Have you ever noticed how your skin feels dry even though you’ve been using a cream moisturizer every night? Or maybe it feels like there isn’t enough moisture and your skin feels tight even though you follow a skincare routine that includes moisturizing toners and creams? This is often caused by an imbalance of key components in your skin, which is also known as dehydroacetic acid (DHA) or D-acid. Skin can become dehydrated for many different reasons, from the environment to stress to changes in pH levels, which is why frequent use of natural ingredients and oils are so important. You might be wondering what you should do when this keeps happening to your skin. Well, first check to see if they are other factors that might be causing your skin problems.
## What is Dehydroacetic Acid and How Does it Affect Your Skin?
Dehydroacetic acid is a chemical compound that is produced by the skin when it is dry. The skin produces this compound when it is lacking in water, as it is a byproduct of the skin’s natural metabolism. When the skin is dehydrated, this compound builds up, causing oxidative stress and fatigue. Dehydrated skin may experience the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, a loss of elasticity, and dullness. This is why your skin might feel dry even though you use a moisturizer or face cream. It’s not that your skin is actually “dry”, it’s that it’s fatigued from the build-up of DHA.
## The Environment Is a Factor When Your Skin Gets Dry
When you live in a relatively dry climate, like in the desert, the environment can be dehydrating for your skin. Living in the desert can cause your skin to be drier than usual, which is why you might feel like your skin isn’t getting enough moisture. The environment can also be the cause of other skin issues, like eczema, which is why it’s important to consult a dermatologist if you have any skin issues that aren’t improving.
## Stress Can Also Cause Your Skin to Feel Dry
Exposure to stress hormones, like cortisol, can cause your skin to feel drier than usual. This is because stress can cause a drop in skin hydration, particularly in areas that are already more prone to dryness, like the nose and mouth.
Stress can also cause your skin to react to certain products by causing acne or irritation. People with acne-prone skin may find that they get worse when they’re under a lot of stress or when they’re consuming caffeine or alcohol. Other people may find that they get better results from applying natural oils to these areas regularly.
## Change in pH Levels Is Another Reason Your Skin Feels Stuck
One of the reasons your skin feels drier than normal is because of a change in skin pH levels. Your skin is naturally acidic, with a pH between 4.5 to 6.5. A lower pH level means the skin is more acidic and a higher level means the skin is more alkaline. As we age, the natural decrease in skin pH levels can lead to a build-up of DHA, which is why your skin may feel drier as you get older. Using natural ingredients and essential oils to balance your skin pH levels can help to restore the balance of key skin compounds.
## Using Natural Ingredients and Essential Oils Can Help Rebalance Key Compounds in the Skin
Many of the products that are sold as anti-aging may contain ingredients that actually slow down the natural aging process by increasing DHA levels in the skin. Instead of using these products, which can potentially be harmful, try using natural ingredients and essential oils to maintain your skin’s natural pH and DHA levels. Try adding a few drops of rose oil to your moisturizer, lemon oil to your cleanser, or a few drops of lavender essential oil to your pillowcase.
## Summary
Dehydrated skin is often caused by lack of hydration, as well as stress, change in pH levels, and aging. Natural ingredients and essential oils can help to restore your skin’s natural pH and balance key skin compounds if you find it’s getting too dry. For an easy way to hydrate your skin, try adding a few drops of rose oil to your cleanser and toner. Natural ingredients and essential oils can help to restore your skin’s pH and balance key compounds if you find it’s getting too dry.
