if you've experienced any of what's listed above), your skin is dehydrated.
What is dehydrated skin exactly? Basically, there's not enough water in the skin to keep it looking its best. So rather than it appearing plump like a grape, it’s more like a raisin. Water consumption will do lots to restore skin (it is over 60 per cent water after all), however dehydration will need to be treated topically as well.
How does skin get dehydrated? Mostly by a lack of moisture in the air: think winter, central heating and plane journeys, however it can also be caused by stress, diet, hard water, sun exposure and hot water.
Can you alleviate the problem? Yes, because this is a skin condition (caused by environment and lifestyle) as opposed to a skin type (what you’re born with), you can make changes. Read on to learn how.
Keep your skin hydrated by avoiding:
- Foaming cleansers
- Extremely hot water in showers, baths, cleansing
- Sunshine without protection. Sunburn is an extreme form of dehydration
- Skincare that contains alcohol
- Excessive caffeine and alcohol
Boost your hydration with:
Moisturiser and serum in the morning and evening. You can swap out your regular moisturiser for one that is focused on hydration, although it may be preferable to add in a hydrating serum temporarily.
For your serum, find one with hyaluronic acid, which holds 1,000 times its own weight in water to help return your skin to smooth and dewy. Hydraluron, The Ordinary and Clarins are all great options.
And if your lips need hydration, you can use this serum on them as well.
If your skin starts to feel tight during the day, spritz it with a facial mist to add hydration. You can do this on top of your skincare and make-up. I love this one from Omorovicza and this one from Pixi.
Apply temporary treatments such as a sleep mask or hydrating sheet mask a few times per week to help revive your skin.
With a bit of attention, you’ll be able to restore hydration to your skin and have it looking as it should.