Weather fluctuations and lifestyle shifts can wreak havoc on the skin. One day your complexion may be supple and hydrated, and the next it’s dry and unresponsive to your standard regimen. While it’s common for most to quickly switch up the products being used, that’s not always the optimal solution. Rather than asking yourself if your products aren’t suited for your skin, you may actually need to question if your skin is dry or simply temporarily dehydrated.

In order to properly treat your skin concerns, you must identify the root of them. Dry skin is a skin type while dehydrated skin is a condition which can occur with any skin type. There are many ways to determine if your skin is dry or if your overall hydration levels are low, so hopefully these tips will help keep your skin in check…

• If your skin feels dry and oily at the same time, it’s dehydrated. Skin will produce excess oil to supplement the lack of hydration from within, which can also create breakouts and increased inflammation.

• If your skin soaks up moisturizer yet still feels malnourished, you have dry skin. You’ll not only notice this on your face, your entire body will react the same to standard moisturizers.

• If you have more visible fine lines/wrinkles and your skin is tight, you are dehydrated. Lacking proper hydration sucks the life right out of the skin and your face will be the first place to show it.

• If you’re experiencing flaking or peeling, your skin is dry. This is caused by your skin lacking natural oils that maintain optimal moisture levels.

• If your skin mildly irritated and sensitive, it’s dehydrated. This is common in the fall and winter as humidity levels and air temperatures drop.

• If your complexion is consistently dull no matter the season, you have dry skin. External moisture will have no real effect on your skin as you need to replenish oils vs water levels.

Once you’ve determined if your skin is dry or dehydrated, you’ll be able to properly treat the issue. The products best suited for you will ultimately depend on the root of the problem, so pay close attention to formulations. Many of the same ingredients will treat both dry and dehydrated skin, but heavier moisturizers are ideal for dry skin while nourishing serums are best for dehydration.

* HYDRATING/MOISTURIZING INGREDIENTS *

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B5
• Aloe Vera
• Allantoin
• Niacinamide
• Safflower Oil

Should you determine the issue stems from dehydration, increasing your water intake will aid your efforts to restore moisture levels. This especially applies if you’re exposed to colder air (including air conditioning), excessively sweating, overindulging in alcohol, or over-exfoliating. Your Aesthetician can properly assess your skin and provide guidance on products, and you can also take a skin assessment here and use discount code “TheBeautySaint” for 10% off any online purchase at DBH.

Xoxo

~ Carissa