Why do I have dry, dehydrated skin?

Dry and dehydrated skin can often be tricky to treat. It can lead to broken skin, toghtness and premature ageing.But why does it exist, and what can relieve the symptoms? We look at the possible reasons behind this skin complaint.

1. Alcohol

Over a third of women notice that alcohol affects their skin – and not for the better. Since alcohol is a diuretic, it causes your kidneys to remove extra water from your system, leaving you dehydrated.

Expert tip: With the cold weather, it’s extra important to keep your system as hydrated as possible. Match each alcoholic drink with a glass of water to maintain your hydration levels.

2. Central heating

You want to be cosy, so you crank up the heating – but in doing so, you’re drying out the air, which then turns to your skin to replenish moisture levels.”

Try placing a bowl of water near or underneath your radiators to maintain humidity levels.

3. Air conditioning

Air con can disrupt the natural moisture balance in your skin, causing it to dry and aggravating skin conditions like eczema.

Expert tip: If your office is air conditioned, try to make sure you always pop outside during your lunch break to give your skin a break.

4. Hot water

As tempting as it may be to have a scorching hot shower on a frosty winter’s morn, don’t – hot water can strip the natural oils from your skin which form a protective barrier against water loss.

5. Over-cleansing

If your normal cleanser or make-up removal technique is leaving your skin feeling tight, stop! A cleanser shouldn’t leave your skin feeling tight, as this means it’s stripping away those essential natural oils and moisture and disrputing the skin’s natural PH balance.

For a gentle cleansing product – always go for Gatineau Comforting Lily Cleanser – Lait Demaquillant Confort aux Lys is a cleansing milk for dry and dehydrated skin.

This cleansing milk is designed to soften and nourish the skin whilst gently removing all traces of make-up. Water soluble and suitable for dry and dehydrated skins and leaves skin soft, hydrated and perfectly clean.

Massage gently into the face and neck in circular motions. Rinse off with warm water and follow with a toner suitable for your skin type.