Have you ever been told by your facialist that your skin is dehydrated? It’s a common problem, even for those who diligently care for their skin. In fact, searches for hydrating serums and skincare have skyrocketed on Google Trends in recent months. But what exactly is dehydrated skin, and how do we combat it?
Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme, a general medicine consultant and expert aesthetic physician, explains that dehydrated skin lacks water or has reduced water retention abilities. This can lead to a feeling of tightness, dryness, and, in severe cases, scaling and irritation. Beyond the discomfort, dehydrated skin can also look dull, sallow, and highlight fine lines, diminishing that coveted radiant glow.
Beyond the aesthetics, Pamela Marshall, clinical aesthetician and co-founder of Mortar & Milk, emphasizes the importance of hydration for overall skin health. She explains that dehydrated skin sends signals to the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, potentially leading to acne breakouts or flushing. Proper hydration helps to calm these inflammatory responses.
So, how do we achieve that coveted hydrated glow? Let’s dive into expert-backed tips to nourish your skin from the inside out:
Hydration Starts From Within
Unsurprisingly, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is essential, but it’s not enough. A balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids plays a crucial role. Marshall explains that our skin needs both water and lipids to thrive. Incorporate foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, and oily fish into your diet to support skin hydration at the cellular level. Additionally, consider taking an omega supplement like Artah’s Essential Omegas.
Step Away From Harsh Actives
While actives like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinol can be beneficial for the skin, using them excessively can actually contribute to dehydration. Marshall advises moderation, comparing them to a piece of cake—enjoyed in moderation, but potentially harmful if consumed daily.
For a gentler approach to exfoliation, consider incorporating polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) into your routine. These molecules are larger than AHAs, making them less irritating and more sustainable for long-term use. They offer similar benefits—exfoliation, smoothing—while also acting as antioxidants and humectants, protecting and retaining moisture.
Dr. Ejikeme emphasizes the importance of listening to your skin. If it feels dehydrated or irritated, reduce or temporarily stop exfoliation. Instead, focus on ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide, which strengthen the skin barrier, support collagen production, and minimize transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Opt for gentle cleansers to avoid further irritation.
Hydrating Ingredients to Embrace
Hyaluronic acid, the darling of the hydration world, can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water, making it a popular ingredient for its moisture-retaining abilities. But don’t overlook glycerin, another remarkable hydrator. It acts as the skin’s natural moisturizing factor, is readily available, and can penetrate deeper than hyaluronic acid, preventing irritation.
Dr. Ejikeme suggests incorporating other humectants like panthenol and aloe vera into your routine. For locking in moisture, consider ingredients like ceramides, sphingosine, and fatty acids.
Serums are excellent for delivering hydrating ingredients directly to the skin, while moisturizers act as a protective barrier, locking those ingredients in and further preventing dehydration. As with all skincare, consistency and long-term use are key for seeing noticeable results.
Top Hydrators to Try
[List of 14 great hydrators to try now]
