Dry Skin - EC Clinic London

Dry and Dehydrated skin

Dehydrated skin and dry skin are two distinct yet often misunderstood skin conditions, however, they could present similar symptoms on the skin:

Dehydrated Skin: Dehydrated skin is characterised by a lack of water in the skin, a condition that can affect all skin types, including oily skin. This often imparts a sensation of tightness, dullness, and increased fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a transient concern influenced by factors such as insufficient water intake, excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol, environmental influences, or the use of exfoliation skincare products.

Dry Skin: In contrast, dry skin is a skin type typified by insufficient natural oil production. This enduring condition tends to be a rough, itchy, and taut sensation. Dry skin may induce redness, flakiness, and, in severe cases, even fissures. Genetic inclination, ageing, harsh climatic conditions, and specific medical factors can contribute to dry skin.

Both conditions can coexist, with the skin experiencing both dehydration and dryness. It remains imperative to address hydration and moisturisation holistically to sustain the well-being and comfort of your skin. EC Aesthetic Clinic London offers different skin treatments to improve your dry or dehydration skin, including HydraFacial, Luxury Tailored Facial and Mesotherapy.

Symptoms

Signs of dry skin can be similar, which include dryness, more obvious fine lines, and itch. When skin loses enough moisture, it starts to flake off, which forms a rough texture, and becomes loose as age increases. It also can make the skin produce more oil which looks oily and shiny on the T zone.

As the skin dries out, the collagen in the skin will start breaking down, which develops more fine lines and wrinkles.

The outer layer of our skin continually renews itself and sheds off dead skin cells naturally in 28 days. When your skin sheds quicker than usual, the dead skin cells can block the pores and make the skin look rough.

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Causes

Our skin is formed by many layers and makes up a natural barrier to protect our body from the outside environment.

Dry skin can be caused by:

Environmental conditions such as high temperature, dry weather, central heating, frequent exposure to wind and sun;
Decreased production of sebum which often happens when we age.
Genetically, it is born with a dry skin type with less oil glands in the skin.

Dehydrated skin results from inadequate moisture levels, triggered by diverse internal and external factors. Common causes encompass:

Environment: Dry climates, low humidity, wind, and indoor heating/cooling sap skin moisture.
Water Intake: Insufficient hydration directly affects the skin, causing dryness and flaking.
Harsh Products: Aggressive cleansers, toners, and exfoliants disrupt the skin’s moisture barrier.
Over-Exfoliation: Excessive exfoliation removes the skin’s protective layer, leading to water loss.
Hot Water: Prolonged hot water exposure strips natural oils and moisture.
Medications: Certain drugs like diuretics and hormonal meds contribute to dehydration.
Age: Skin’s moisture retention ability decreases with age, elevating dehydration risk.
Diet: Lack of vital nutrients impacts skin health and hydration.
Alcohol/Caffeine: Overconsumption dehydrates the body, affecting the skin.
Health Conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, and thyroid issues disrupt the skin’s moisture balance.
Overwashing: Excessive cleansing or harsh soaps strip natural oils, leading to dehydration.
Sun Exposure: Prolonged UV exposure leads to skin moisture loss.