Ask the beauty therapist: What causes dehydrated skin?

Dehydrated skin: Causes, symptoms, and how to effectively treat it

“Help! My skin is so dry and dehydrated, even when it’s wet outside. What causes dehydrated skin, and what can I do about it?”

Symptoms of dehydrated skin

If you’re wondering whether you’re experiencing skin dehydration, here are a couple of telltale signs. Try pushing your skin gently, and if you notice little crepey lines on the surface, that’s a sign of dehydration. Another method is lifting your skin and observing for the presence of those fine lines or crepiness.

Understanding dehydrated skin

Dehydration occurs when water escapes from the skin’s surface. Our skin naturally has a protective film consisting of a combination of natural oils and water. Think of it like a glass of water with a layer of cling film on top. This film ensures the water circulates throughout the skin, keeping it hydrated. However, when this protective film is compromised, water starts to evaporate, leading to dullness, dryness, and crepiness in the skin.

To effectively treat dehydrated skin, it’s crucial to rebuild the protective barrier. One key ingredient that works wonders is hyaluronic acid. It acts like a sponge, drawing moisture into the skin and plumping it up. Look for moisturisers and serums that contain hyaluronic acid to replenish and retain water in your skin.

Creating the protective film

To restore your skin’s protective film, you need a combination of essential fatty acid oils and hyaluronic acid. Essential fatty acid oils, found in quality moisturisers, create a slight film on the skin’s surface, locking in moisture and preventing water evaporation. Avoid using drying powders and, instead, opt for a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin buildup, keeping your skin plump, healthy, and dewy.

Top takeaway tips for dealing with dehydrated skin

  1. Incorporate essential fatty acids into your skincare routine.
  2. Use a high-quality hyaluronic acid product for optimal hydration.
  3. Ensure your exfoliator gently removes dead skin without stripping it excessively.

By following these tips, you can effectively address what causes dehydrated skin and maintain healthy, radiant skin.

For personalised skincare recommendations, get in touch with the team at Gaia Day Spa or book your free skin consultation with our expert beauty therapists here.

Written by Theresa Walls for Germaine de Capuccini.