Having dehydrated skin can alter the overall skin appearance and cause problems such as fine lines, itchy skin, or uneven tones. It can also be irritating, and can cause one’s confidence to diminish. Fortunately, it is easy to look for products to combat the unwanted effects of dehydrated skin, but choosing the right products to use is an entirely different thing.

The best way to identify what works and what doesn’t is to know the root of the problem. Having dehydrated skin can look like you have dry skin. However, these are two different cases, and should also be approached differently.

Differentiating between dry and dehydrated skin

Dry skin is a skin type in which the skin produces less oil or sebum to lubricate it. This causes the skin to look scaly and flaky.

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is when the skin lacks water or moisture to supply the need for hydration. Studies suggest that the stratum corneum or the uppermost layer of the epidermis is required to contain at least 10% water to be considered healthy or normal.

Signs that your skin needs hydration include dullness, prominent fine lines, loss of elasticity, itching, cracking of the lips, and dryness around the mouth area. Having dehydrated skin can also lead to acne breakouts and increased skin sensitivity.

Identifying dehydrated skin: Pinch test

The pinch test is one way to assess if the skin lacks hydration, since the elasticity of the skin would allow it to stretch and bounce right back into its previous state. The skin’s ability to do so is called “skin turgor”, and poor skin turgor indicates that the skin needs more attention for hydration. The pinch test works by grasping the skin either at the back of the hand or at the lower abdomen. The skin is held for a couple of seconds, some medical practitioners may hold it longer, and is then released. Results are concluded to be poor skin turgor if skin does not snap back to its normal position right away.

While this method is widely known as a common practice for medical practitioners, it is still not as accurate for certain people especially with older adults and some who are with clinical and health conditions.

Tips to hydrate your skin

1. Drink water. It all goes without saying that water is the main source of hydration. The amount of water that you take will contribute to your skin appearance, so drinking plenty of water is a must.

2. Antioxidants. Antioxidants work best in helping maintain a beautiful, soft, and supple skin. Consuming appropriate amounts of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants can contribute to overall skin health. Food supplements containing antioxidants can also be a great help in this aspect.

3. Quick baths. Contrary to what others would believe, bathing longer than usual is one way to dehydrate the skin even though it involves soaking your skin in water. As a matter of fact, frequent and long baths can draw out the moisture in the skin and strip the skin of its natural oils. To prevent the skin from drying out, take quick showers and avoid very hot baths.

4. Moisturize. The use of moisturizers can help with keeping the moisture level of the skin in its optimum. Use moisturizers after gently patting the skin dry, whilst keeping it damp to ‘lock in’ the moisture. Products that have hyaluronic acid do a great job at keeping the skin moisturized but even better, you can also look for products with Pentavitin to ensure that the skin is hydrated for 72 hours such as Humeda from Mega We Care!

What is Pentavitin?

Pentavitin or saccharide isomerate is a patented bioactive ingredient developed by DSM Personal Care. It is derived purely from plant extracts and is an active ingredient that works as a humectant. It draws in and binds water into the skin’s outermost layer to deliver lasting hydration, even in low air humidity.

Unlike other hydrating ingredients, Pentavitin is known as an ingredient that is not easily washed off, as it penetrates deep into the skin. It also works synergistically with the natural moisturizing factors of the skin to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss.

A number of moisturizer brands available in the market contain Pentavitin. You can experience the effects of Pentavitin with Humeda. Aside from Pentavitin, it also contains Jojoba oil esters, offering a lasting hydration and restoring the skin barrier.

Benefits of Pentavitin

1. Hydration. As a moisturizing ingredient, Pentavitin comparably works better than others in terms of hydration effects. Studies have demonstrated the effect of Pentavitin in boosting the skin’s hydration. It offers hydration for up to 72 hours since it binds with the stratum corneum and can only be washed off by natural skin shedding. Pentavitin is similar to the natural carbohydrate complex found in the outermost layer of the skin which allows it to easily sit right in.

2. Skin regenerating properties. Pentavitin also strengthens and restores the protective barrier of the skin, repairing the damage caused by external factors such as pollution, and warm and cold weathers. Results from a 2020 study also showed that Pentavitin is beneficial in preventing moisture loss in patients suffering from eczema.

3. Anti-aging. The secret to a younger-looking skin is with maintaining the levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin. As we age, the levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin is reduced. Pentavitin helps in boosting the hyaluronic acid levels produced by the skin, and helps in maintaining the youthfulness of the skin.