[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.6″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”15px” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”32px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em”]
Dehydrated Skin
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://skinenvy.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/dehydration.jpg” title_text=”dehydration” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default”]
Dehydration is the first step in all skin conditions. Dehydration is a lack of water. There a a couple of reasons why this can happen. This is a big problem in Australia because around 97% of our population suffer from dehydrated skin.Dehydration in the skin can cause a lot of other problems in our skin. It is sort of the knock on effect to lots of other skin problems. One way of keeping our skin healthy is to keep dehydration under control.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default”]
Dehydration is a major player in complicated skin sensitivity. Dehydrated skin is much more prone to sensitivity.
Cell build-up can make the skin feel rough, become blocked (acne or ingrown hairs) and worsen the appearance of pigmentation.
Dehydration will cause miscommunication between our cells. Cellular communication fails when the skin is dehydrated. This means our sebaceous glands can’t adapt sebum production to the current skin condition and the skin may become oily or dry.
Our products we are applying to our skin are not working. Product absorption is effected by hydration levels. Hydrated skin will absorb what is applied to it much more effectively than dehydrated skin.
If we keep dehydration under control all these problems will disappear. Some people think that if my skin is dehydrated then i should be drinking more water. But in fact the water we drink makes up for 13% of hydration in our skin, which means 87% comes from something else called our acid mantle.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://skinenvy.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dehydration-image.jpg” title_text=”dehydration image” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default”]
Our Acid Mantle
Otherwise known as our skin barrier, this lays just under our skin and is made up of a layer of water and a layer of oil. If you think about how water and oil interact together with water sitting at the bottom and the oil layer on top. These oil layers are called our lipid bi layers which is our main protection from dehydration.
When the skin is dehydrated, SCCE’s (Stratum Corneum Chymotryptic Enzymes) become inactive (stop working). This means that the skins natural desquamation process ceases, resulting in a build-up of dead cells.
Dehydrated cells take on an upwards curved shape as they dry out. This means the skins physical barrier function is impaired and, as a result the skin is more open to invasion.
The Acid Mantle has 3 main roles:
- Preventing TEWL (Trans Epidermal Water Loss) – Water escaping/evaporating from the deeper layers of skin.
- Slowing down the absorption of active ingredients.
- Provides a pH balance (4.5-6.5 pH) which keeps out bacteria and pathogens.
If a skin has an impaired skin barrier:
- We see TEWL occurring
- Higher chance of infection due to the higher permeability of the Stratum Corneum.
- Higher instance of sensitivity and inflammation.
- 97% of Australians have dehydrated skin
We need a strong Cell Membrane to produce a strong Acid Mantle. Healthy lipids within the diet will increase the bodys ability to create strong cell membranes which in turn produces a strong Acid Mantle. In general, Australians are very deficient in Essential Fatty Acids. This has a huge and negative effect on the skin.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://skinenvy.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Water-evaporate-in-glass-1.jpg-.jpg” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” title_text=”Water-evaporate-in-glass-1.jpg-” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
Water Evaporation
Imagine this glass of water on the left with a layer of oil. ImaginetThe glass on the right with no oil. After 3 hours in the sun the water loss has reduced by 30%. This is the same serario with our skin and an impaired skin barrier.l
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
Dehydration Solutions
To repair or maintain the Acid Mantle, we must avoid using stripping ingredients on the skin as these will destroy the delicate balance of the Acid Mantle.
A helpful question to ask when trying to find out if a client is currently using any stripping ingredients is “How does your skin feel after… cleansing, toning etc?” If they tell you it feels dry, tight, flakey etc, chances are they are using ingredients that are stripping the oils from their skin.
Supplementing with Essential Fatty Acids will support Cell Membrane development and hence Acid Mantle creation and maintenance.
Dosage of Essential Fatty Acids will depend on the severity of the skin condition: Dehydrated skin – no other issues – 3000mg EFA per day (maintenance dose). Dry, Irritated, Inflamed or a few breakouts – 6000mg EFA per day.
Flaky, Rosacea or Acne – 8 – 10,000mg EFA per day.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default”]
Exfoliation
As the SCCE’s are inactive in a dehydrated skin, it is important to take over this function to avoid excess dead cells building up in the Stratum Corneum.
As the skin isn’t strong enough for strong acids at this stage (they will penetrate too quickly as there is no barrier and cause irritation), the best methods for exfoliation are enzymes and physical exfoliants as they work on the surface of the skin.
Infusion modalities such as Iontophoresis, Sonophoresis, Direct Infusion are all great for improving the hydration levels in the deeper layers of tissue.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]