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.

Step 1 – Cleanse

Cleansing you skin and removing dirt, makeup and other impurities that clog your skin is essential. You should cleanse your skin at least twice a day with a mild, non-irritating cleanser. Your cleanser should not strip your skin of its natural oils and it should easily rinse away.

Always consider your skin type first when choosing a cleanser. A good cleanser will remove impurities without leaving residue. You should avoid cleansing with soap. This is because skin is slightly acidic and soap is alkaline. This disrupts the skin’s naturally acidic protective film.

Oil based cleansers are suitable for all skin types.

Cream cleansers will suit a dry skin.

Smooth on the cleanser and leave it for a few seconds to dissolve impurities. Then very gently wipe it off with cotton wool or damp tissue. When using a wash off cleanser you should apply it to damp skin and then remove with warm water.

Dry Skin Treatment Products

There is a whole host of moisturizing lotions, creams and oils to help combat or heal dry skin. It is best to use perfume and alcohol free based moisturizing products. Use thinner moisturizing creams for in the summer and thicker creams for in the winter and Instead of using soap use moisturizing showering gel.

Such products are available at a chemist, beauty shop or for more severe cases of dry skin, consult professional advice as you may have eczema or psoriasis which requires different kind of treatment altogether.

Eczema Treatment

There are numerous ways to care for or treat eczema, which really starts with good skin care. Always consult your doctor/physician or dermatologist first and please note that some forms of treatment can cause side effects.

The following are the most common forms of eczema treatment: -

Emollients

Emollients reduce skin water loss and prevents dry skin which is associated with eczema by preparing a seal over the infected areas. Emollients come in various forms of treatment from ointments, lotions to creams and there are literally hundreds of products so shop around. Emollients can be used to treat mild to moderate forms of eczema and can be applied directly to the skin or added to bath water for example.

What Causes Dry Skin

Dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture or oil in the skin and is especially common during winter months when heating systems can dry up the air.

Bathing with hot water, the skin’s aging process, spending time in the sun and exposure to other factors can also lead to dry skin such as low humidity, using alcohol based lotions, using or coming into contact with certain chemicals and cleaning products, pregnancy can cause dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, fungal skin infections, heatstroke, sunstroke, hypothyroidism, uremia Ichthyosis and Vitamin A deficiency.

Inherited factors and metabolic factors like an underactive thyroid gland, or excessive weight loss are also believed to be causes of dry skin.