A Personal Journey
In my late-forties, during the unpredictable phase of perimenopause, I noticed a drastic change in my skin. My once radiant and supple skin became dry, dull, and sensitive. Every glance in the mirror was a stark reminder of the visible signs of ageing and hormonal fluctuations.
I felt lost and overwhelmed in a beauty industry that seemed to push harsh treatments and invasive procedures as the only solutions. Determined to find a gentler, more nurturing approach, I founded hux+mū. This sanctuary was created to help women navigate life’s changes and rediscover their natural beauty, with confidence and joy.
The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Many of us confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin, often using the terms interchangeably. However, understanding the distinction is important for effective skincare.
Dry Skin is a skin type characterised by a lack of natural oils. It tends to be consistent and can lead to flakiness, itchiness, and a rough texture. This skin type often needs products rich in oils and fats to restore its lipid barrier. Dry skin can feel tight and uncomfortable throughout the day and is often exacerbated by environmental factors such as cold weather, low humidity, and harsh soaps.
Dehydrated Skin, on the other hand, is a skin condition that can affect any skin type, even oily skin. It occurs when your skin lacks water. Dehydrated skin appears dull, feels tight, and can show accelerated signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin can feel oily and dry at the same time, with oily areas like the T-zone still appearing greasy. This condition can come and go, influenced by factors such as your lifestyle, environment, and skincare routine.
The Pinch Test: How to Identify Dehydrated Skin
If you're unsure whether your skin is dehydrated, try this simple and accurate pinch test:- Choose an Area: Gently pinch the skin on the back of your hand, your cheek, or under your eye.
- Pinch and Hold: Hold the pinch for a few seconds, then release.
- Observe the Skin’s Response:
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Dehydrated Skin: If the skin takes a moment to return to its normal state or stays pinched, it’s a sign of dehydration.
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Hydrated Skin: If the skin quickly returns to its normal shape, it’s a sign that your skin is well-hydrated.
This test provides a quick and easy way to assess your skin’s hydration level, helping you determine the best approach to your skincare ritual.
Why It Happens
Hormonal Changes: Life changes, particularly during menopause, can significantly affect your skin's moisture levels. Low oestrogen levels decrease oil production, resulting in drier skin.- Environmental Factors: Exposure to harsh weather, air conditioning, and pollution can strip your skin of its natural moisture.
- Diet and Hydration: What you eat and drink plays a pivotal role in yourskin's hydration. Insufficient water intake and a diet lacking in essential fatty acids can exacerbate skin dehydration. Although tea and coffee are mildly diuretic, they can still contribute to your daily fluid intake.
- Skincare Products: Using harsh cleansers, over-exfoliating, or applying products with alcohol can damage your skin's barrier, leading to moisture loss.
How to Fix It
- Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of fluids. Aim for at least 2-3 liters a day to help maintain skin hydration from the inside out. While water is a top choice, herbal teas and even regular tea and coffee can contribute to your daily fluid intake, despite their mild diuretic effects. Incorporating hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens into your diet can also make a significant difference.
- Use Gentle, Nourishing Skincare: Opt for products that support your skin's natural barrier without stripping it. At hux+mū, we emphasise ingredients like ceramides, which help maintain the skin's waterproof barrier, and humectants like inuin and glycerin that draw moisture into the skin.
- Protect Your Skin: Avoid harsh weather exposure and always wear SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s dehydrating effects. Use products that reinforce the skin’s barrier, such as our cold-pressed seed oils rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytosterols. Confused about SPF, Read more here.
- Avoid Over-Exfoliating: While exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells, overdoing it can damage your skin's barrier. Stick to gentle exfoliants such as fruit enzymes and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) like gluconolactone, which are larger molecules that penetrate the skin at a slower rate, causing less irritation and maintaining moisture.
The Holistic Approach of hux+mū
At hux+mū, our philosophy is rooted in ahimsa, the principle of no-harm. We believe in nurturing the skin with gentle, effective solutions that support your overall well-being. Our products, like the Sow Prebiotic Cleansing Balm and Cultivate Active Lipid Serum, are formulated with ingredients that hydrate, repair, and brighten without causing irritation.A Transformative Journey
Embracing the natural changes that come with life can be empowering. At hux+mū, we guide you on a transformative journey to rediscover your natural beauty with confidence and joy. By integrating holistic therapies and natural skincare formulations, we offer a path to radiant, healthy skin without harsh treatments or invasive procedures.
Join Our Community
Join our community of women who have found a gentle, effective alternative to harsh skincare regimens. Visit our website to explore our nurturing "cleanse and treat" ritual, for women navigating life's changes.Embrace your natural beauty with hux+mū and see the transformation in just a few weeks. Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive tips, special offers, and behind-the-scenes insights.
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With much love and skin confidence, Shim