The difference between ageing skin and dehydrated skin

The largest organ of the body- skin, like all other organs shows signs of degradation with time and the natural ageing process. The top layer of the skin also known as Stratum Corneum protects the skin and is formed from water based cells and an acidic mix of waxes(sebum and sweat) and oily lipids. When this top layer of skin gets damaged, the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and other internal organs get harmed.

So what damages the top layer of the skin?

Natural Ageing:

After a certain age the physical changes in our body becomes normal. The Sebaceous gland that secrete an oily, waxy matter called sebum which lubricates and makes the skin waterproof decreases with age. Thus reducing the amount of natural hydrators making the skin(and hair) rough and dull, and the production of collagen and elastic deteriorate making the skin slack. With age the skin also steadily loses it’s ability to renew and restore the fats in the protective layer of the Stratum Corneum. And as the person grows older the blood flow to the skin also reduces. All these age related factors contribute to the drying of the skin. Although there are products that can stall this ageing for a while, the physical changes to the skin are inevitable as the person gets older. 

The most sought-after skin is that which looks and feels young. However, I urge you not to go in for any medical or anti-ageing surgical procedures without consulting an expert. All these procedures have their innate risks and it would be prudent to weigh these against the benefits. Constance persistence and a healthy lifestyle with a detailed skincare routine will help minimize the signs of premature and natural ageing skin.

Dehydrated Skin:

Dehydrated skin of all skin types be it dry, oily, or a combination of the two is a temporary and treatable condition. Dehydrated skin by its very definition is skin that lacks moisture and has low water content which happens due to a loss or reduction in bodily fluids. It feels taut, flaky and itchy, and can be aggravated by too much exfoliation, poor diet, an increased intake of caffeine and alcohol, smoking, and exposure to the sun.Replacing the lost fluids by drinking water, eating vegetables and fruits rich in water, and taking precautions for your skin in harsh conditions will help restore the smoothness and elasticity of the skin. Including exercise in your daily routine will help with blood circulation in the body and in turn help the skin detox and stay hydrated. Even though the natural ageing of skin is unavoidable, you can still prevent damage to it- prevention after all is a lifetime process.

You can protect your skin by:

•    Using sunscreen on a daily basis, even during the winter months

•    Having balanced nutritional meals

•    Staying hydrated- Lack of which can lead to rashes, abrasions and other inexplicable skin changes

•    Limiting the use of harsh soaps- the ones that are heavily perfumed

•    Lavishly pampering your skin with lotions and boy butters - Moist skin looks healthier and also heals a lot quicker.

With frenzied working hours and hectic schedules, we tend to ignore some vital bodily signs- skin included. The crucial thing is to ‘listen’ to your skin and body and work with them rather than fighting against the inherent nature. Establish for yourself a high moisture yet gentle skin care regime and give your skin time to heal. Your skin may feel oily but may still needs to be hydrated as it lacks water. Healthy skin goes beyond appearance- it keeps you from getting sick and damaging your bones, muscles and internal organs.

Healthy skin means a healthier you !