Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin

There is a huge misconception between the difference between dry and dehydrated skin. So I have come here to set the record straight!!!

Truly dry skin is almost always thin textured with a tendency to wrinkle. The best example of this is your hands. When your hands are dry, they seem to age at a much faster rate then the rest of our body. As soon as you get a good moisturizer onto your hands. Wahla!!! Presto chango!!! Your hands become much younger looking almost instantly.

This dramatic change in the look of the skin is due to a lack of oil. A lack in oil results in moisture loss within the skin.

On the other hand, dehydration can be a concern for any skin type, even oily skin! When skin care experts refer to dehydrated skin, it has everything to do with water.

In a quest to control oil, many oily and combination skin types use harsh product that strip the life out of skin, causing it to feel dry and tight. Correctly managed skin should ALWAYS feel soft and supple, NEVER tight. After going through your skin regimen, your skin should have a shine to it, but when touched NEVER feels oily or greasy.

Dry skin is a skin type, while dehydrated skin is a skin concern caused by lack of moisture. Dehydrated skin can be easily diagnosed and even easier to remedy. While dry skin will always be dry, but can be kept in balance with the right skin care.

How to tell if you have dehydrated skin ... 

Lightly pinch the skin in the middle of your forehead. If it looks more like crepe paper, you are dehydrated.

How to remedy this problem...

Drink more water!!! Caffeinated beverages dehydrate you, due to their diuretic effect. So make sure for every cup of coffee, soda, wine, etc., you consume an additional glass of water to correct the effect.

Here is a simple equation to help you figure out how many cups of water you need to intake per day based on your weight. For every pound you weigh, you need approximately .5 ounces of fluid intake per day.

For instance, if you weigh 140 lbs., simply multiply 140 by .5 to estimate your daily fluid needs in ounces, then divide by eight to estimate your fluid needs in cups per day, rounding up to the nearest full cup.  [example:  140 x .5 = 70 ounces; 70 ounces divided by 8 = 9 cups of fluid per day]

Everyone talks about the magical wonders water does to the body and they are all true. If you are looking for more radiant skin, look at if you are consuming enough water first and foremost. It's the easiest fix you will every have.

Have a beachy day, filled with sunshine, warmth and cute cabana boys. HAHA!!! I totally have Spring fever.