La dehydration of the skin is a common problem, but not always easy to recognize. A dehydrated skin is not just dry; it lacks water, which can affect all skin types, even oily skin. So, how do you know if your skin is dehydrated and what skincare products should you choose to deeply hydrate it? We explain everything!
WHAT IS DEHYDRATED SKIN?
Unlike dry skin, which lacks sebum (the oily substance that our skin naturally produces), dehydrated skin lack of water. This imbalance can affect all skin types, including oily or combination skin, and can be caused by external factors (climate, pollution, use of drying products), lifestyle habits (diet, insufficient hydration) or even internal factors (stress, hormonal changes).
SIGNS OF DEHYDRATED SKIN
It is important to know how to detect the signs of dehydration in order to choose the right products and actions to restore optimal hydration.
Here are some telltale signs:
Pulling:
One of the first signs of a dehydrated skin is a feeling of tightness, especially after cleansing your face. Your skin feels tight and uncomfortable, as if it lacks elasticity. This feeling often disappears after good moisturizing.
Dull and tired complexion:
Although it lacks water, it can sometimes appear to have a little more shine in certain areas (forehead, nose, chin). This happens because the dehydrated skin often reacts by producing more sebum to compensate for the loss of hydration, sometimes giving a shiny appearance. Dehydrated skin can therefore be both dull and shiny, but above all it lacks suppleness and luminosity.
Flaking skin:
Unlike dry skin which is generally rough, dehydrated skin may have specific areas where it flakes, especially around the nose, forehead, or cheeks. In other words, the skin "peels" slightly, as you might see after a sunburn. Flaking is a natural process of skin renewal, but it can become more visible and uncomfortable if the skin is particularly dry or damaged.
Increased sensitivity:
A dehydrated skin may become more sensitive and reactive to skincare products or weather conditions. You may experience tingling or even itching.
Dehydration wrinkles:
Dehydration lines often appear around the eyes, forehead or cheeks. These small wrinkles, sometimes more pronounced at the end of the day, are a sign that the skin lacks water.
WHAT CAUSES DEHYDRATION OF THE SKIN?
Skin can become dehydrated for many reasons. Here are a few:
- Climatic factors : Cold temperatures, wind, but also indoor air conditioning and heating dry out the air and deprive the skin of its natural hydration.
- Aggressive products: Some cleansers or treatments containing alcohol, sulfates or harsh fragrances can alter the skin barrier and promote dehydration.
- Bad nutrition : A diet low in fruits, vegetables and essential fatty acids can reduce the water content of the skin.
- Insufficient hydration: Drinking water is essential to maintain skin hydration. If you don't drink enough water, it can have a direct impact on your skin.
THE RIGHT STEPS TO REHYDRATE YOUR SKIN
Now that you know how to recognize a dehydrated skin, let's see how to restore its shine and comfort.
Cleanse your skin gently
A gentle, moisturizing cleanser is crucial to avoid making dehydration worse. Avoid harsh products or products that contain alcohol, which dry out the skin even more. Opt for moisturizing cleansing gels or milks, formulated to maintain the skin's natural balance.
- Shea Moisture - Hydrating Body Wash 384ml
- Honey Beauty - Deep Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- In'oya - My exfoliating cleansing gel - 150ml
- Fashion Fair - Ultra Rich Cleanser & Makeup Remover 107ml
Choose a hydrating serum
A serum is a concentrated treatment that provides maximum deep hydration. Look for serums that contain hyaluronic acid, a molecule that retains up to 1 times its weight in water, ideal for restoring hydration. The serum should be applied before the cream to maximize its effect.
- Ecooking - Hydrating serum - 20ml
- Honey Beauty - Hydrating Serum - 40ml
- WAAM - Moisturizing aloe vera gel - 200ml
- Makari - Blue Crystal Ultimate Intense Regenerating Serum - 50 ml
Use a suitable moisturizer
Choose a moisturizer that is suited to your skin type (oily, combination, dry) but also contains moisturizing agents. Creams with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or plant extracts (like aloe vera) are excellent for retaining moisture in the skin.
- Makari - Moisturizing cream - 50 ml - SPF 15
- Makari - Moisturizing cream with argan and almond oil - 50 ml
- Che Organics - Aloe & Squalane Face Moisturizer - 120ml
- Fashion Fair - Moisturizing Cream - 48g
- Morimax - Shea Moisturizing Cream - 150ml
- Dr Botanicals - Nourishing Day Moisturizer - 60mll
Incorporate a hydrating mask into your routine
A hydrating mask, applied once or twice a week, can provide an intense water recharge to the skin. Sheet masks or gel masks are particularly effective for this. They deeply nourish and leave the skin soft and plump.
- Dr Botanicals - Cocoa & Coconut Revitalizing Hydrating Mask 60ml
- Ecooking - Hydrating mask - 50ml
- Dr Botanicals - Nourishing Day Moisturizer - KI Kale - 60ml
- Kiehl's - Ultra facial overnight hydrating mask - 28ml / 125 ml
Hydrate from the inside out
Drink enough water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside. Also, favor foods rich in water (cucumber, melon, etc.) and essential fatty acids (such as oily fish and nuts).
Protect your skin from external aggressions
Use sunscreen all year round, even in winter, as the sun dries out the skin and promotes signs of aging. Also, in cold or windy weather, remember to cover your skin well to limit moisture loss.
- Kojie San - Sunscreen SPF 50 - 90g
- Makari - Moisturizing sunscreen SPF 50 - 150 ml
- Hawaiian Tropic - Silk Effect Facial Sunscreen SPF 30 - 50 mll
- COSRX - Aloe Soothing Sunscreen SPF 50 - 50 ml
WHY ARE GOOD PRODUCTS ESSENTIAL?
Using the right moisturizing products helps your skin restore and maintain optimal hydration. Without adequate hydration, your skin barrier becomes fragile, and your skin can become irritated more easily. The right products act as an additional protective barrier, preventing water loss and strengthening your skin's resistance to external aggressions.
Do you recognize any of these signs in your skin? It's time to give it the hydration it deserves.
Whether you choose a serum, a cream, or a hydrating mask, incorporating the right care into your daily routine will make all the difference for radiant and perfectly hydrated skin.