In this edition of our blog series, Beneath the Surface, that analyses different skin types, we are exploring the typical characteristics of dry skin, how this differs from dehydrated skin and our top product recommendations to combat dryness and improve skin moisture levels.
What is dry skin?
The medical term for dry skin is xerosis or xeroderma and this is a common condition of the skin that affects people of all ages. Individuals with a dry skin type generally produce fewer natural oils which results in the skin looking and feeling rough, itchy, flaky or scaly. Due to the skin lacking moisture, fine lines and wrinkles often appear to be more noticeable and can also lack volume and plumpness. Dry skin can also be more reactive and easily irritated so finding products which contain ingredients to target dryness whilst protecting the skins barrier is fundamental.
What causes dry skin?
Dry skin is caused by a lack of oil production but also due to water loss from the outer layer of skin. This impairs the skin’s protective barrier function and limits its ability to repel various micro-organisms. There are many environmental aspects that can contribute to skin becoming dry such as cold and low-humidity climates, or too much sun exposure. Individuals with certain skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis are more likely to have dry skin and dry skin can also be genetic. As people age, the skin becomes thinner and produces less of the oils needed for the skin to retain moisture, making dry skin a common complaint as we age. Using skincare products containing harsh soaps or excessively exfoliating can remove the skins natural oils, making the skin unable to hold moisture, leaving it dry and/or irritated.
What is dehydrated skin?
It is common for people to have both dry and dehydrated skin. However, dry skin lacks oil and dehydrated skin lacks water. Both dry and dehydrated skin have similar characteristics of feeling dry and tight
but dehydrated skin can look oily and be prone to breakouts. For dehydrated skin, products with a Hyaluronic Acid base will bind water to collagen, trapping it in the skin, boosting plumpness and increasing moisture levels.
Caring for your dry skin?
Dry skin is usually harmless, however, if it is not appropriately cared for, it can lead to Atopic dermatitis (eczema) and infections. Complications of dry skin usually occur when your skins protective barrier is severely compromised, for example, excessively dry skin may result in the skin cracking and bleeding providing a route in for invading bacteria.
With dry skin, the priority is to introduce moisture, this will seal in water to repair barrier function, limiting further damage. It is of upmost importance to make sure skin is well protected to prevent the skin also becoming problematic. Rich and nourishing formulations, such as balms and serums, containing rich emollients (moisturising ingredients) including fatty acids, glycerin and plant butters will help lock moisture into the skin. Chemical and mechanical exfoliation should be limited and skin should be treated extremely gently with fragrance-free, products to moisturise the skin whilst also repairing barrier function.
Along with skincare, nutritional supplementation can also aid in skin moisture levels. Supplements containing hyaluronic acid, ceremide’s, fatty acids and omegas will help to hydrate the skin from the inside out.
What No.109 can do for your dehydrated or dry skin
AquaGold Microchanelling:AquaGold isa 24 carat gold facial with ultra-fine prongs attached to a vial containing nutrient rich serum bespoke to your needs. A controlled “stamping” technique allows the gold needles to penetrate the skin causing micropunctures that enable the serum to be delivered deeper into the epidermis of the skin, much more than a traditional style facial. Delivery of hyaluronic acid and vitamins into the epidermis allows enrichment of the skin and an instant dewy glow.
Hydrafacial with Dr Nassif Hydraglucan Booster: HydraFacial is the only hydradermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously, resulting in clearer, more beautiful skin with little-to-no downtime. The treatment is soothing, moisturizing, non-invasive and generally non-irritating. Utilising the Hydraglucan booster, which contains hyaluronic acid, hydrates, repairs, protects and restores plumpness to the skin whilst also addressing viable signs of aging.
LED with SkinCeuticals regime to boost hydration: The treatment has eight steps with pre-cleanse, cleanse, tone, treat, prevent, mask, correct and protect with different products being used at each stage; our Opatra LED pro will also be used during treatment with the yellow light to hydrate the skin and help to promote collagen production. This is the choice for treating sensitive skin as it boosts circulation and lymphatic flow (draining toxins) as well as smoothing and comforting and hydrating the skin.
Our Obagi Hydrate Lux: Obagi Hydrate Luxe combines innovative technology and naturally produced ingredients such as shea butter, mango butter and avocado oil to combat skin dryness. Obagi Hydrate Luxe facial moisturiser contains hydromanil, which has been shown to dramatically improve the moisture content of the skin. Hydromanil is a moisturiser naturally derived from tara seed, which offers a two in one moisturising effect.
SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier: This intensive, multi-functional serum has been clinically proven to increase skin’s levels of hyaluronic acid by 30%. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the skin that is renowned for its ability to hold up to 1000x its weight in water, as well as being able to plump lines and wrinkles.
La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Rich Moisturizing Cream: La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Rich Moisturizing Cream Offering intense hydration to all skin types including extremely dry, this moisturizing cream possesses a rich formula to deliver boost of hydration to the skin, restoring a smooth and calming feeling. The skin’s natural barrier function is strengthened, and tightness is diminished.
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