Dehydrated Skin: Understanding and Treating Dryness
What is Dehydrated Skin?
Dehydrated skin occurs when the skin's ability to retain water molecules on the surface is impaired. This is primarily due to irregularities in the skin's structure, preventing it from retaining water in the deeper layers, leading to rapid dehydration. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options for dehydrated skin.
Characteristics of Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin is characterized by a loss of elasticity and radiance. It often feels tight and itchy, especially after cleansing, and may exhibit flaking.
Is Dehydrated Skin the Same as Dry Skin?
Dry skin is a permanent skin type lacking both lipids and water. Dehydrated skin, however, is a temporary condition that can be reversed with proper treatment. It's characterized by a lack of water in the epidermis (the outermost skin layer). This lack of hydration disrupts the skin's barrier function, leading to discomfort.
Who is Affected by Dehydrated Skin?
Dehydrated skin can affect all skin types.
Causes of Dehydrated Skin
Water plays a crucial role in the body, and the skin acts as a reservoir, supplying other organs. It facilitates exchange with the external environment, with water moving from the epidermis to the surface, hydrating the various layers. If this "physiological barrier" is disrupted, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) accelerates, causing faster dehydration as water from the dermis no longer reaches the epidermis. The hydrolipidic film is then unable to function properly. The hydrolipid film naturally protects water on the skin's surface, while the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) blocks evaporation.
Factors Contributing to Dehydrated Skin
Several factors can contribute to dehydrated skin:
- Medical treatments: Some treatments for conditions like cholesterol or acne.
- Environmental factors: Sun exposure, wind, low temperatures, and pollution.
- Harsh cosmetics and detergents: Cleansing products and other products that dry the skin.
- Emotional factors: Chronic stress and fatigue.
- Lifestyle factors: Alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Skin's Water Regulation Mechanism
The skin has a built-in regulation mechanism involving two components: bound water and free water. This mechanism maintains equilibrium between these components. Hydroregulation involves:
- Lipids in the stratum corneum: Insufficient or damaged lipids compromise cell cohesion, increasing evaporation and leading to constant water loss. Properly hydrated skin needs to retain water, making healthy intercellular lipids crucial.
- Aquaporins: Water channels within the epidermis that facilitate water circulation essential for healthy skin function.
- Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF): Molecules that retain water in the stratum corneum.
Treating Dehydrated Skin
Consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. This may involve changing irritating products or adjusting skincare routines after illness or treatment. Protecting your skin from chlorinated water, cold, and sun is crucial. Drink 1.5 liters of water daily, avoid air-conditioned or overly heated rooms, and use gentle cleansers and dermocosmetics with natural active ingredients. To repair the skin barrier and reduce tightness, cleanse gently, pat dry (don't rub), and apply a moisturizing and softening protective cream.
Assessing Dehydration Levels
To assess dehydration, a skin diagnostic test at a medical aesthetics clinic can be performed. This typically uses a corneometer (measuring skin hydration) and measures electrical conductivity (well-hydrated tissue offers less electrical resistance). An evaporimeter ( Tewameter) can also measure the skin's moisture level.
Summary
Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that can be reversed with proper care and attention. Seeking professional advice from a dermatologist is highly recommended.
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