One of the biggest misconceptions in the beauty realm is that dry skin is the same thing as dehydrated skin. You heard that right—the two are not the same condition. With cooler, windier and harsher temperatures quickly headed our way, it’s important to determine whether you in fact have dry skin or dehydrated skin. Once you’re able to tell the difference, you’ll be able to determine the proper skincare ritual for your skin type or condition and be on your way to healthy, moisturized and plump skin.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is a skin type—something that you’re naturally born with. (Skin types are typically categorized as dry, oily, combination, normal and sensitive.) Dry skin is alipidic skin—meaning skin that lacks oil. Since skin relies heavily on oil to hold moisture into the skin, skin may appear flaky and rough without it. Dry skin may also lead to a damaged barrier function, resulting in inflammation and increased sensitivity. When you have dry skin, your pores may appear small, but you may notice visible lines and red patches, dryness on the sides of your face and an overall rough, dull complexion. Your skin may look and feel lifeless.
Additionally, hormones may come into play. After menopause, estrogen levels decrease, which can sometimes cause tight, dry skin. To treat your delicate dry skin, you need to thoroughly cleanse and replenish the skin with a protective layer to prevent further moisture loss.
First, we recommend that you cleanse with our Geothermal Clay Cleanser, which is a wonderful blend of hydrating natural oils, mineral-rich clays and calming chilean soap bark.
Next, restore moisture and soothe redness with our Dew pH Perfector, containing nourishing amino acids, lactic acid, aloe, camphor, witch-hazel and arnica montana.
Lock moisture in by completing your skin routine with our Crème ER3, which deeply hydrates the skin with ingredients like Non-GMO soy, wild yam and nanolipo hGH.
Next, we recommend using one of our three Extraordinary Face Oils—Nancy’s Blend for sensitive skin or Jacqueline’s Blend for aging skin—to restore the oil content in your skin and lock in the wonderful benefits of Crème ER3.
Dehydrated Skin
Now let’s talk about dehydrated skin. One important factor that differentiates dehydrated skin from dry skin is that dehydrated skin is actually a skin condition where the skin lacks water content. However, the skin may still produce oil.
Whether genetic or environmental, dehydrated skin often appears flaky, feels tight and easily forms fine lines due to the lack of water in the skin. Dehydrated skin is common among those who use harsh products for treating acne or oily skin. To treat dehydrated skin, you need to use products that attract water from the environment to replenish your skin.
Cleanse with our Geothermal Clay Cleanser, tone with Dew pH Perfector and restore moisture with our ABO +|- Serum For Face, which contains wonderfully hydrating high-tech ingredients. In the morning, lock moisture in for the day ahead with our Daily Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 43 for deeply penetrating hydration and broad-spectrum sun protection. Ingredients like tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), ascorbyl palmitate and hyaluronic acid seal in moisture while also acting as an anti-aging powerhouse.
Treating your dry or dehydrated skin is an ongoing process that requires daily nourishing and replenishing. In addition to our product recommendations, you should keep your skin moisturized at all times and never leave your skin bare for more than 60 seconds after washing or rinsing your face.
By incorporating these tips into your skincare routine, your skin will feel supple and nourished, well into the winter months ahead.
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