The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Your Skin Type

Alberta is well-known for its extremely dry months, which can have a direct influence on our skin. Understanding whether your skin is dry or dehydrated is critical because it dictates whether you require hydration or moisturization. Each condition requires a unique approach to skincare, and properly treating them can greatly enhance the health and appearance of your skin.

Dehydrated Skin: Causes and Solutions: 

Dehydrated skin is a condition in which the skin lacks water. This can occur regardless of skin type, so even those with oily or mixed skin can get dehydrated. Dehydrated skin often appears dull, has surface wrinkles, and loses suppleness, all of which are indicators of premature aging.

Identifying Dehydrated Skin:

The pinch test is an efficient way for diagnosing dry skin. This simple test involves lightly pinching your skin and seeing if it immediately returns to its previous state. If it doesn’t, your skin is probably dehydrated. You can administer this test on your face, the back of your hand, or other places of your body. Darker under-eye circles, itching, dullness, and more visible fine lines and wrinkles are all indicators of dehydration.
If you have dehydrated skin, the first thing you should do is drink more water. Hydrating your skin from within is critical, as water is essential for skin health. Drinking enough water helps to maintain the skin’s moisture balance, making it appear plumper and more radiant. Experts recommend drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, but your requirements may differ depending on your activity level, climate, and overall health.
In addition to drinking more water, using hydrating skincare products with elements like hyaluronic acid can help. Hyaluronic acid is a potent humectant that draws and holds moisture in the skin, keeping it moisturized and healthy. It is naturally found in the body, but its production decreases with age, making it necessary to replenish it using skincare products.

Willow Tree sells a number of products containing hyaluronic acid. One of our best-selling products is the Rich Sorbet Cream from the Hydra Memory collection. This cream is designed to deeply hydrate the skin, giving long-lasting moisture while enhancing texture and suppleness.

Identifying Dry Skin:

In contrast, dry skin is characterized by a lack of natural oils and lipids. Unlike dehydrated skin, which lacks water, dry skin requires moisturization to recover the lost oils. Dry skin frequently appears scaly, itchy, and flaky, which can be painful and detract from the skin’s overall appearance.

Signs of dry skin include a rough texture, visible flakes, redness, and a feeling of tightness or irritation. Dry skin may also be more susceptible to cracking and peeling, particularly in extreme temperatures or after using strong soaps and detergents.
To combat dry skin, it is crucial to add a humectant into your skincare routine. Humectants are moisturizing chemicals that assist the skin in maintaining moisture. They operate like magnets, drawing water from the surroundings to the skin.

Common Humectants and Their Benefits:

The most popular humectant is hyaluronic acid, which we stock at Willow Tree Laser & Esthetics. The hyaluronic acid molecule occurs naturally in the body, and as you age, your body produces less of it. Incorporating hyaluronic acid-containing products into your skincare routine can help your skin retain moisture and keep a healthy, young appearance.
Another effective technique to restore moisture to your skin is to have chemical peels every 4-6 weeks. Lactic and glycolic acid are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) that draw water into your skin while also accelerating cell turnover and exfoliating dead skin cells. Chemical peels can help improve the texture and tone of dry skin, making it appear smoother and more radiant. When looking for moisturizers, ensure they are non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic products are designed to not clog pores, which is especially important if you have oily or combination skin. Willow Tree’s favourite moisturizer and top seller is the Rich Sorbet Cream from the Hydra Memory line. This cream is non-comedogenic and provides long-lasting moisture without clogging pores.

The Importance of a Tailored Skincare Routine:

Establishing a skincare routine tailored to your skin’s unique needs is critical for preserving healthy skin. Whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, or a combination of the two, using the appropriate products and sticking to a consistent routine can make a big impact.

For Dehydrated Skin:

1. Cleanser: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that does not remove the skin’s natural oils.
2. Toner: Use a hydrating toner to prepare the skin for improved product absorption.
3. Serum: Use a serum with moisturizing components, such as as hyaluronic acid.
4.Moisturizer: Apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer that locks in moisture.
5. Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect skin from UV damage, daily.

For Dry Skin:

1. Cleanser: Apply a creamy or oil-based cleanser to eliminate impurities without drying out the skin.
2. Exfoliant: Gently exfoliate once or twice a week to eliminate dead skin cells and increase cell turnover.
3. Serum: Use a serum containing hyaluronic acid or ceramides to restore the skin’s moisture barrier.
4. Moisturizer: Apply a rich, emollient moisturizer to hydrate and preserve the skin barrier.
5. SPF: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from environmental damage.

Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Skin:

In addition to utilizing the correct skincare products, making certain lifestyle adjustments can help enhance your skin’s health. Here are some ways to maintain your skin healthy and hydrated:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day to hydrate your skin from within.
2. Maintain a Balanced Diet: Eat foods high in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats to benefit your skin. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, can help with skin hydration.
3. Avoid Hot Showers: Hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, go for lukewarm, short showers.
4. Use a Humidifier: Humidifiers add moisture to the air, preventing skin from drying out during winter.
5. Protect Your Skin: When spending time outside, wear protective gear and sunscreen to shield from UV rays.

Understanding the distinction between dry and dehydrated skin is critical for meeting your skin’s specific needs. You can enhance the health and appearance of your skin by recognizing the signs of each condition and utilizing the right skincare products. Willow Tree is dedicated to helping you reach your best skin with individualized skincare solutions. Whether you need hydration, moisturization, or a combination of the two, our products and treatments can help you keep your skin looking its best all year long.