ASCP Skin Deep

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019

Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1174214

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 31 of 85

ascp now offers advanced modality insurance! ascpskincare.com/ami 29 Test the Waters Does your client have dry skin, or are they simply dehydrated? by Alex Caspero expertadvice FEED YOUR FACE Chapped lips, itchy skin, redness, and peeling are all common dry- skin symptoms as winter's brutal cold and sharp winds settle in for the season. And, while many assume these issues are related to dry skin, it may be more perennial dehydrated skin. DRY SKIN VS. DEHYDRATED SKIN As a general defi nition, dehydration means your body is taking in less water than it's losing. Therefore, dehydrated skin lacks water—compared to dry skin, which typically lacks natural oil. More simply put, dry skin is a skin type, while dehydrated skin is a condition usually related to other lifestyle factors. Dehydrated skin can aff ect anyone, regardless of skin type, pore size, or genetics. Unlike other factors that may contribute to dry skin, like psoriasis or eczema, these conditions don't cause dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin can also cause dullness, darker under-eye circles, increased appearance of fi ne lines and wrinkles, and shadows around the eyes. LIFESTYLE FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO DRY SKIN The usual suspects of prematurely aged skin also play a role in dehydrated skin: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and too much sun exposure. As both alcohol and caff eine are considered diuretics, reducing (or eliminating) these will benefi t both skin appearance and hydration status. A diet of high-sodium, processed foods and low-water plant-based foods is more likely to result in dehydrated skin, as the body receives hydration not just from liquids but from vitamin-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. HOW TO TREAT DEHYDRATED SKIN Because dehydrated skin is a condition, it's fairly easy to treat with lifestyle changes. It's a no-brainer that the fi rst recommendation is adequate hydration. Start with the old rule of eight glasses of water per day, though know that this number isn't based on research but more on best practices. Heavier and more active individuals will need more. A visual urine test is a simple way to ensure you are getting enough water—pale is good, dark isn't. As mentioned above, eating a more plant-based diet will also help replenish water and essential antioxidants, which are only found in plants. This time of year, that means loading up on citrus fruits, apples, pears, beans, avocados, and carrots— and swapping heavy cream-based soups for broth-based low-sodium ones. It's a no-brainer that the first recommendation is adequate hydration. Start with the old rule of eight glasses of water per day.

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of ASCP Skin Deep - NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019