How can you tell if your skin is dehydrated. What are the key differences between dry and dehydrated skin. What are the most effective ways to treat dehydrated skin. How can you prevent skin dehydration.

Understanding Dehydrated Skin: More Than Just Dryness

Dehydrated skin is a common concern that many people face, often confusing it with dry skin. However, these two conditions are distinctly different. Dehydrated skin lacks water, while dry skin lacks natural oils (sebum). This crucial distinction affects how we approach treatment and care for our skin.

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in. This imbalance can manifest in various ways, including through the skin. Unlike dry skin, which is a skin type, dehydration is a temporary condition that can affect any skin type, including oily and combination skin.

Key Symptoms of Dehydrated Skin: What to Look For

Recognizing the signs of dehydrated skin is crucial for proper treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Itchiness
• Dull complexion
• Darker under-eye circles
• Sunken eyes
• “Shadows” around the face, especially under the eyes and around the nose
• Increased appearance of fine lines and surface wrinkles
• Tight feeling after cleansing

These symptoms can be subtle, making it challenging to distinguish dehydrated skin from other skin concerns. However, understanding these signs is the first step in addressing the issue effectively.

The Pinch Test: A Simple At-Home Diagnostic Tool

A quick and easy way to check for skin dehydration is the pinch test. Here’s how to do it:

1. Gently pinch a small portion of skin on your cheek.
2. Hold for a few seconds, then release.
3. Observe how quickly the skin returns to its normal position.

If your skin doesn’t bounce back immediately and instead shows wrinkling or takes time to return to its original state, it may be dehydrated. This simple test can provide valuable insight into your skin’s hydration levels.

Dehydrated vs. Dry Skin: Understanding the Difference

While dehydrated and dry skin may share some similarities in appearance, they are fundamentally different conditions. Dry skin is a skin type characterized by a lack of oil production, while dehydrated skin is a condition caused by a lack of water in the skin.

Dry skin typically exhibits:

• Scaly texture
• White flakes
• Redness
• Irritation
• Consistent dryness regardless of environmental factors

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, can affect any skin type and may fluctuate based on external factors such as climate, diet, and lifestyle. Understanding this distinction is crucial for selecting the right treatment approach.

Causes of Skin Dehydration: Beyond Lack of Water Intake

While insufficient water consumption is a primary cause of skin dehydration, several other factors can contribute to this condition:

• Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
• Diuretic medications
• Intense physical activity without proper hydration
• Hot showers or baths
• Harsh skincare products
• Air conditioning or heating
• Low humidity environments
• Sun exposure
• Certain medical conditions

Identifying the specific causes of your skin’s dehydration can help you make targeted lifestyle changes to improve your skin’s health.

Effective Treatments for Dehydrated Skin

Addressing dehydrated skin requires a multi-faceted approach that combines internal hydration with external skincare strategies. Here are some effective treatments:

Internal Hydration

• Increase water intake: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, adjusting based on your body weight and activity level.
• Consume water-rich foods: Incorporate fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, and celery, into your diet.
• Limit dehydrating beverages: Reduce consumption of caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.

Topical Treatments

• Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser: Avoid harsh soaps that can strip the skin of its natural moisture.
• Apply a hydrating serum: Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.
• Moisturize effectively: Choose a moisturizer that locks in hydration without clogging pores.
• Consider facial oils: Natural oils can help support the skin’s barrier function and prevent water loss.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help prevent skin dehydration, especially in dry climates or during winter months.
• Protect your skin from the sun: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent UV-induced moisture loss.
• Avoid hot showers: Opt for lukewarm water to prevent stripping your skin of its natural oils.

Prevention Strategies: Maintaining Hydrated, Healthy Skin

Preventing skin dehydration is often easier than treating it. Here are some strategies to keep your skin hydrated and healthy:

• Establish a consistent skincare routine tailored to your skin’s needs
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise
• Get adequate sleep to allow your skin to repair and regenerate
• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Use gentle, non-irritating skincare products

By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can maintain well-hydrated skin and prevent the recurrence of dehydration.

When to Seek Professional Help for Dehydrated Skin

While mild skin dehydration can often be addressed at home, there are instances when professional help may be necessary. Consider consulting a dermatologist if:

• Your skin remains dehydrated despite consistent at-home care
• You experience severe symptoms such as extreme tightness, flaking, or irritation
• Dehydration is accompanied by other skin concerns like acne or eczema
• You’re unsure about the cause of your skin’s dehydration
• You need personalized advice on skincare products or treatments

A dermatologist can provide a thorough assessment of your skin’s condition and recommend targeted treatments or prescription products if necessary.

The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Skin Hydration

While topical treatments and adequate water intake are crucial for maintaining skin hydration, the role of diet and nutrition should not be overlooked. Certain nutrients play a vital role in supporting skin health and hydration:

Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining the skin’s lipid barrier, which helps prevent water loss. Include sources such as:

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Walnuts
• Flaxseeds
• Chia seeds
• Avocados

Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage and support overall skin health. Rich sources include:

• Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
• Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)
• Green tea
• Dark chocolate

Vitamins and Minerals

Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for skin hydration and health:

• Vitamin C: Supports collagen production and protects against environmental damage
• Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant and helps maintain skin moisture
• Zinc: Aids in skin healing and regeneration
• Selenium: Protects against oxidative stress

Incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your diet can significantly impact your skin’s hydration levels and overall health.

Advanced Treatments for Persistent Dehydrated Skin

For those dealing with persistent skin dehydration that doesn’t respond to basic treatments, there are several advanced options available:

Professional Treatments

• Hydrafacial: This multi-step treatment cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses the skin with intensive hydrating serums.
• Oxygen Facial: Delivers a mixture of hyperbaric oxygen, vitamins, and moisturizers to hydrate and plump the skin.
• Microneedling with Hyaluronic Acid: Creates micro-channels in the skin to enhance the absorption of hydrating serums.
• Mesotherapy: Involves injecting a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, and hyaluronic acid directly into the skin.

Advanced Skincare Ingredients

Look for products containing these potent hydrating ingredients:

• Ceramides: Help reinforce the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss
• Glycerin: A powerful humectant that attracts water to the skin
• Niacinamide: Improves skin barrier function and helps retain moisture
• Peptides: Support skin structure and enhance hydration

These advanced treatments and ingredients can provide a significant boost to your skin’s hydration levels when traditional methods fall short.

The Impact of Environmental Factors on Skin Hydration

Environmental factors play a significant role in skin hydration and can often exacerbate dehydration. Understanding these factors can help you better protect your skin:

Climate and Weather

Different climates and weather conditions can affect skin hydration:

• Dry climates: Low humidity can lead to increased water loss from the skin
• Cold weather: Can cause the skin to produce less oil, leading to dryness and dehydration
• Hot weather: Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration if fluids aren’t replenished

Indoor Environments

The indoor environment can also impact skin hydration:

• Air conditioning: Can reduce humidity and dry out the skin
• Central heating: Can lower indoor humidity, leading to skin dehydration
• Fluorescent lighting: May increase free radical production, potentially damaging the skin barrier

Pollution

Air pollution can have detrimental effects on skin hydration:

• Particulate matter: Can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased water loss
• Ozone: Can deplete the skin’s antioxidant reserves, compromising its ability to retain moisture

To combat these environmental factors:

• Use a humidifier in dry indoor environments
• Apply a protective moisturizer before going outdoors
• Cleanse your skin thoroughly at the end of the day to remove pollutants
• Consider using skincare products with antioxidants to protect against environmental damage

By being aware of these environmental influences and taking appropriate measures, you can better maintain your skin’s hydration levels and overall health.

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

Read this next

• Understanding Skin Turgor

  Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

  Skin turgor refers to how quickly your skin returns to its normal position after being pinched. It’s often used to check for dehydration in children…

  READ MORE

• 5 Benefits and Uses of Micellar Water

  By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD

  Micellar water is a skin care product that can help cleanse and tone your skin. Here are 5 benefits and uses of micellar water.

  READ MORE

• Brainy Beauty: Can Electrolytes Really Hydrate Your Skin?

  Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

  In theory, electrolytes can help your skin retain even more moisture. What about in practice?

  READ MORE

• Skin Allergy Home Remedies

  Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

  Common symptoms of a skin allergy include itching, redness, and swelling. While prescribed and over-the-counter medications can work to relieve these…

  READ MORE

• 8 Easy Shower Habits to Show Your Body Some Love

  Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

  The shower is the perfect place to give your skin the TLC it deserves, from head to toe.

  READ MORE

• Why Your Skin Care Routine Starts in the Shower

  Hopping in the shower isn’t just about getting clean, it’s also an opportune time to focus on overall skin health with a few skin-friendly habits.

  READ MORE

• 6 Ways to Help Treat Acne When You Also Have Dry SkinREAD MORE

• Every Sunscreen Question You Have, Answered

  Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

  Find out if kids need different sunscreens from adults, if sunscreen can be toxic, and whether it matters if you’re slathering on SPF 100.

  READ MORE

• 13 Best Retinol Creams for 2023

  If you’re interested in adding retinol to your skin care routine, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for retinol creams for all skin types.

  READ MORE

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

1. Pinch a small amount of skin on your cheek, abdomen, chest, or the back of your hand and hold for a few seconds.
2. If your skin snaps back, you’re likely not dehydrated.
3. If it takes a few moments to bounce back, you’re likely dehydrated.
4. 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:

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.

• 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

Read this next

• 6 Ways to Maximize Your Beauty Sleep for #WokeUpLikeThis Skin

  Medically reviewed by Bukky Aremu, APRN

  Beauty sleep: Is it real? According to science, yes. Plus, six ways to help keep your skin glowing when you wake up.

  READ MORE

• About Skin pH and Why It Matters

  Medically reviewed by Vincent J. Tavella DVM, MPH

  Learn the ideal skin pH measurement, how you can figure out what yours is, and what it says about your skin.

  READ MORE

• What Is Sebum and Why Does It Build Up on Skin and Hair?

  Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

  Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by your body’s sebaceous glands. If you have oily skin or hair, your body may be producing an excess amount…

  READ MORE

• These 8 Beauty Myths Aren’t Doing Your Skin Any Favors

  Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

  To get your skin care products to work, it might involve listening to yourself and not others. Here’s which skin care myths to stop heeding.

  READ MORE

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.