A dehydrated skin lacks water content in the intercelluar structure of the skin, the fluid between cells. This skin type often appears dry and dull with a rough, crepe like texture. Dehydration can affect all skin types in any age group although it is most commonly seen in dry skin types. If the moisture content is not replenished in the epidermis (upper skin layer) and dermis (middle layer of the skin), dehydration occurs. Dehydrated skin is dependent on the epidermis and dermis as the smallest change in the skin’s water content can cause the skin to become dry and cracked. This can often cause thinning of the skin which can eventually lead to the loss in the skin’s elasticity and radiance. The skin can become taut and itchy with the development of fine lines and wrinkles appearing around the eye and cheek areas.

Causes of Skin Dehydration

Depletion of body fluids often reduces the water content in the skin cells. This can usually result from excessive dieting, a severe illness, aging, glandular disturbances, drugs or the decreased activity of the sweat and sebaceous glands (oil gland) due to the aging process. As one ages, the skin naturally dries out due to evaporation through the outer layers. Aging can often reduce the storage of water held in the ground substance of the dermis thereby resulting in a dehydrated skin. Dehydration can also be caused by other external and internal factors such as:

• Excessive sun exposure
• Climate, like a humid environment and even air conditioning
• Use of perfumed or antimicrobial  soaps
• Natural tendency towards dry skin due to the skin’s water-holding capacity
• Oiliness or lack of oil
• Air or water pollution
• Severe, debilitating illness
• Certain chronic medication
• Excessive use of diuretics including caffeinated drinks and alcohol
• Smoking
• Long or excessive bathing, especially with the use of very hot water

Treatment for Dehydrated Skin

• The stimulation of blood circulation and increase in glandular activity in the dermis will aid in improving the levels of moisture. This type of stimulation includes deep and superficial massages that also increases the production of oils in the skin aiding in skin lubrication.
• Products containing an oil or cream base can improve the water balance of the skin and further increase the secretion of oils. These products include hydrating and moisturising masks with essential oils that help reduce dehydration. More oily applications also coats the skin’s surface and prevents natural water loss.
• Facial skin therapy used in conjunction with an oil mask increases the lymph flow and glandular activity. Avoid excessive or prolonged facial steaming as this can ultimately cause dehydration of the skin.
• Avoid the use of harsh soaps (perfumed or antibacterial)  as they tend to strip the skin of its natural oils leading to a further dryness of the skin
• A creamy facial cleanser will cleanse the skin leaving whilst leaving behind a thin layer of film to prevent loss of moisture
• Exfoliating the skin twice a week is sufficient to remove surface dirt without removing excess oils from the skin
• Eye gel or cream helps to nourish the delicate skin around the eye area minimizing the visibility of wrinkles will also assist with skin hydration.
• Daily moisturizing is important as the moisturizer acts as a protective barrier preventing the loss of moisture from the skin.
• A rich night cream applied daily before bed time prevents and treats the occurence of white patches of dry skin.
• Facial masks such as avocado and hot oil masks helps to hydrate and nourish the skin and reduce water loss.
• Increased intake of fluids will replenish the water lost as sweat through the skin.
• Avoid the intake of caffeinated drinks, alcohol and smoking.

Factors to consider when analyzing the skin

Skin Moisture Level

The level of moisture in the skin (skin hydration) is maintained by the volume of water present in the body in general. Skin cannot be rehydrated if the person is dehydrated. Moisture is lost through the skin as sweat which is secreted through the pores of the skin in the superficial layer of the skin (epidermis). The lost water is replenished by the dermis (deeper layer of the skin) which is nourished by tissue fluid and blood. With age, the level of moisture retained in the dermis decreases and is therefore unable to effectively replace the loss of moisture in the epidermis. Excessive dieting, over exposure to the sun and the effects of wind on the skin can lead to the loss of moisture which affects the water-electrolyte balance of the skin.

Temperature of the Skin

An epidermis [upper layer of skin] that has a dilation of surface capillaries(micro-vessels) with a pink appearance and is easily stimulated indicates a high skin temperature. A skin with a lower skin temperature has a compact epidermis with a creamy skin appearance. The temperature of the skin may change temporarily due to emotional disturbances such as nervousness and embarrassment, known as flushing of the skin or ‘blushing’. The importance of the normal skin temperature is crucial in determining the skin’s condition for treatments of the body. This allows the skin to respond appropriately to the treatments preventing aggravation of the skin. Increase in temperature after the application of certain skin products may indicate inflammation.

Texture of the Skin

The texture of the skin aids in determining the skin type. Skin with large, open pores indicates an ‘oily’ skin type whilst a smooth, finer pore size is categorized as a ‘dry’ skin type. The texture of the skin is dependent on the secretion of the sebaceous gland (skin oil glands) and the skin’s moisture level.

Acid or alkaline (pH) Balance of the Skin

The pH of the skin distinguishes the degree of alkalinity or acidity of the skin. The scale of the pH level is measured from 1 to 14. The pH levels less than 7 indicates an acid balance while alkaline levels are categorized as a pH greater than 7. The ideal pH level of the skin is 7.5 which is almost neutral, neither acid nor alkaline. Keratinization of the epidermis and the secretions of both the sebaceous and sweat glands form the skins acid creates a mantle that protects the skin against infection and this may affect the pH of the skin.

Taking these factors into consideration helps to determine the individual’s type of skin from the categories of oily, normal, dry and combination. Analyzing the skin aids in suitable treatment regimes that is most beneficial to the individual skin type. Treatments that are contra-indicated for the different skin types should be identified before commencing the treatment, thereby preventing side effects.

What causes oily skin?

At puberty, or during hormonal fluctuations that cause oily skin, the action of these androgens increases the size of the oil glands in the skin (sebaceous glands) as well as causing enlarged pores. This enlarged glands and pores result in more oil being produced as well as more oil being secreted onto the skin. It is often believed that oily skin is a result of external factors but long term oily skin is very much an internal process regulated by the body’s hormones.

What is a whitehead and blackhead?

Sebum or skin oil is a thick, fatty secretion which can easily block the pores, cause whiteheads or blackheads and result in a pimple or pustule due to secondary bacterial infection. The sebaceous gland has deep ducts with short hair-like filaments facilitating the flow of sebum to the external surface of the skin. Any obstruction to the flow of sebum will cause a build up of skin oil resulting in a white, waxy plug that is commonly referred to as a whitehead (closed comedone). Due to the action of oxidation caused by air, the oil plug becomes a blackhead (open comedone).

What is a pimple?

Inflammation due to a blocked pore will cause a slight raised conical elevation known as a papule or commonly referred to as a pimple. Bacteria on the skin, either naturally occurring skin bacteria or germs from other sources, can infect the inflamed skin and result in a pustule (pustular or ‘pus’ pimple).

Skin Care for Oily Skin

• A daily skin care regime is essential in reducing the oil build up on the skin. Cleansing should be regular and thorough and done at least twice a day, morning and night.
• Cleanse the skin with a gel cleanser to remove any surface dirt or grit.
• Exfoliate with a granular exfoliating application which is best suited for oily skin. The scrubbing action helps dislodge and oil build up, and deeper lying grit or dead skin cells that may be obstructing the pores.
• Toning with an antibacterial agent will disinfectant the skin. A toner has an astringent effect on the skin thereby causing a temporary reduction in pore size. Alcohol based toners should be avoided as they may cause excessive drying of the skin.
• A light moisturizer with a high water and low oil content is advisable to hydrate the skin rather than ‘oiling’ the skin with a cream.
• Spot creams can be applied on the problem area or directly on pimples to reduce inflammation and prevent any infection. The spot or blemish applications allows drying out of the pimple so that the area can heal faster.
• A sunscreen (non-greasy formula) should be applied daily to reduce blemishing, especially where there is sun sensitivity of the skin.
• Avoid pinching or squeezing a pimple. This may seem like a ‘quick fix’ solution but often causes scarring as well as causing new pimples to erupt in the area.
• If you have long hair, it is important to wear it in a manner that prevents the hair from touching the face. Hair is usually oily and traps dust and bacteria in the air.
• Smokers and nail biters should be cautious about touching their face with unwashed hands. The remnants of tobacco and bacteria from the mouth is easily transferred to the skin where it can aggravate inflammation and cause an infection.