Dehydration skin symptoms: How to Tell if Your Skin Is Dehydrated – Professional Surgical Dermatology Services

10.07.202302.07.2023 by alexxlab

Содержание

Symptoms, vs. Dry Skin, Test, Treatments, and More

Dehydrated Skin: Symptoms, vs. Dry Skin, Test, Treatments, and More

Health Conditions
- Featured
  - Breast Cancer
  - IBD
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  - Rheumatoid Arthritis
  - Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
  - Acid Reflux
  - ADHD
  - Allergies
  - Alzheimer’s & Dementia
  - Bipolar Disorder
  - Cancer
  - Crohn’s Disease
  - Chronic Pain
  - Cold & Flu
  - COPD
  - Depression
  - Fibromyalgia
  - Heart Disease
  - High Cholesterol
  - HIV
  - Hypertension
  - IPF
  - Osteoarthritis
  - Psoriasis
  - Skin Disorders and Care
  - STDs
Discover
- Wellness Topics
  - Nutrition
  - Fitness
  - Skin Care
  - Sexual Health
  - Women’s Health
  - Mental Well-Being
  - Sleep
- Product Reviews
  - Vitamins & Supplements
  - Sleep
  - Mental Health
  - Nutrition
  - At-Home Testing
  - CBD
  - Men’s Health
- Original Series
  - Fresh Food Fast
  - Diagnosis Diaries
  - You’re Not Alone
  - Present Tense
- Video Series
  - Youth in Focus
  - Healthy Harvest
  - No More Silence
  - Future of Health
Plan
- Health Challenges
  - Mindful Eating
  - Sugar Savvy
  - Move Your Body
  - Gut Health
  - Mood Foods
  - Align Your Spine
- Find Care
  - Primary Care
  - Mental Health
  - OB-GYN
  - Dermatologists
  - Neurologists
  - Cardiologists
  - Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
  - Weight Management
  - Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
  - Are You a Workaholic?
  - How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
  - Health News
  - Find a Diet
  - Find Healthy Snacks
  - Drugs A-Z
  - Health A-Z
Connect
- - Breast Cancer
  - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  - Psoriatic Arthritis
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis
  - Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Kristeen Cherney — Updated on May 2, 2018

Overview

Dehydrated skin means that your skin is lacking water. It can be dry and itchy and perhaps dull looking, too. Your overall tone and complexion may appear uneven, and fine lines are more noticeable.

While dehydrated skin can be a nuisance, it’s relatively easy to treat with the right lifestyle changes. Treatment begins from the inside out to replenish and maintain hydration throughout your body.

Dehydrated skin can appear dry, but it’s not the same has having a dry skin type.

Severe dehydration and dry skin should be addressed with a doctor.

Dehydrated skin is sometimes discussed synonymously with dry skin. However, these are two different phenomena.

While dehydrated skin lacks water, dry skin lacks natural oils (also called sebum). Also, dry skin is a skin type, while dehydration is considered a condition.

Skin types are classified as normal, dry, combination, and oily. You’re usually born with one type of skin, but it can change with age and season. When you have dry skin, your sebaceous glands don’t produce enough natural oils.

Your skin usually needs help with added hydration via an emollient cream to protect from further moisture loss. Dry skin may also be caused by underlying health conditions, such as hypothyroidism.

Hormonal conditions such as these don’t cause dehydrated skin.

Signs of dry skin include:

scaly skin
white flakes
redness
irritation

Dry skin is sometimes associated with skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and even post-acne breakouts. However, these aren’t the same as having this dry skin type, nor are they the same as dehydrated skin.

At its definition, dehydration means that your body is losing more water than it’s taking in. Aside from not drinking enough water, this can be related to increased urination from caffeine or diuretics. It may also occur from lots of sweating from exercise.

Unlike dry skin, dehydration can cause the following symptoms:

itchiness
dullness
darker under-eye circles
sunken eyes
“shadows” around the face (especially under the eyes and around your nose)
increased incidence or appearance of fine lines and surface wrinkles

Severe dehydration can go beyond your skin and cause symptoms such as:

dizziness
dry mouth
faintness
lightheadedness
overall weakness
urination that is darker and less frequent

Dehydration can become a medical emergency in these cases. See your doctor immediately if symptoms of severe dehydration don’t improve.

You can do a simple pinch test at home to determine your skin’s hydration levels.

Take a small portion of your skin around the cheek area and squeeze lightly. If you notice any wrinkling and if the skin doesn’t bounce back after you let go, then your skin may be dehydrated.

Your dermatologist or aesthetician can also help you figure out if your skin is dehydrated or dry.

Unlike dry skin, dehydration is treatable with lifestyle changes. Replenishing your hydration is the first major step, so it’s important to drink plenty of water. You can start with the old rule of eight glasses of water per day if you don’t drink enough water already.

Depending on your body weight and activity levels, you may need to drink more than this. Ask your doctor what amount is appropriate for you.

It’s also important not to drink too much water, as this can lead to a loss in minerals. Eating water-rich veggies and fruits can also help increase your intake (think celery, watermelon, and the like).

You can also treat dehydrated skin with the following diet and lifestyle changes:

Drink alcohol in moderation only (if at all).
Drink less coffee and other sources of caffeine.
Stop smoking.
Exercise regularly.
Drink water while you work out (the Nemours Foundation recommends taking a few sips every 20 minutes at minimum).
Replenish fluids after you work out.
Get plenty of sleep.
Eat more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

If you’ve had a recent illness, dehydration may be related to a loss of fluids from being sick. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, electrolyte beverages, and broth-based soups.

Severe dehydration may be treatable via intravenous fluids at the doctor’s office or hospital.

Dry skin, on the other hand, is more difficult to treat. If your skin has always naturally been on the dry side, you’ll likely need to take extra care to keep it moist during cold and dry weather.

A moisturizer made for dry skin is key to hydrating your skin without making it too oily. An oily moisturizer won’t treat dry skin — in fact, it can make you break out. Drinking more water doesn’t fix dry skin, but it’s still good for your overall health.

Dehydrated skin can be complex, but it’s treatable once you diagnose it correctly. Dry skin has similar symptoms, but it can’t be treated through diet and lifestyle changes.

If your skin dehydration fails to improve after making these types of changes, you may actually have dry skin. See your dermatologist for further advice on how to properly treat dry skin.

Last medically reviewed on March 2, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Dehydration. (2017).
kidshealth.org/en/teens/dehydration.html
Dehydration comes on fast and can be fatal. (n.d.).
emergencycareforyou.org/Health-Tips/Dehydration-comes-on-fast-and-can-be-fatal/
Gibson LE. (2015). Does drinking water cause hydrated skin?
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/hydrated-skin/faq-20058067
King A. (n.d.). Sleep deprivation and skin.
dermalinstitute.com/us/library/148_article_Sleep_Deprivation_and_Skin.html
Simpkin S. (2010). Smoking and its effects on the skin.
dermnetnz.org/topics/smoking-and-its-effects-on-the-skin/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Kristeen Cherney — Updated on May 2, 2018

8 Traits to Help You Tell the Difference

Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin: 8 Traits to Help You Tell the Difference

Health Conditions
- Featured
  - Breast Cancer
  - IBD
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  - Rheumatoid Arthritis
  - Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
  - Acid Reflux
  - ADHD
  - Allergies
  - Alzheimer’s & Dementia
  - Bipolar Disorder
  - Cancer
  - Crohn’s Disease
  - Chronic Pain
  - Cold & Flu
  - COPD
  - Depression
  - Fibromyalgia
  - Heart Disease
  - High Cholesterol
  - HIV
  - Hypertension
  - IPF
  - Osteoarthritis
  - Psoriasis
  - Skin Disorders and Care
  - STDs
Discover
- Wellness Topics
  - Nutrition
  - Fitness
  - Skin Care
  - Sexual Health
  - Women’s Health
  - Mental Well-Being
  - Sleep
- Product Reviews
  - Vitamins & Supplements
  - Sleep
  - Mental Health
  - Nutrition
  - At-Home Testing
  - CBD
  - Men’s Health
- Original Series
  - Fresh Food Fast
  - Diagnosis Diaries
  - You’re Not Alone
  - Present Tense
- Video Series
  - Youth in Focus
  - Healthy Harvest
  - No More Silence
  - Future of Health
Plan
- Health Challenges
  - Mindful Eating
  - Sugar Savvy
  - Move Your Body
  - Gut Health
  - Mood Foods
  - Align Your Spine
- Find Care
  - Primary Care
  - Mental Health
  - OB-GYN
  - Dermatologists
  - Neurologists
  - Cardiologists
  - Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
  - Weight Management
  - Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
  - Are You a Workaholic?
  - How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
  - Health News
  - Find a Diet
  - Find Healthy Snacks
  - Drugs A-Z
  - Health A-Z
Connect
- - Breast Cancer
  - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  - Psoriatic Arthritis
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis
  - Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. N., CCRN, CPN — By Deanna Debara — Updated on May 22, 2023

It can be difficult to know the difference between dry skin and dehydration. But it’s important to understand so you know if you need hydration or moisturization.

And how that affects your skin care

One Google into products and you might start to wonder: Are hydration and moisturization two different things? The answer is yes — but how do you know which is best for your complexion? To find out, it’s important to make the distinction between dehydrated skin and dry skin.

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that occurs when there’s a lack of water in the skin. This can happen to anyone, regardless of skin type — people with oily or combination skin can still experience dehydration. Dehydrated skin typically looks dull and can show premature signs of aging, like surface wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

A great way to tell if your skin is dehydrated is the pinch test. While this test isn’t definitive, it’s a good way to start thinking about your skin from the inside out. With dehydrated skin, you might also notice:

darker under-eye circles, or tired
eye appearance
itchiness
skin dullness
more sensitive fine lines and
wrinkles

Try the pinch test

Pinch a small amount of skin on your cheek, abdomen, chest, or the back of your hand and hold for a few seconds.
If your skin snaps back, you’re likely not dehydrated.
If it takes a few moments to bounce back, you’re likely dehydrated.
Repeat in other areas if you’d like.

Was this helpful?

In dry skin, on the other hand, water isn’t the problem. Dry skin is a skin type, like oily or combination skin, where the complexion lacks oils, or lipids, so it takes on a more flaky, dry appearance.

You may also see:

scaly appearance
white flakes
redness or irritation
increased incidence of psoriasis,
eczema, or dermatitis

If you want your skin to look and feel its best, you need to both hydrate and moisturize. However, those with dehydrated skin may be able to skip moisturizers while dry skin types may find their skin getting worse by only hydrating.

If you’re hydrating and moisturizing, use hydrating ingredients first and then take the steps necessary to seal that moisture in.

Take a look at our table below for an ingredient breakdown by skin type or condition.

For dehydrated skin, oral hydration is a must because it’s adding water into complexion from the inside. You can also incorporate water-rich foods into your diet, such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, and celery. Another easy tip? Carry around a water mist, like rose water.

For dry skin, keep on moisturizing. This process helps dry skin better retain water and maintain a proper level of hydration. The key to addressing dry skin is finding products that help you lock in moisture, especially overnight. Try using a humidifier, especially during winter months, and wear a gel sleeping mask for an extra boost.

Deanna deBara is a freelance writer who recently made the move from sunny Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon. When she’s not obsessing over her dog, waffles, or all things Harry Potter, you can follow her journeys on Instagram.

Last medically reviewed on March 14, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Dry skin.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20353885
Palma L, et al. (2015). Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/
Sethi A, et al. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. DOI:
10.4103/0019-5154. 182427

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

May 22, 2023

Written By

Deanna Debara

Edited By

Kari Hopperstead

Mar 14, 2019

Medically Reviewed By

Carissa Stephens, RN, CCRN, CPN

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN — By Deanna Debara — Updated on May 22, 2023

6 Ways to Maximize Your Beauty Sleep for #WokeUpLikeThis Skin
About Skin pH and Why It Matters
What Is Sebum and Why Does It Build Up on Skin and Hair?
These 8 Beauty Myths Aren’t Doing Your Skin Any Favors
View all

Causes and signs of skin dehydration and how to avoid it

CONTENTS

Dehydrated skin is a problem faced by 90% of women worldwide. It is associated with a violation of the natural water balance in the body, in which the skin experiences a large deficit of moisture.

Cellular moisture is an indispensable participant in many important physiological processes, such as the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyarulonic acid.

Lack of moisture leads to loss of skin elasticity and firmness, dull complexion, fine lines and premature aging.

Do not confuse dry and dehydrated skin. Dry skin is a genetic trait, it is deficient in nutrients and sebum, and in addition to moisturizing, it needs nourishment. While dehydrated can be any type of skin (normal, dry, oily) that needs mostly moisture.

Signs of skin dehydration

When our skin experiences a lack of moisture, it is the strongest stress for it. The following signs indicate dehydration of the skin:

painful, dull complexion
thinning of the skin
disruption of the sebaceous glands
early loss of elasticity and firmness
sensation of dryness and “tightness” of the skin
small wrinkles that disappear immediately after applying the cream
peeling, itching and redness in certain areas of the skin
the face looks tired and much older than its age

Symptoms of dehydration of the skin of the face can also indicate any diseases and disease state of the body.

Causes of skin dehydration

The loss of moisture reserves, vital for maintaining cell activity, can be caused by both external and internal factors. External factors include:

Environmental exposure – extreme weather conditions, temperature fluctuations, prolonged sun exposure, wind
Dry indoor air
Passion for solarium and tanning
Improper care

Causes of dehydration of the skin are most often attributed to internal factors, such as:

Drinking little water
Frequent stress
Hormonal disruptions
Smoking and alcohol
Wrong diet
Age-related skin changes
Vitamin and mineral deficiency

Dehydration of the skin of the face should never be ignored.

How to restore the moisture balance of the skin?

To permanently eliminate the problem of dehydration of the skin, follow these rules.

Rule 1.

It is necessary to establish a proper drinking regimen. Drink 1.5-2 liters of clean drinking water per day.

Rule 2.

If you spend a lot of time in rooms with air conditioning and central heating, it is recommended to install a humidifier in them.

Rule 3.

Eliminate facial products that dry the skin – soaps, harsh scrubs, alcohol lotions and tonics, clay masks.

Rule 4.

Get the right care. For dehydrated skin, choose moisturizing emulsions or fluids rich in beneficial elements, acids and vitamins such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin, glycerin, vitamins C and E, light beneficial oils and plant extracts. Day cream must be with UV protection, ie. contain with an SPF of at least 15.

GiGi Vitamin E moisturizing creams are well suited for daily care. They have a rich, light texture, contain antioxidants, and prevent the development of dehydration and the appearance of age spots.

For dry, dehydrated skin, care should contain both moisturizing and nourishing ingredients. Dehydrated, oily skin needs a light cream that will not only replenish moisture, but also retain it. Moisturizing creams for oily skin GiGi are represented by several lines – Nutri-Peptide, Lotus Beauty, Acnon, Lipacid, etc.

GiGi Lipacid light moisturizing cream has an antibacterial and healing effect, normalizes the water-lipid balance, so it is ideal for problem skin.

GiGi Solar Energy Moisturizer creates a breathable film that prevents dehydration of the epidermis without clogging pores.

Rule 5.

Additional care products will help protect the skin from drying out. GiGi moisturizing serums should be used before applying the cream, they will enhance its effect and help to quickly restore the level of moisture in the epidermis.

GiGi moisturizing masks activate the internal reserves of the skin, prevent dehydration, increase firmness and elasticity, and eliminate wrinkles.

Follow these rules and remember that dehydration is a temporary specific condition caused by a lack of moisture. With proper care and restoration of the water balance of the skin, it regains freshness and elasticity.

Dehydration of the skin – causes, symptoms, prevention

whipped honey
cream honey
novelty
healthy eating
dehydration
dehydrated skin
dry skin
cosmetics
cosmetology
brands
makeup
mineral cosmetics
decorative cosmetics

June 16, 2018

Dehydration is a problem that many girls face. Dehydrated skin and dry skin type are not the same thing. It does not depend on the type of skin. And we can even face dehydration of oily skin! Let’s figure out what’s what.
⠀
Dehydrated skin is its temporary condition, which occurs due to a lack of moisture. Dry skin, unlike dehydrated skin, lacks nutrients and fatty lubrication.

Everything was as usual, but suddenly the following symptoms appeared?
⠀
• Dull, greyish, uneven complexion.
• Peeling, redness.
• Loss of firmness, sagging.
• Feeling of tightness.
• Skin sensitization.
• Oily skin may become more oily and breakouts may increase.
• Wrinkles!
⠀
Most likely, your skin is dehydrated.

Why does dehydration occur?

Moisture deficiency causes the destruction of elastin and collagen fibers, and this is a direct path to sagging and dull skin and the early appearance of wrinkles.

• Trite but true – you drink little water.
• Poor maintenance.
• Oil in care completely replaces cream.
• You try hard to mattify your skin as much as possible, aggressively cleanse, constantly using hard peels, scrubs, masks.
• Love to sunbathe – in the sun or in a solarium, especially without sunscreen.
• Eating unhealthy, junk food and neglecting healthy foods rich in vitamins.
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner is complete without coffee. Alcohol and cigarettes are your friends.
• Aggressive impact of environmental factors – we have already said about the sun, this also includes wind, dry air, dust.

This is actually a very common and very annoying problem. What to do? How to fight?
⠀
• We do the opposite: we drink water – not coffee, not tea, not sweet soda and not alcohol! 1.5-2 liters per day. This is one of the most important points. We eat vegetables, fruits and less fast food, we monitor nutrition.
• As for vitamins, we need B, C, E, zinc, selenium.
• We do not abuse the tan and use products with SPF.
• Buy a humidifier. Usually the humidity in the apartment is much less than its recommended values. So, the skin will evaporate less moisture.
• Regularly remove dead skin layers to help moisturizers penetrate better. But use only light, gentle peels for this, especially if you do it at home! No hard scrubs.
• More about cleansing, because wrong cleansing is what the majority sins with. We exclude soap and replace it with milk, hydrophilic oil, soft gels.

• Let’s use tonic!

• When it comes to oils in skin care, you don’t have to completely replace your cream with them. Oils are needed to retain moisture in the skin, but do not hydrate directly. Be sure to moisturize the skin from the inside, as well as from the outside – with moisturizing serums and creams. The composition of the cream should not contain mineral oils, silicones.
• If your skin is dehydrated, try to use less cleansing clay masks, and instead adapt to alginate masks. This is a super thing! Will enhance the effect of the serum at times.

Dehydration skin symptoms: How to Tell if Your Skin Is Dehydrated – Professional Surgical Dermatology Services

Symptoms, vs. Dry Skin, Test, Treatments, and More

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

8 Traits to Help You Tell the Difference

Try the pinch test

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

Causes and signs of skin dehydration and how to avoid it

Signs of skin dehydration

Causes of skin dehydration

How to restore the moisture balance of the skin?

Dehydration of the skin – causes, symptoms, prevention

Leave a Reply Cancel reply