Dehydrated skin! We are going to talk about this in today’s post.

Dehydrated skin, the name itself says the skin lacks hydration. But even dry skin looks the same, then how do I know that my skin is dehydrated and NOT dry? 

So let’s talk about this  

Dry skin and dehydrated skin almost has the same symptoms, like your skin looks dull, patchy,  feels tight, shows fine lines and wrinkles.

But the thing is dry skin is a skin type, that doesn’t produce enough oil and it is permanent, whereas dehydrated skin is a temporary skin condition which is caused due to the lack of water and it can be FIXED.

Few other symptoms include skin inflammation & sensitivity, dark circles, dry mouth, and dizziness.

What Happens With Dehydrated Skin?

As we discussed earlier dehydrated skin doesn’t contain enough water.

When your skin lacks water it loses its elasticity, so it makes your skin age faster. That means it shows wrinkles and dark circles much earlier.

Lack of water also leads to impaired skin barrier function. So it cannot remove dead skin cells effectively, resulting in dull & uneven patches on the skin.

When the skin barrier disrupts it can’t protect itself from the sensitizing 

What Causes Dehydrated Skin?

There are different factors that can make your skin lose water 

Harsh Skin Cleansing Products: 

Bar soaps and face washes that contain harsh chemicals can remove natural oils and leaves an environment that makes the water escape from the skin

Strong Fragrances & Essential Oils:

The artificial fragrances & essential oils used in skin care products to enhance the product can dehydrate and make the skin sensitive

Hot Water:

The temperature of water used for washing your skin matters the most. Hot waters can easily remove the sebum (oil) & water from the skin within a few minutes. It is always preferred to use lukewarm water to cleanse your skin and hair.

What You Eat:

Foods that are high in salts and caffeine can make your skin dehydrated. 

Cortisol:

Cortisol is a hormone that is produced when our body is under stress. This hormone can reduce the body’s capability to reduce its water-retaining capacity.

Climatic Conditions:

Sun exposure, cold winds & air conditioners can make the skin dry & dehydrated.

These are the major and the minor factors that contribute to dehydrated skin.

How To Fix Dehydrated Skin?

By now you have understood that hydration is the solution to tackle dehydrated skin. So how to hydrate your skin, let’s find out

#1. Change Your Cleanser

Stop using bar soap. Check if your present face wash or cleanser is making your skin tight and dry. If yes, then shift to a mild fragrance-free cleanser. Choose a cleanser that is pH balanced.

Also read: How To Know My Skin Type?

#2. Alcohol-free Toner

Check if your toner has low molecular weight alcohols like ethyl alcohol, Isopropyl alcohol, methanol in it. If yes, stop using it right away. Your skin doesn’t need it at all. These alcohols can dry and sensitize your skin.

Please note NOT all alcohols do harm to your skin, fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol can protect your skin from moisture loss.

Check out  Alcohols In Skincare

#3. Start Using Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant (draws moisture into the skin) & naturally existing ingredient in our body and skin. It has the ability to absorb moisture by 1000 times its own weight. So it is the most helpful ingredient for dehydrated skin. 

Use hyaluronic acid in the form of serum for better results. You should apply the HA serum on slightly damp skin to maximize its effect. Don’t forget to apply HA under your eyes.

So you have hydrated the skin with HA, now it’s the time to lock it with a moisturizer. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type and look for ceramides and fatty acids in it. 

#4. Avoid Face Scrubs

Generally, your skin naturally goes through exfoliation every 25-28 days. But dehydrated skin takes more than it due to impaired barrier function. But still, avoid using face scrubs. Instead, you can try a mixture of oatmeal with honey to gently remove dead skin cells and other debris. Use it not more than 2 times a week.

#5. Eat Right

This is the most important tip to follow. Yes, you should get hydrated inside out. Eat hydrating foods like melons, cucumbers, apples, oranges, spinach, etc and drink sufficient water to maintain fluid balance.

#6. Stick To Your Skincare Routine

Don’t neglect your skincare routine, not even a day or two. Always follow a proper skincare routine which should include a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (during the daytime). Sunscreen is a must even if you stay indoors. 

So this is all about dehydrated skin. Hope you liked this article and found it helpful. See you in another post

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