What Causes Dehydrated Skin? Top Reasons to Fix It Fast

About 60% of Americans are plagued with “winter skin syndrome” and unhealthy skin in the winter. One in four suffers from itching, too. About 60% of Americans have changed their skincare routines as a result.

Another 64% seek professional help from dermatologists due to their dry or dehydrated skin.

Not sure why your skin is dehydrated? Keep reading to learn more about the state of your skin!

After reading this guide, you can determine the best course of action for an improved skincare routine. Read on to improve your skin today. 

Dehydrated vs Dry Skin

First, it’s important to recognize that there is a difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin. Sometimes, skin that’s dehydrated might appear dry. However, that doesn’t mean you have a dry skin type. 

If your skin is dehydrated, it’s lacking water. It could appear dull or feel itchy as a result. Your overall complexion and tone might appear uneven as well.

In some cases, fine lines can become noticeable, too.

You can treat dehydration with a few small lifestyle changes. For example, you can start from the inside out by drinking more water. Then, you can replenish and hydrate your skin naturally.

Dry skin, on the other hand, lacks natural oils called sebum. Dry skin is a skin type. Other skin types include oily, combination, and normal. 

Most people are born with one type of skin. However, your skin might change based on the season or as you age.

If you have dry skin, your sebaceous glands aren’t producing as many natural oils. You might also have an underlying health condition like hypothyroidism. 

Symptoms of dry skin can include:

• Irritation
• Redness
• White flakes
• Scaly skin

Dry skin is associated with other conditions like eczema and psoriasis. 

Having skin that’s dehydrated, however, is a condition. Hormonal issues won’t cause your skin to become dehydrated over time. 

If your skin is dehydrated, it’s losing more water than it’s taking in. Increased urination due to diuretics or caffeine can cause dehydration. Excessive sweating from exercise could dehydrate the skin, too.

Symptoms of dehydrated skin can include:

• Dullness
• Sunken eyes
• Dark under-eye circles
• Shadows around the face
• Itchiness
• Increased appearance of wine lines and wrinkles

You could experience lightheadedness, dizziness, and dry mouth as well. In these instances, dehydration can become a medical emergency. Seek a doctor immediately if your symptoms don’t improve. 

Pinch Test

Not sure if you have dehydrated or dry skin? Try the pinch test at home to test your skin’s hydration.

First, pinch a small portion of skin around the cheek area between your fingers. Squeeze lightly.

If you don’t wrinkle or the skin doesn’t bounce back once you let go, your skin is likely dehydrated.  

If you’re still unsure about the state of your skin, visit a dermatologist or specialist. You can also learn more about dehydrated skin vs dry skin here.

Treating Dehydrated Skin

Why should you fix your dehydrated skin as soon as possible?

For starters, dehydrated skin displays accelerated signs of aging. These wrinkles will appear as triangular fine lines. 

Dehydration can affect your skin’s ability to complete cell turnover, too. Your skin won’t shed its outer layer often enough. Dead skin cells will start to accumulate on the surface.

As a result, you could notice congestion, a lackluster complexion, and clogged pores.

Dehydration can also increase your skin’s sensitivity. 

Dehydration disrupts the skin’s moisture barrier. As a result, the skin can’t protect itself from environmental stressors. Pollution and bacteria can then penetrate the skin’s outermost layer.

You might experience redness, irritation, and itching due to this disruption.

Meanwhile, your skin might feel tight and itchy. It could begin flaking more often as well.

Here are a few changes you can make to your skincare routine to help your skin.

1. Minimize Alcohol and Caffeine Intake

Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics that can deplete your skin of its water content. Alcohol can also hinder the production of the hormone vasopressin. Your skin needs this hormone for rehydration.

Try to minimize your coffee intake to two cups a day. Minimize how much alcohol you drink, too.

Otherwise, start drinking water more often throughout the day.

2. Buy a Humidifier

You can turn off the air conditioner and add more moisture to the air by adding a humidifier.

Humidifiers evaporate water using a heating element. Then, steam is vented into the air, creating more humidity. The moisture in the air could help rehydrate your skin. 

3. Look at Your Products

Women spend about $313 every month on their appearances. Unfortunately, the skincare products you’re using could do more harm than good.

Evaluate your skincare routine and make sure you’re using products that can hydrate your skin from the outside.

Avoid harsh face scrubs, too. Otherwise, exfoliation could irritate your skin further.

Dehydrated skin takes longer to renew itself naturally. Exfoliation can accelerate your skin cell turnover. 

Instead, consider using gentle exfoliating options. 

Make sure to wash your face using a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Then, apply an essence to boost your skin’s hydration. 

Consider adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your routine as well. A humectant can help the skin bind and retain moisture.

Otherwise, make sure to protect your skin’s outer layer. First, sip water throughout the day.

Prevent water from leaving the skin, too. Keep your moisture barrier healthy and intake with topical treatments. Try looking for products with botanical peptides.

4. Adjust Your Routine

Cut bad habits like smoking. Instead, try to exercise more often this year. After an intense workout, make sure to replenish your fluids.

Otherwise, make sure to get plenty of sleep each night. 

Maintain Hydration: Replenish Your Dehydrated Skin Today

A few small changes to your current lifestyle can have a big impact on your skin. Use these tips to replenish your dehydrated skin right away. Remember to visit a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve.

With these tips, you can manage your bad skin before it gets worse.

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