Aestheticians & Nutritionists shared How to nourish dehydrated skin
30.06.2022
One of the 30 lessons Taylor Swift learnt before turning 30 is something I often think about. The Elle magazine feature was filled with a lot of juicy and tepid finds, but it also contained some random clunkers. It was an interesting lesson in how to moisturize skin that stuck. I now use body lotion after every shower, and not just in winter. It’s because I want to be soft throughout all seasons. Taylor, no offense. But, Taylor, my girl, weren’t you using lotion in summer? It would be reasonable to assume that the author of “the worst drought” would have known how to moisturize skin.
Although we may associate dry skin with winter, it is possible to experience dry skin at any time, and during any season. Particularly, dehydrated skin knows no boundaries. It’s usually much easier to treat dehydrated skin than for normal dry skin.
Karen Fernandez is the SkinSpirit’s lead aesthetician. “Dehydrated skin means that there is a lack of water in the skin. It is not a type of skin like dry skin.” “Dehydration can be treated at a superficial level by spritzing with mineral water and using a hyaluronic acids serum to instantly soothe and moisturize.”
While I love quick fixes (I do like a good spritz), what I really wanted was to learn how to nourish the skin from the inside. Fernandez, along with Dr. Dendy Engleman (board-certified cosmetic dermatologist), was my guide. I also reached out to holistic nutritionists Edie Horstman to help me.
First, let’s clarify what the difference is between dry and dehydrated skin.
Although dry and dehydrated skin may look the same, they are not the same. It all comes down to oil and water.
Fernandez says that dry skin naturally produces less oils, and is more likely to be dry. Conditions like dryness, lack of water, weather and too many diuretics, like caffeine, can lead to dehydration.
What are the signs of skin that is dry?
Although they may look similar, dry and dehydrated skin are different. Fernandez offers a quick test that will confirm it is temporary.
The aesthetician explains that the “dehydration test” is when the skin feels very thin and loose, especially on the cheeks. If it appears to be full of fine lines or has lost its shape, it’s likely dehydrated. Hydrated skin will remain plump and firm even when compressed.
Dr. Engleman emphasizes the importance of treating dehydrated skin promptly. This can include pale skin, dark circles or poor product absorption. She adds that dehydrated skin can also worsen signs of premature ageing. “Moisture gives skin the youthful texture, bounciness, and plumpness that we associate with youthful skin.”
What foods and beverages are good for skin hydration?
Rigden shares that dehydrated skin could be caused by a nutrient shortage, which includes vitamins A, C or D or E, zinc or selenium or omega-3 fatty acid.
Horstman looks into the best skin-hydrating foods for you to bounce back.
- Omega-3: Fatty Acids Walnuts, seeds, fatty fish, and monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fats found in avocados, pumpkin seeds, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, and olives.
- Vitamin C: Citrus and bell peppers improve skin barrier function, helping to reduce water loss.
- Vitamin D: Cod liver oil.
- Selenium: Brazil nuts.
- Antioxidants: Berries, green tea and green tea.
- Zinc: Pumpkin seeds
What lifestyle choices can help maintain skin hydrated?
Our experts all agreed on one thing: Drink water. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy skin, even if you add some water-dense fruit to your diet.
Some less obvious practices include adding a humidifier in your home, getting enough sleep, avoiding hot showers and baths, and exfoliating gently! Stress can cause electrolyte imbalances. Rigden says that electrolytes are what determine the body’s fluid balance. These include sodium, potassium and magnesium as well as phosphate and chloride. Your fluid balance can be affected if you have too many or too few of these nutrients.
Another skill that can help you avoid dry skin is the ability to adapt your skincare routine to suit your skin’s environment.
Dr. Engleman says, “If your skin appears dry, you can use gentler methods such as double cleansing. You can also add more hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid (which can hold up 1,000 times its weight) to help.”
Which skincare products are the best for dry skin?
Let’s first discuss what our skincare professionals are looking for before we dive into product recommendations to hydrate skin.
Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most important humectants in skincare. It helps skin retain moisture.
Emollients Oils and shea butter are great for softening the skin. Occlusives Dr. Engleman says that glycerin acts as an occlusive barrier, helping to prevent water loss from the skin. Fernandez says that Ceramides are an important ingredient for helping to rebuild and protect epidermal layers of skin. They also prevent the loss of topical water.
It seems obvious to moisturize after a shower, but what are your tips?
Dr. Engleman says that it’s beneficial to apply moisturizer after a shower, even if your skin is still damp. This is because moisturizing your skin with moisturizer can work more effectively. The steam from a warm bath helps open pores and allows products to penetrate deeper.
How do you hydrate your skin? These are the best products for the job.
Continue reading to see Dr. Engleman’s and Fernadez’s top picks for moisturizing dry or dehydrated skin.
- Humphreys Nourish Witch hazel with Aloe Alcohol-Free toner
Toner can be used right after cleansing to balance the skin’s pH and to remove any cleanser residue that may have dried the skin. This soothing and hydrating formula is ideal for sensitive skin.
- SKINCEUTICALS Hydrating Gel B5
This simple and effective product will feel amazing on dry skin. It is especially good after a procedure. Apply as often as necessary (the effects won’t last long!).
- Sente Dermal Contour Pressed Serum
This is the “golden bottle of magic.” It contains all three sulfated analogues of hyaluronic acids–Heperan Sulfate Analog and Dermatan Sulfate Analog. These molecules help us to be able attract and retain more water molecules, making our skin feel hydrated longer.
- Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum
These capsules are great for all skin types, but especially for dehydrated skin. The humectant, Hyaluronic Acid, attracts and traps water. It can also hold up to 1,000 times its body weight in water. This ingredient is great for hydrating skin. Ceramides strengthen the skin’s barrier to prevent further moisture loss and dehydration. Apply one capsule to your skin every morning and at night.
- SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
This serum will help your skin behave like younger skin. It stimulates the functions that aid in hydration, and provides the skin with the nutrients it needs to be at its best. TNS advanced + is the all-in-one solution to any age concern.
- Skincall Silks Triple Repair & Repair Cream
This moisturizer is quick and effective in restoring skin’s moisture. Clinically, it has been shown to improve skin hydration by up to 40% in just one week. The formula contains pomegranate and ceramide sterols as well as fatty acids that help to hydrate and strengthen the skin’s barrier function. The texture is soothing and feels great.
- SkinBetter AlphaRet Night Cream
This will help your skin retain more moisture for longer periods. It is a long-term solution that is not a quick fix. However, it will correct chronic dryness and dehydration.
- Jan Marini Skin Research Skin Zyme Mask
This gentle exfoliation uses enzymes to remove dead skin cells and honey to balance and hydrate the skin. It can be used in conjunction with Jan Marini’s Cleanzyme to fix any skin problem and is essential after a long trip.
- Canopy Humidifier With Aroma
It’s mold-resistant and mist-free, so you don’t have to worry about exposing yourself or your family to allergens or contaminants (as can be the case with humidifiers that are traditional). The auto setting adjusts the moisture output according to the time of day and humidity levels in your home. This means you don’t need to fuss about changing the settings or worrying about waking up to a dry or humid room.
