The harshness of winter weather can leave your skin feeling overly dry, tight, and irritated. Fortunately, we have compiled expert tips, essential ingredients, and product recommendations to ensure your skin remains healthy, hydrated, and glowing throughout the entire season.
Understanding the Distinction Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin
To clarify, dry skin and dehydrated skin are not synonymous. We consulted our Skincare Specialist, Alana, who elaborates on this important distinction.
“Dry skin is classified as a skin type that results from an underproduction of oil, commonly referred to as sebum,” Alana explains. “This condition typically presents with symptoms such as tightness, itchiness, redness, and irritation.”
“Conversely, dehydrated skin indicates a lack of water in the upper layers of your skin. Signs of dehydration include a dull complexion, contrasting with the inflamed redness often seen in dry skin, and can manifest as dark patches around the eyes and nose. Additionally, fine lines and wrinkles become more pronounced. This condition can occur in anyone, regardless of their skin type,” she adds.
If you’re uncertain about whether your skin is dehydrated, a simple test can help. Lightly pinch the back of your hand; if the skin takes several seconds to return to its normal state, it is a strong sign of dehydration.
Identifying the Causes of Dehydrated Skin
In essence, the primary cause of dehydrated skin is not consuming enough water. When your body loses more water than it takes in, it triggers a warning signal in the form of dehydrated skin, indicating the urgent need to increase your H₂O intake and restore balance.
To maintain optimal skin health, aim to drink seven to eight glasses of water daily. If you’re active and sweating, you may need to increase that intake to keep your skin supple and resilient.
Additionally, if you indulge in alcoholic beverages, be aware that alcohol can quickly dehydrate skin cells due to its diuretic properties. Moderating your alcohol consumption can have a positive impact on your skin’s appearance and overall health.
Essential Tips for Caring for Dehydrated Skin
- If you struggle to drink enough water throughout the day, consider setting an alarm on your phone to remind you every 90 minutes over a span of 12 hours. This simple trick can help you achieve eight hydration-boosting sessions each day.
- For those who enjoy exercising, ensure that a water bottle is always within reach to replenish the precious H₂O lost during your workouts.
- You don’t need to eliminate alcohol entirely; just consume it in moderation. Pairing each drink with a full glass of water can help maintain your body’s fluid balance.
- When weather conditions become extreme, increase your water intake to counteract the effects on your body. Hot summer days can lead to excess sweating, while cold weather can sap moisture from your skin.
- Hydration doesn’t have to come solely from plain water. Many fruits and vegetables are rich in water content, so stock your fridge with hydrating options. Start with cucumbers, which are composed of 96% water, and explore other juicy choices like tomatoes, mushrooms, melons, and oranges.
Key Ingredients That Nourish Dehydrated Skin
Aloe Vera
Renowned for its soothing properties due to high water content, Aloe Vera is an antioxidant-rich plant that effectively hydrates dehydrated skin. Its calming effects can help instantly cool and revitalize your complexion.
Resurrection Flowers
These remarkable flowers can survive for years without water. When rehydrated, they spring back to life, transforming into vibrant green blooms. We incorporate the resilient cells of this unique plant into our Comfort Food Deep Hydration Mask, which has been clinically proven to enhance skin hydration by an impressive 175% after just one application.
Hyaluronic Acid
This powerhouse ingredient can hold an astonishing 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a top choice for transforming dehydrated skin. Our Rainforest Dew is packed with hyaluronic acid and has been clinically shown to improve skin hydration by an average of 111% within just two hours.
Tamanu Oil
Often referred to as ‘green gold’ by the locals of French Polynesia, where it was historically used for wound healing, Tamanu Oil is a beloved skin restorative. Its rich fatty acid content helps strengthen the skin barrier, minimizing water loss. You can find it in our Super Greens Nutrient Boost Oil and the iconic Tamanu Balm All-In-One Skin Saviour.
Madagascan Leaf Of Life
This evergreen plant, known as the ‘wonder of the world’, is rich in flavonoids that soothe the skin and fortify its structure. For centuries, locals in Madagascar have utilized it to heal and restore skin affected by redness and irritation. You can experience its hydrating benefits in our Skin Re-Leaf Soothing Moisturiser.