Table of contents:
- Cause loss of skin moisture
- The difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin
- Tips to keep skin moist
Losing skin moisture is one of the causes that can trigger skin aging. Although it does not directly change the condition of the skin, reduced moisture will reveal fine lines and wrinkles, and make a person appear older.
Why does the skin experience this? How to prevent?
Cause loss of skin moisture
Loss of skin moisture can be caused by aging and skin dehydration.
As we age, the function of the skin glands decreases, resulting in lower levels of natural lipids.
In addition, the level of ceramides (a natural compound that is present in the outer layer of the skin) also decreases with age. This affects the water-binding capacity of the skin layer.
Skin also becomes more susceptible to injury from chemicals and difficult to heal, causing skin to lose more moisture than healthy skin.
Dehydrated skin means a lack of moisture. Dehydrated skin interferes with normal skin function, resulting in uneven skin cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin, making it look rough and dull.
Moisture also maintains the elasticity of the stratum corneum (top layer of skin cells), which is made of dead skin cells. These cells take water from natural moisturizing factors, amino acids, and molecules that absorb water from the air and lock it in the cells.
In dry climates, these cells provide more natural moisturizer to keep skin moisturized. However, when this layer dries, the skin becomes tight and prone to cracking.
In addition, dehydrated skin can cause itchy skin, uneven skin tone, darker under eye circles, sunken eyes, and the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles on the face.
The difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin
Dehydrated skin can appear dry, but that doesn't mean you have a dry skin type. Dehydrated skin and dry skin are two different things.
Dehydrated skin is skin lacking water, while dry skin lacks natural oils (sebum). When you have dry skin, the sebaceous glands (oil glands) don't produce enough natural oils.
In addition, dry skin is a skin type, while dehydration is a skin condition. Dry skin can also be caused by an underlying health condition, such as hypothyroidism.
Skin types are divided into normal, dry, combination and oily skin. You are usually born with one skin type, but this can change as you age and the seasons change.
Your skin usually needs help by adding hydration through the cream to protect it from further moisture loss.
Tips to keep skin moist
Skin moisture can be maintained properly if you set a healthier lifestyle and pay attention to the health of your skin.
Replenishing the body's hydration by drinking lots of water is a way to prevent skin dehydration and loss of skin moisture. You can start by drinking eight glasses of water per day.
Depending on your weight and activity level, you may need to drink more of this. Ask your doctor what amount is right for you.
It's also important not to drink too much water, as this can lead to mineral loss. Eating water-rich vegetables and fruits can also help increase your intake.
You can also keep your skin moisturised by making the following diet and lifestyle changes:
- Limit drinking alcohol
- Limit drinking coffee and other sources of caffeine
- Quit smoking
- Get regular exercise
- Refill body fluids after exercise
- Get enough sleep and rest
- Eat more plant-based food sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Loss of moisture in the skin can dry out the skin. To avoid this, you can also apply a skin moisturizer that is suitable for your skin.
Skin moisturizers can be found in the form of creams or lotions. Choose a cream that suits your skin type and functions to keep your skin moisturized.
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