How do you know if your skin is simply dehydrated or if you actually have Dry Skin? When talking about skincare, the two are often used interchangeably, but when it comes down to it, Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin may share some of the same symptoms and characteristics, however, each has different causes and needs to properly managing them.
Dry Skin is classified as a skin condition where it’s lacking moisture, which is caused when the sebum glands don’t produce enough oil to maintain the adequate moisture levels needed to keep skin protected from environmental factors. Dry skin, on the other hand, is when your skin lacks water in the uppermost layer of the skin. This results in the skin’s protective barrier function being disrupted, allowing in irritants and bacteria that can result in itchy, tight and dry skin.
Let’s start by exploring how we tell the difference between the two.
Dehydrated Skin: Dehydrated skin is classified as a skin concern and can occur for two main reasons: either you are not drinking enough water, or if your water intake is on the up, then it may be that your skin’s natural barrier function becomes compromised due to external factors. Cold or dry weather, sun damage, harsh soaps, changes to your skincare and exposure to chemicals such as chlorine can all result in a compromised skin barrier leading to Transepidermal Water Loss. Dehydrated Skin is often temporary.
What to Look for: Dry skin will look dull, lacklustre and flat. The skin can have some small rough areas, skin can appear to look “cracked” (hello shins), and fine lines and wrinkles can be more visible because of the de-plumping effect that a lack of water does to your skin cells.
What Your Skin Needs: For Dehydrated Skin you need to up the water content of that uppermost layer of skin, so look for water-based lotion and hydrating body wash that will cleanse without stripping your skin. Our Activated Charcoal Body Wash uses a powerful natural filter that deactivates harsh chemicals and chlorine left your skin, effectively cleansing your skin without stripping away the natural oils and “good bacteria” your skin needs to maintain a healthy and strong barrier function. Look for ingredients that will help to bind and hold water in your skin such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Glycerine. The Clean Swim Skincare range offers a no-shower formula body spray containing both Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C to instantly strip away the chlorine and heavy metals from skin while balancing the pH and locking hydration into the skin.
Dry Skin: Dry Skin is a skin condition relating to your skin type. Dry Skin will need to be managed continually, whereas dehydrated skin is more of a temporary concern.
Dry Skin happens when your skin isn’t producing enough oil to keep adequate moisture levels; this can be genetic, meaning you are born with this skin type. Your skin can change over time due to hormonal changes, your immunity, stress, or if your skin is constantly dehydrated this can then result in skin conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis.
What to Look for: Dry skin will often have a scaley and flakey texture, feel tight and uncomfortable and sometimes be red and inflamed. Exposure to heat and water can make Dry Skin feel uncomfortable and tight.
What Your Skin Needs: If you have Dry Skin, you must be gentle to ensure the skin doesn’t become inflamed or irritated. Dry Skin can be sensitive to fragrances and synthetics. The skincare you choose needs to be oil-based, nutrient-rich and calming.
Ceramides make up 60% of the Skin’s Barrier and are essential for maintaining adequate moisture in the skin; this should be a key ingredient in your skincare maintenance. The Clean Swim Lightweight Ceramide Lotion for your Face & Body will restore the hydration, moisture and fatty acids your skin needs after exposure to Chlorine and time in the water.
Pro-Biotics will also go a long way when it comes to dry skin, helping to balance the skin’s microbiome and moisture while reducing Transepidermal Water Loss. The Pro-Biotic Cleanser by Clean Swim is a lightly foaming but gentle cleanser that will not strip your skin of its essential natural oils but will effectively remove chlorine and harsh chemicals from your skin, along with dirt and impurities.
The Clean Swim Anti-Chafe Stick was designed to protect compromised areas of skin while in the water. The Anti-Chafe Stick is formulated with natural waxes to create a protective barrier while the Vitamin E and Oat Extract moisturise and soothes skin.
If you’re looking for more information on ingredients and how to care for your skin while in and out of the pool check out other blogs HERE.