For dehydrated skin, we need to avoid:
~ ingredients that will further dehydrate the skin
~ ingredients that will further damage the skin’s barrier function
Some of these ingredients are:
Denatured alcohol
This ingredient is drying on the skin. We do not need an ingredient that can dry up the skin further when the skin is already dehydrated.
Often, denatured alcohol is used in skincare products to help other ingredients in the product to penetrate the top layer of skin and get a bit deeper. Though that sounds helpful, it can also dry up the skin, which is not something that dehydrated skin needs.
If your skin is not dehydrated, you can debate whether it is okay in small amounts and its benefit versus harm, but when skin is dehydrated, don’t give it a second thought – avoid the products that have denatured alcohol in them.
(Denatured alcohol can also be listed as ethyl alcohol in the skincare product’s ingredient list.)
Exfoliants like glycolic acid and salicylic acid
Though ordinarily, these two are good ingredients for skin, avoid them until you bring your skin back to the hydrated skin. They can be harsh on the skin.
Retinol and its cousins
Avoid retinol and all its related ingredients temporarily.
You can use them once the skin’s hydration levels are normal.
Fragrance / Essential Oils / Perfume
All these can irritate and inflame the skin. Irritated skin will further damage the barrier function of the skin.
The skin’s top layer acts as a barrier and prevents water from the skin from evaporating into the atmosphere.
When the skin’s barrier function gets compromised, the skin loses its hydration, leading to the skin becoming dehydrated.
Using ingredients like fragrance will further weaken the barrier – meaning more water loss from the skin.
Witch hazel
This ingredient is very drying on the skin.
Use the right skincare ingredients on dehydrated skin and follow a good skincare routine. It should not take a week to fix dehydrated skin.
