What are the signs of dehydrated skin?

Hydra-Essentiel Rich Cream - Very Dry Skin

Dry skin is a skin type, whereas dehydrated skin is a temporary or long term condition that can affect all skin types. Dehydrated skin lacks the right amount of water in the skin’s outer layer. Your first step is to determine whether your skin really is dehydrated. The second is choosing the right products and the best moisturizer for dry skin.

1. The dehydrated skin test

Contrary to popular belief, dehydrated skin isn't necessarily dry skin. If you’re a dry skin type, your skin does not produce enough natural oils for your skin’s outer layer to function optimally, as a barrier for keeping water in the skin and harmful substances out of the skin. Your genetics are one of the main reasons for your dry skin causes.

Dehydration is a temporary imbalance of water levels in the skin when the stratum corneum – your skin’s outer layer – is damaged or compromised. This can be caused by external factors like seasonal changes, sun exposure, detergents, and harsh soaps, or by using unsuitable skin care products. Internal influences include an unhealthy diet, not drinking enough water, certain medical conditions and medications, and the aging process.

Dehydrated and dry skin have similar signs – the reason why they’re often confused with each other. If you’re still asking – what type of skin do I have? – try a dehydrated skin test. Use two fingers to gently pinch the skin on the top of your cheekbone, just under your eye. If you notice fine lines appearing, your skin is probably dehydrated.

You may also have one or all of these symptoms. Dull or ‘tired-looking’ skin, dry itchy skin or a dry skin rash especially in weather conditions like wind, cold, or extreme heat. Dry skin on the face or dry skin patches on the body, as well as lines that look like a network of tiny, triangular fine lines. Oily dehydrated skin can feel sensitive and look irritated.

There are many reasons why different skin types become dehydrated, but there are also many things you can do to minimize the condition. One of the best tools you can have in your anti-dehydration kit is an effective face moisturizer for dry skin like Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Rich Cream - Very Dry Skin that helps the skin to take back comfort and restore visible radiance to your complexion. Let’s find out how to improve dry skin that is dehydrated.

2. How to improve dehydrated skin

There are a number of easy changes you can make to your lifestyle that will help ease the effects of dehydrated skin. Hot showers and baths can wash away the skin’s natural oils so limit your shower to no more than 10 minutes, once a day, and keep the water temperature lukewarm. Your skin should never feel tight or itchy after a shower. While skin is still slightly damp, apply a lotion for dry skin.

Many commercial household products contain chemical ingredients that strip the skin of essential water and oils and that can lead to irritated, dry skin. A number of household products manufactured without harsh chemicals are now readily available for purchase online and in stores.

Exposure to microscopic dust mites can inflame and irritate the skin. Regularly vacuum floors and carpets, and wash your bedding in water heated to 130 degrees, and don’t forget your mattress – give it a thorough vacuum at least once a month.

If you have a daily swim in a chlorinated pool or if you or your kids spend days around the pool in summer, make sure you step under a cool shower after your swim to rinse the chlorine off your skin and follow with a rich lotion for dry skin.

Make sure you use the best moisturizer for dry skin and drink plenty of water every day (six to eight glasses). This is key to visibly plump, supple, and fresh-looking skin.

Your moisture-focused beauty routine begins with a gentle, alcohol-free face wash for dry skin. The best face wash for dry skin gently lifts makeup, dirt and grime while also nourishing the skin. Follow your cleanser for dry skin with a comforting toner to clear all traces of makeup. Now your skin’s prepped and ready for a rebalancing dry skin treatment.

Give dehydrated skin the extra moisture-boost it needs with Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-phase Serum - Normal to Dry Skin. This bi-phase serum is a friend to thirsty skin that feels tight, lacks radiance and is prematurely lined. Skin is shielded from the dehydrating effects of daily thermic shocks that can leave you with dry flaky skin: sudden temperature changes, indoor and outdoor pollutants, and environmental stress. Quenching Organic Leaf of Life extract can leave it visibly plump, radiant-looking, and perfectly hydrated.

Follow your serum with a good moisturizer for dry skin. Hydra-Essentiel Rich Cream - Very Dry Skin is a luxuriously rich cream for extremely dry skin that quickly works to help restore your skin’s moisture balance and quenches thirsty skin – leaving your complexion visibly soft and intensely hydrated.

Don’t leave home without a moisturizing lip balm. Along with dry skin on the feet and hands, your lips can easily become dehydrated when overexposed to the sun or in extreme weather conditions. Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm with soothing Blue Lotus Essential Wax treats lips to a luxurious melting formula that moisturizes, nourishes and helps protect. Lips recover their natural rosy glow and are visibly plumper—all day long and in any environment.

Because dehydrated skin needs all the help it can get, use a face mask for dry skin at least once a week. Clarins SOS Comfort Nourishing Mask for dry and dehydrated skin harnesses the power of soothing Wild Mango Butter to soften, comfort and renew radiance. The creamy formula will help to deliver pure relaxation for your skin and senses. All you need is 10 minutes to improve dehydrated skin and say hello to skin that’s visibly nourished and gorgeously radiant.