Tight, dull skin does not always need more moisturiser.
Dryness and dehydration are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing.
Dry skin generally lacks oil.
Dehydrated skin lacks water.
It is possible to experience one or both at the same time.
Even oily or breakout-prone skin can become dehydrated.
SIGNS OF DRY OR DEHYDRATED SKIN
Common signs include:
- Tightness
- Flaking
- Roughness
- Dullness
- Increased sensitivity
- Fine dehydration lines
- Reduced comfort
- Makeup sitting unevenly
- Skin feeling tight after cleansing
Understanding the cause is important.
DRY SKIN
Dry skin often produces less natural oil.
It may feel consistently tight or rough and may require more support from emollient and barrier-supporting ingredients.
This can be a natural skin type or can become more noticeable with age.
DEHYDRATED SKIN
Dehydration can affect almost any skin type.
It may be influenced by environment, over-cleansing, active skincare, air conditioning, heating, lifestyle and insufficient barrier support.
Oily skin can sometimes become both shiny and dehydrated at the same time.
THE SKIN BARRIER
A compromised barrier can make it more difficult for the skin to retain water.
This can lead to tightness, sensitivity and a dull appearance.
Treatment therefore often focuses not only on adding hydration, but also on improving the skin’s ability to hold onto it.
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT
Treatment may focus on:
- Replenishing hydration
- Improving skin comfort
- Supporting barrier function
- Improving radiance
- Smoothing surface roughness
- Reducing the appearance of dehydration lines
More intensive exfoliation may be avoided until the skin is adequately supported.
HOMECARE
Homecare is extremely important for dry and dehydrated skin.
A good routine may include gentle cleansing, hydration, barrier-supporting moisturisers and ingredients designed to reduce water loss.
Over-cleansing and excessive exfoliation are common issues.
WHY SKIN CAN FEEL DRY AFTER TREATMENT
Some professional treatments temporarily affect the surface of the skin.
This can create short-term tightness or dryness.
Appropriate preparation and aftercare help the skin recover more comfortably.
YOUR DH MEDICAL CONSULTATION
A consultation allows us to understand whether the skin is truly dry, dehydrated, sensitised or experiencing a combination of these issues.
From there, treatment and homecare can be matched more accurately.
Understand the skin first.