It is easy to understand why your skin would be either dry or dehydrated after a long summer of sun and fun. Oftentimes, the difficulty lies in evaluating whether your skin is dry, dehydrated or both. The term dehydration refers to the water content of your skin. The term dryness refers to the lipid (oil) content of your skin. It's entirely possible for oily skin to be dehydrated and for dry skin to be dehydrated. Confused? A simple test will help you differentiate between the two. Gently pinch your skin between your index finger and thumb. If the pinched skin shows many fine lines, it is dehydrated. What you need is lots of water (eight, 8 ounce glasses a day!) and a moisturizer that will help your skin retain moisture. If your skin is rough to the touch and feels dry and scaly, you probably need a lipid rich moisturizer to restore oil to your skin.

Spa treatments for dehydration and dryness

At the spa, sign up of a facial that is more advanced than just a deep- cleansing treatment. Typically, such a treatment will include a deep cleansing as well as deep hydration. Your esthetician should be able to determine the state of your skin and advise you properly on which treatment would be best. Ask her whether she thinks your skin is dry or dehydrated.

Treating dehydration and dryness at home

If a facial is not immediately accessible, adjust your home skin care regimen to address the immediate needs of your skin. Remember that your existing skin care routine may be ideal most of the time, but the change of seasons may call for you to modify a few steps in order to help your skin adapt to the transition between summer and fall.

Step 1: Exfoliate. For many reasons, exfoliation is almost always the first step in any good skin care regimen. In this case, it will help you shed the accumulated dead skin cells that could prevent your moisturizers and skin treatments from being truly effective. What good is a cream that simply sits on the surface of your skin and evaporates? A warning sign that your skin needs a good exfoliation treatment-especially your the body skin-is when it seems that any facial or body care product you apply takes forever to absorb. Gently scratch the surface of your skin with your fingernail; if you see a whitish line, then your skin needs a thorough exfoliation treatment.

Give yourself a mini-facial once or twice a week:

1. Cleanse once or twice, tone, and remove all traces of makeup.
2. Exfoliate with a gentle scrub, herbal peeling mask or an enzyme mask.
3. Steam your skin or take a hot bath or a long shower. If you are using an enzyme mask, this is the ideal time for it. To steam you skin, simply boil water, pour it into a bowl and put your face over it, while covering your head with a towel, for 10 minutes. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils, eucalyptus oil, or a soothing tea bag (chamomile) for a bonus aromatherapy treatment.
4. Cleanse again.
5. Mask for hydration. Choose a mask that is appropriate for your skin. If your skin is dehydrated and oily, choose one that will purify as well as bring moisture. If your skin is dry, choose a mask that is rich in lipids. Leave on for 15 minutes while you relax (this can also be done while you take a bath). In severe cases of dehydration, some masks can be left on overnight.
6. Wash off, then apply either your day or night time treatment.

Step 2: Hydrate. Choose a moisturizer that is rich in water binding ingredients;

• Hyaluronic acid: A moisturizer with strong water binding properties, it occurs naturally in the dermis and is a great for acne prone skin.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Will help re-hydrate your face and body by stimulating the collagen and elastin layer of the skin.
• Pro-vitamin B5 (or panthenol): Acts as a penetrating moisturizer. It is also a humectant that brings and holds moisture into the skin as well as an anti-inflammatory ingredient that protects against sun the. Also provides sunburn relief.

Step 3: Nourish. Dry skin will need more than just water. Products rich in lipids will allow your skin to restore its natural suppleness. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an oil soluble antioxidant that protects the cellular membrane. It is also known for improving the skin's water binding abilities and for preventing decreased functioning of the sebaceous glands. Dry skin is also especially responsive to essential oils and other natural ingredients that are rich in vitamin E. Because of the small size of their molecules, essential oils are considered to have a high carrier ability (a high absorption rate) that works to enhance the effectiveness of other active ingredients and products.

Step 4: Protect. Dry and dehydrated skin is more vulnerable to attacks by free radicals (cause premature aging), particularly those resulting from sun exposure. If your skin appears dry, your sunscreen should include both UVA and UVB sunscreens. Additionally, look for ingredients that have a natural ability to strengthen the skin's resilience to the sun's rays such as Aloe Vera or Orizanol. Dehydrated skin that is also oily will obtain optimal results with physical sunscreens such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.

All of the suggestions in this article are designed to help you anticipate, treat, and overcome some of the typical skin care problems you may experience as you prepare your face and body for the chilly days ahead-or any seasonal transition. Developing a good skin care routine-one that is evaluated and adapted regularly to meet the challenges of the coming season-will help you maintain a healthy, glowing complexion all year round. Always be sure to take note of any changes in your lifestyle or routine (a new job, diet or even climate) that could affect your skin, and be prepared to adjust your regimen accordingly. If have more questions, email us at customer_service@eharmonie.com. Our team of senior estheticians will be happy to answer your skin care questions and suggest a regimen.

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