Dry or Dehydrated? What Can You Do for Your Skin?

December is here. You are busy exercising, working, and getting ready for the holidays, while your skin is blasted by cold, dry air outdoors and hot, dry air indoors. You may notice your skin starting to look dull, rough and flaky. It sounds like a case of dry or dehydrated skin. But the question is which is it and how can you treat it?

Dry vs. dehydrated skin

Dry skin is a skin type characterized by low levels of natural oils, also known as sebum. As the skin lacks sebum, it struggles to maintain moisture and its skin barrier is weaker. With a weakened skin barrier external factors, such as the weather, pollution, and toxins, can cause damage, since there is only a minimal defense present. People who have dry skin usually complain about tight and rough skin.

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that can affect any skin type. The skin lacks water, not oil, causing a moisture imbalance. The outermost layer of skin cells, scientifically known as the stratum corneum, regulates body temperature and water loss and absorption. The stratum corneum is mostly made up of proteins and lipids, but 15% of these cells are water. If the water concentration in these cells drops below 10%, the skin becomes dehydrated and functioning is impaired. Diet and low moisture levels in the air are a couple of factors that can cause skin dehydration. People who are suffering from this condition often mention red and flaky skin.

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that can affect any skin type.

Since both dry skin and dehydrated skin have impaired skin barriers, although for different reasons, it is hard to diagnose the problem without professional help. However, there are some things you can keep in mind when analyzing your skin. If your skin is dry and itchy all year long, no matter the weather, you probably suffer from dry skin. If the dryness comes and goes, and if your skin is oily and dry all at once, you probably are experiencing skin dehydration. The pinch test can help you decide. Gently pinch your cheek; if it's wrinkling with gentle pressure instead of holding its shape, your skin is dehydrated.

Both dry skin and dehydrated skin have impaired skin barriers.

Quick fixes for dehydrated skin

Thankfully, dehydrated skin is a condition that can be remedied.

1. Drink water - The typical recommendation is to drink 8 glasses of water a day. But, if you exercise and sweat a lot, you need to drink more water to replace the fluids lost.

2. Use a hydrating facial mist - REFRESH ME hydrating glow mist is a great pick-me-up for dehydrated skin. The argan and grapeseed oils provide deep hydration, while the ylang ylang flower oil’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe redness and inflammation. And REFRESH ME can be used at any time of day, during or after a workout as well as over makeup and other skincare products, to give your skin a boost of hydration.

Key tips for dry skin

Even though dry skin is a skin type that is governed by genetics, there are some things you can do to hydrate your skin.

1. Moisturize - Moisturize your skin several times a day, especially after bathing. A hydrating moisturizer, like PROTECT ME, is a great option for day hydration. In addition, facial and body oils, such as 100% Organic Argan Oil and GLOW BODY, are wonderful for moisturizing, since oils prevent water from evaporating from the surface of your skin.

2. Take short, warm showers - Long baths or showers in hot water can overly dry your skin.

3. Stay away from harsh soaps - Use gentle cleansers with added moisturizers and oils, like PURIFY ME and PURIFY BODY.

4. Use a humidifier - The air indoors can be very dry. Using a humidifier will add moisture to the air in your home or office. Just remember to keep your humidifier clean.

5. Dress your skin carefully - Wear clothes made from natural fibers, like cotton or silk. And make sure to wash your clothes with fragrance-free and dye-free detergent, since fragrances and dyes can irritate your skin.

Both dry and dehydrated skin can benefit from a hydrating skincare regimen.

Hydrating skincare routine

Both dry and dehydrated skin can benefit from a hydrating skincare regimen. It should include a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, moisturizer and sunscreen. We recommend:

Morning Routine

1. PURIFY ME: This hydrating cleanser is gentle enough to use regularly with dry skin, but it is tough on dirt and sweat. It contains shea butter that moisturizes skin and aloe vera that soothes inflammation.
2. REVIVE ME: Our deeply hydrating serum contains hyaluronic acid which helps the skin retain moisture and sterols that replenish lost vitamins and minerals.
3. BRIGHTEN ME: The eye contour has the most sensitive skin on our body and easily can become dry or dehydrated. The ceramides in BRIGHTEN ME strengthen the skin barrier and help the skin retain moisture.
4. PROTECT ME: This sunscreen both moisturizes and protects your skin with SPF30. The essential fatty acids in the formula rebuild the skin’s natural barrier which is damaged in cases of dry or dehydrated skin, while chamomile, melissa and rooibos have a soothing effect.

1. PURIFY ME and PURIFY BODY: Gently wash your entire body, removing the grime and sweat of the day as well as dead skin cells without stripping your skin of essential moisture.
2. REVIVE ME: Apply a thin layer on your skin to replenish moisture lost through exercise and sweat.
3. BRIGHTEN ME: For best results, we recommend applying our eye cream both morning and evening.
4. RECOVER ME: This night solution for skin that sweats contains coco-caprylate/caprate which is a natural moisturizer that provides deep hydration. It also has niacinamide which reduces flaking and restores the skin’s suppleness as you get your nightly rest.
5. GLOW BODY: Our nourishing dry oil deeply hydrates the skin all over your body, replenishing moisture lost during workouts and other daily activities. The limnanthes alba seed oil softens your skin by locking in the skin’s natural moisture, and the opuntia ficus-indica stem extract restores antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to your skin.

Keeping your skin hydrated

Whether you are suffering from dry skin or dehydrated skin drinking sufficient water is an essential part to maintaining a healthy body. In addition, a hydrating skincare regimen, including a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, moisturizer and sunscreen, is the best way to keep your skin plump and glowing.