“Dehydrated skin” is this the wrong terminology?

Meet “impaired enzyme activity” the correct terminology.

The term dehydration is often overused and incorrectly applied. It implies superficial and cosmetic interference. As corneotherapists, we understand that water regulates almost every enzyme activity in the body. Lack of free water in the skin causes enzymes not to function, thereby impacting the cells and systems of the skin.

This makes impaired enzyme activity (dehydration), a skin cause, not a skin condition. If fluid intake is not maintained at an acceptable level, all secretion, respiration and transpiration functions of the skin will eventually become impaired. Casing an impaired lymphatic system, excess keratinisation (skin cells), and accelerated skin ageing. Having an impaired barrier, or not having enough lipids, will also compromise enzyme activity.

It is important for your skin therapist to be well informed with how lack of free water in the skin can cause the impairment of these functions and systems, resulting in various skin conditions. Therefore, understanding how to restore these systems is essential, rather than solely addressing visible symptoms and blaming it on dehydration.