Dr. Walaa El Ahwany
Consultant of dermatology, laser and cosmetic dermatology
INDERM Skin Clinic
Heliopolis – New Cairo
01019777719
Healthy skin is identified by being smooth, radiant and tolerant. So if your skin is not fulfilling these criteria, you have to spot the error and try to fix it.
In this article we will highlight one of the major causes of dull complexion, which is dehydration.
First we have to know is your skin dry or dehydrated?
· Dry skin:
It is a skin condition where the sebaceous glands (oil producing glands) are less than normal or are not functioning properly due to diseases or environmental conditions; and consequently inadequate production of sebum which is needed to retain moisture inside the skin and build a strong skin barrier.
Dry skin thus is dull, itchy, with scales and can easily develop eczema.
How to deal with dry skin?
Ø Lifestyle changes:
Be gentle with your skin, avoid using hot water as much as possible, stop using harsh detergents and use moisturizing soap, and drink plenty of water.
Ø Using moisturizers:
These are emollients present as lotions, creams and ointments, containing ingredients such as petrolatum, stearic acid, shea butter and cocoa butter.
Many products are available in the market and it is better to consult your doctor which product to use in your case.
Hydrated skin looks radiant , smooth and healthy.
· Dehydrated skin:
Dehydrated skin lacks water and so it looks dull with fine lines and mild redness and sometimes itching.
How to deal with dehydration?
Ø Lifestyle changes:
Drinking plenty of water and always wearing sunscreen and here I would strongly recommend Sun Ceutic 50+ with its excellent ingredients of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to give optimal protection, its high content of hyaluronic acid and stem cell stimulator to provide hydration and prevent premature aging.
Ø Skin hydration:
1. Mild cases:
Using topical hydrating products is the treatment of choice to bring water into the skin, and it`s preferred to use it hand in hand with a moisturizer to lock water in.
Topical hyaluronic acid is one of the most hydrating products to the skin and it has a distinguishable role in maintaining skin elasticity; with its high water binding capacity.
Then comes other ingredients such as glycerin, urea and ceramides.
And take it as a word of mouth from a pro, Hyal Ceutic was proven to be one of the best products in the market, with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid ( 5.5 %), jojoba oil , vit E, and shea butter.
With this unique formula it provides hydration, moisturization and antioxidant effect in an exquisite way.
2. Severe cases:
More intense approaches should be taken in severe cases; especially in cases of older age group patients and patients with eminent fine lines.
In these cases we would undergo intradermal injection of non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid into the skin, to ensure adequate and deep penetration into the skin.
It is a safe procedure, done in the doctor`s office using a reliable material. I prefer Restylane Skinbooster Vital with 20 mg HA per ml, and 0.3% lidocaine as a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort during the procedure. It gives very good results with a more hydrated radiant skin, and less fine lines.