Are you guilty of making this skin mistake?

Your skin is not dry, it’s dehydrated! Many confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin. Any skin type can be affected by dehydration, be it oily, combination or dry skin.

There's skin type and skin condition. You are born with your type, be it dry or oily, but the condition is dependent on various elements.

Dermatologica says that both dry and dehydrated skin types are flaky, itchy and sensitive at times, but that dry skin lacks sebum (oil), whereas dehydrated skin lacks moisture or water. Dry skin constantly needs moisturiser and oil-rich products, whereas dehydrated skin may experience breakouts, and comes and goes based on diet and environment and needs water-rich products.

The most common things that dehydrates our skin is, ah you know these all too well, alcohol, caffeine, salty foods and smoking.

Refinery29 says that in order to test whether your skin is dehydrated, you should give yourself a quick pinch. Pinch your skin on your forearm, wrist or hand, if it doesn’t bounce back immediately, then your skin is probably dehydrated.

Transform dehydrated skin on your face and body by changing a few things:

Up your night time routine

Are you neglecting your night time skin regimen? Be sure to moisturise your entire body, especially after a hot bath or shower. Never skip applying night cream, as your skin needs to be nourished as you sleep. We recommend Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Overnight Firming Mask. "This mask has a thick, creamy texture that absorbs quickly, leaving skin radiant, smooth and plump. Because I have a very dry skin I used it 3 times a week in the place of a night cream and my skin looked youthful, glowing, felt smooth and firm and smelt wonderful. My skin is sensitive and prone to rashes and breakouts from heavy creams, but there were no issues with clogged pores or irritability." - Lili Radloff

Change your products:

Cleanser - Be sure not to use soapy cleansers that are too harsh on your skin. We absolutely adore the Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Lotion, R74.95 - R110. It is delicate, won't dry out your skin and is superb for irritable, sensitive skins.

Add moisture - The new range by Bioderma, Hydrabio is packed with moisture.

We tried (and loved) Bioderma, Hydrabio Riche Moisturising Cream, R319.95 for a 40ml tube. "If you’re looking for a product that will provide you with moisturised, hydrated and super supple skin, then you definitely can’t go wrong. The daily moisturising cream is an absolute dream for your skin.

"With its rich and creamy texture, I found this delightful product to be cool, smooth and soothing to the skin. The effects are long-lasting and leave your skin feeling super fresh and dewy." – Tammy February

I tried the Placecol Optimum Hydro Mask, R275, which has long-lasting moisturising properties that'll help skin to feel more soft and supple. Use it once for twice a week for glowing, plumped-up skin. The firming neck and bust gel also works wonders to add moisture to décolletage.

Up your healthy fat intake

Fat is usually the first to go when dieting. Yet, depriving the body of Essential Fatty Acids. Yet Dermal Institute stresses the importance of adding enough oily fish, avo, walnuts, soybeans and flaxseeds to your diet this winter.

We also recommend you try:  Placecol Moisture Hold Therapy - "...as this serum dries it feels a bit sticky, but, once that’s over, your skin will feel silky smooth for the rest of the day. This product is great to use under a tinted moisturiser or foundation since it hydrates your skin, but doesn’t make it feel greasy." - Carmen Williams

Also try Bio Effect EGF Serum - a Cellular Activating Serum that restores and rehydrates ageing skin.

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