What is skin dehydration?

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.