Questions for Dehydration

Skin dehydration generally refers to the inability of the epidermis to retain healthy levels of water. There are a number of reasons for skin dehydration – we have dealt with this in detail on the Esse SkinZone. Visit the SkinZone and choose dehydration as your primary concern.

• Fine vertical lines in the corners of eye and lash line
• Abnormal desquamation of skin cells leads to a scaly skin surface
• Skin scars, tears and marks easily

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A dry skin is lipid deficient while a dehydrated skin is water deficient.

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A person of any age or skin type can be dehydrated. An impaired acid mantle and/or essential fatty acid deficiency can lead to decreased water content of the stratum corneum.

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When addressing any skin condition that is linked to hydration, treatment must include the systems that are responsible for the maintenance of body fluids i.e. the lymphatic and circulatory systems.
If you want to retain water in the epidermis or slow its movement down the oil phases of the skin need to be balanced. An impaired acid mantle will result in fast trans epidermal water loss.

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Avoid excessive use of harsh, drying cleansers and toners.
If there is poor internal body hydration the supply of fluids to the epidermis is reduced so ensure sufficient water intake. Be aware of the diuretic side effect of caffeine and medication such as sinus medication. Extra water needs to be taken to compensate for these.
Wherever possible, avoid artificial environments with low humidity as dry air will cause higher trans- epidermal water loss.
Follow a healthy diet that includes adequate quantities of essential fatty acids.
Have regular facials and massage treatments.

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Yes, diet is important. Poor nutrition such as a fat free diet can have a negative effect. Good levels of healthy fats such as those containing omega 3 is important. A deficiency in essential fatty acids will contribute to a reduced lipid phase of the upper epidermis and this will affect trans-epidermal water loss. Foods such as oily fish and green leafy vegetables with cold pressed plant seed oils are all beneficial.
Increase fluid intake and reduce tea/coffee and alcohol consumption.
Processed sugar affects the pH of the skin and can result in an impaired acid mantle. This can lead to decreased water in the stratum corneum, so excess sugar should be avoided.

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The overuse of foaming cleansing agents containing harsh surfactants and poor quality cosmetics will aggravate a dehydrated skin.
A dry sauna with low humidity will increase loss of water from the epidermis especially if this is not replenished internally.
Sunbeds aggravate skin dehydration.

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