Top 3 Causes Of Dehydrated Skin
Maintaining a healthy balance of hydration and nutrition is essential for your skin to thrive. A glowing complexion starts with giving your skin the care and attention it deserves.
Key Takeaways
Dehydrated skin usually presents as a dry or tight complexion that is exceptionally dull. But preventing and treating dehydrated skin starts with understanding the primary ways it is caused.
- Our environment and the weather can play a significant role in contributing to dehydrated skin.
- Adequate hydration levels are maintained by drinking enough water. So if you have dehydrated skin, you may need to improve your diet and stay hydrated.
- The ingredients we use on our skin can break down our skin’s natural barrier and contribute to dehydration.
If you struggle with dehydrated skin, pinpointing the reason for your skin’s stress is the first step in replacing your dull complexion with a glowing appearance.
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The Primary Causes Of Dehydrated Skin
Each of us has a unique complexion that makes us who we are. Our skin is like a canvas that outwardly expresses the way we treat it.
So when your skin is lacking hydration, it will show. Dehydrated skin will present as itchy skin or sensitive fine lines. Signs of thirsty skin can also include rough, flaky patches and dry skin.
Treating severe dehydration starts with understanding its causes. So, what are they?
#1. The Weather And Your Environment Can Lead To Dehydrated Skin
A common cause of dehydrated skin starts with environmental factors. For example, harsh weather in the winter months or exposure to the sun’s UV rays can often trigger skin dehydration.
But you don’t even need to necessarily be outside for your skin to suffer this way. Indoor heating or air conditioning units can also reduce moisture levels in your surrounding atmosphere.
Regardless of your skin type, exposure to harsh environments can lead to several skin problems.
#2. You’re Not Drinking Enough Water Or Maintaining A Healthy Diet
Dry skin and dehydrated skin aren’t the same. Dryness typically happens when your face can’t produce enough natural oils to maintain your skin’s moisture balance. But dehydrated skin is a skin condition, not a skin type.
Another common reason your skin is dehydrated can be attributed to your lifestyle choices and habits. Dehydration happens when your skin lacks water. So if you’re not drinking water, you are not providing your skin with the fundamental hydration it needs to be healthy.
In addition, a poor diet can be to blame for thirsty skin. Ensure you maintain a balanced diet and eat plenty of plant-based foods like fruits and veggies.
#3. External Irritants And Harsh Ingredients Can Break Down Your Skin’s Barrier
Harsh chemicals and ingredients that you may incorporate into your skincare routine can also be the cause of your dehydrated skin. Anything that destroys your skin’s natural protective moisture barrier can ruin your complexion.
The outer layer of your skin is delicate. But using hydrating and calming skincare products can help ensure your complexion is treated the way it deserves.
Do You Have Dehydrated Skin?
Now that we know the causes of skin dehydration, we must explore the identifying factors for this skin condition. The first step in obtaining radiant and healthy skin is analyzing your unique complexion.
What’s important to keep in mind is that skin types and conditions are not necessarily the same thing. For example, many people incorrectly assume that dryness and dehydration are one and the same.
The Difference Between Dry And Dehydrated Skin
The natural oil our pores produce regulates our skin’s barrier function and keeps our skin moisturized. Sebum is essential for healthy skin, but in excess can lead to oily skin and other skin concerns.
However, dryness can occur when our skin barrier is damaged, and natural oil production slows. Dry skin is a skin type, like combination skin or oily skin.
But dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a skin condition that can happen to any skin type. Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin happens when there is a lack of water and moisture in your entire system. Dehydration can be detrimental not only to your skin’s health but also to your overall well-being.
Signs Of Dehydrated Skin
There are a few telltale signs of dehydration in your skin. Skin dehydration can cause blood vessels in your face to constrict, leading to dark circles under your eyes. Signs of premature aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, can also indicate dehydration.
If you want to check your skin’s hydration levels, try the pinch test. Squeeze between two fingers the skin of your knuckles and let go. Hydrated skin will quickly return to its original position, while dehydrated skin will stay in the pinched place for a prolonged time.
Other symptoms of dehydration include increased breakouts or dry mouth, as dehydration affects your overall health.
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How To Treat Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin can feel tight, itchy, or sensitive. And the key to keeping skin hydrated isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal.
We each have a unique complexion to treat with care and attention. And glowing skin takes more than just curating the ideal skincare routine.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Dehydration starts with a lack of moisture. So a surefire way to fix dehydrated skin is to ensure you drink enough water to stay hydrated.
It’s also a good idea to avoid excessive caffeine consumption, as coffee serves to dehydrate our bodies. Don’t like the taste of water? Toss in a sprig of mint or some lemon to add flavor!
Maintain A Healthy Diet
Healthy and radiant skin starts from the inside. Dehydrated skin lacks both water and nutrition. So, in addition to increasing your H2O intake, ensure you maintain a healthy and well-rounded diet.
Fill your plate with plenty of greens and fruits, and avoid processed or sugary foods. Stay active, and indulge in your ideal, healthy lifestyle!
Use Hydrating Skincare Products
Dehydrated skin is visible. And treating a dull and dry complexion requires the right beauty products for the look you deserve.
A radiant complexion starts with ensuring your skin is both hydrated and moisturized. And the foundation of your skin routine should include a gentle cleanser that promotes restorative skin cell turnover and opens clogged pores.
The right cleanser will make it easier for your water-based moisturizer to deliver its powerful hydrating treatment. Incorporating powerful hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help lock moisture into your skin and leave your complexion glowing.
Our skincare path is a journey toward the beautiful and radiant skin we deserve. But it starts from within and ends with our beauty routine. So make sure you are diligent in all aspects!
Keep Reading: 8 Signs You Probably Have Sensitive Skin
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For over 60 years, Viviane Woodard has represented “The Purity of Skincare”. We are the leading beauty brand for skin care products and promote the importance of good skin hydration. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for skin care tips, product discounts, and more.