Dehydrated (not dry!) skin can be a common problem, causing discomfort and a dull appearance. To take care of this type of skin, it is essential to review your entire routine to understand where the problem is. Here's a five-step skincare routine, including suitable products, that can guide you in hydrating and plumping your skin. Note that dehydrated skin is a ''problem'' in most cases created by ourselves but fairly quick to resolve while dry skin is more of a skin condition.
Step 1 - Gentle Cleansing: Cleansing your skin is the crucial first step in your routine. Opt for a gentle cleanser (with oil or milk) that is non-irritating or too foaming, which effectively eliminates impurities without depriving your skin of its natural hydration. Look for cleansers made with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Step 2 - Gentle Exfoliation : Exfoliation is an important yet delicate step to slough off dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter skin. However, for dehydrated skin, it is essential to use a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliant and above all once a week at most to avoid over-exfoliating. Lactic acid-based chemical exfoliators can be a good option for gentle exfoliation.
Step 3 - Hydrating serum: This step is more important than step #4 because with a moisturizing serum, you can deeply hydrate. Hydration is the key to restoring the moisture balance of dehydrated skin. Opt for a hydrating serum containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or urea, which help retain water in the skin. Apply to clean, slightly damp skin for maximum absorption.
Step 4 - Nourish with Moisturizer: A rich, nourishing moisturizer is essential to seal in moisture and protect the skin barrier. Look for creams that contain ingredients such as shea butter, essential fatty acids and ceramides, which help restore suppleness and prevent moisture loss.
Step 5 - Daily Sun Protection: Sun protection is a crucial step in maintaining the health and vitality of dehydrated skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Look for sunscreens that also provide extra moisture to help prevent UV damage and maintain skin hydration.
In conclusion, the main causes of dehydrated skin are related to our lifestyle and our habits such as not using the right skin products, exfoliating too often, prolonged exposure to the sun, using the wrong acids and more!
