The Skincare Guide: Dehydrated Skin ~ Curious Alisa

Sunday, 23 August 2015

The Skincare Guide: Dehydrated Skin

Before I delve in with this post, I want to make something clear very quickly. Dehydrated skin is not a skin type. There are 4 skin types: dry, normal, combination, and oily. Every single one of these skin types (aka everyone) can have dehydrated skin, it is simply a skin phase/current state, not type. For example, I have combination/oily skin, but my skin craves moisture like no other and is constantly on the verge of being dehydrated.

The best way to combat dehydrated skin, as well as treat those with dry skin types, is layering. Layering products will become your new best friend. And there are several ways of doing it.

#1) Hydrating Serum: these serums are designed with only 1 goal - to add a boost of hydration. They usually contain the following ingredients: glycerin and hyaluronic acid (usually listed as Sodium Hyaluronate). Glycerin works by attracting water and helps maintain the outer barrier of the skin. Hyaluronic acid works similarly to glycerin but it has a bit more oomph because it's capable of absorbing up to 1000 times its weight in water. By using these ingredients you're essentially making the most out of your moisturizer, it acts like a magnet or glue and attracts all the moisture from your cream.

Recommendations:

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum ($39)

Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron ($30)

#2) Hydrating Toner: similar to serum, but different consistency. I'm currently using the Benton BHA toner, which lists Sodium Hyaluronate as the second ingredient! Incredibly hydrating and calming on the skin.

Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner ($22)

#3) Facial Oils: probably one of the best and quickest cures to dehydrated skin, works with all skin types, including funny enough those with combination/oily skin types. I know those with that particular skin type will be shocked to hear this, but the best way to fight oil is with oil! Think about it. Your skin is producing oil, usually excess oil, because it thinks it's dehydrated and thus needs to supply the skin with oil to prevent further loss of moisture. But if your skin already has oil on it, specifically the good nourishing kind, then it won't feel inclined to produce oil of its own. And in the long run, your skin will become more balanced. Facial oils are especially great during winter time.

There are some really nice facial oils out there, and yes some are better quality than others, so paying more does make a difference in what you receive. Some nice essential oils to seek out for include: rosehip, jojoba, pomegranate, flax seed oil, etc. There are too many to count ingredients out there, so you can go ahead and try out to see, which one you like best.

Recommendations:

Antipodes Divine Face Oil Organic Avocado Oil & Rosehip ($35-full size, $20 mini set)

This is my go-to facial oil. I always wake up with good, supple skin with this one.

Sunday Riley - Artemis ($75)

Sunday Riley - Juno ($90)

Sunday Riley facial oils are the creme de la creme of skincare. They're ridiculously expensive, and luxurious, but also give amazing results and have to-die-for ingredients. Obviously, don't buy these if you don't have the budget or the will. They'd make wonderful birthday or anniversary presents. If you're a skincare fanatic, then obviously this will be on your wish list (it's certainly on mine).

#4) Moisturizers: an obvious answer, but nonetheless important. A good moisturizer will impart moisture as well as seal off all the moisture that you've been layering with the previously mentioned products. My personal favourites tend to include Shea Butter, an incredibly rich moisturizing ingredient. However, I do avoid it in my nose area because it's too heavy for areas with big pores and can possibly lead to blackheads for some. But it's great for areas prone to dryness, like your cheeks. Here are a couple of recommendations for those with really dry skin, so probably not ideal for those looking for a light moisturizer:

The Face Shop Mango Seed Butter ($35)

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream ($50 full size, $20 mini set)

#5) Sleeping Packs: if you really want to sandwich as much moisture as possible before going to bed, then a sleeping pack is right up your ally. It essentially works as a sleep-in mask that you put on top of your moisturizer and seals in all moisture, leaving you with soft baby skin in the morning. If you're not a fan of facial oils, then this would be a good alternative. It's another good addition to your skincare routine in the winter time. They tend to be silicone heavy, something to keep in mind.

Recommendations: