How to Support Dehydrated Skin: The Ultimate Guide
Dealing with dull, rough skin that appears less stretchy or elastic than usual? Or perhaps you’ve noticed your fine lines look more prominent than they normally do. Chances are you’re experiencing dehydrated skin.
This isn't to be confused with dry skin, which means your skin lacks the natural oils that keep it lubricated. Dehydrated skin means there’s not enough water in your skin's outermost layer.
Causes of Dehydrated Skin
Some of the most common causes of dehydrated skin include environmental factors like harsh weather conditions, pollution, and central air conditioning. Poor diet and lifestyle habits, harsh skin care products, and over-exfoliating can also impede skin hydration and disrupt healthy skin barrier function.
The good news? You can treat and prevent dehydrated skin. Keep reading to learn how to identify dehydrated skin and what you can do to ensure your hydration levels stay on point.
Signs of Dehydrated Skin
How can you actually tell if your skin’s dehydrated? Identifying your skin type is the first step. Keep track of how your skin looks and feels daily. For instance, if it gets shiny throughout the day, especially in the T-zone area, you likely have oily skin. If you're unsure about your skin type, ask your Dermatologist.
Once you understand your skin's baseline condition, look for these signs of dehydrated skin.
Itchiness and Tightness
Skin tightness, especially after cleansing, is a tell-tale sign of dehydration.
Dullness and Flakiness
Dehydrated skin often appears dull and lackluster and may develop flaky patches, particularly around the nose and cheeks.
Increased Sensitivity
Dehydration can heighten skin sensitivity, leading to redness, irritation, burning, and stinging, especially when applying skin care products.
Pronounced Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Lack of moisture can accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making them more pronounced regardless of age.
Excess Oil
Yes, your skin can be both oily and dehydrated. In fact, if your skin is shinier than usual, dehydration might be to blame. When your skin lacks water, it may produce more oil to compensate.
Effective Solutions for Dehydrated Skin
Left unaddressed, dehydrated skin can lead to visible signs of premature aging and increased sensitivity, cracked skin, and rashes.
But worry not. Here are some of the simplest ways to promote smooth, calm, healthy-looking skin.
Hydrating Serums
One foolproof way to treat dehydrated skin is to apply a hydrating serum after cleansing while your skin is still damp. Try PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum for instant surface hydration and to support your skin's natural Hyaluronic Acid production. PCA SKIN Hydrating Serum is another great pick, boosting moisture and reducing inflammation all in one go.
Humectants and Occlusives
Restore dehydrated skin with a combination of humectants and occlusives. These ingredients work together to draw water to the skin's surface and keep it there. Humectants attract moisture from the environment and the skin's deeper layers and bind it to the skin's surface, while occlusives seal in that moisture.
Two of the most common humectants include Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid. Occlusives include natural oils like Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, and Shea Butter, as well as synthetic ingredients like Petrolatum. Seal in your serum's benefits with an occlusive-rich moisturizer like PCA SKIN Collagen Hydrator.
Lifestyle Changes
Your lifestyle habits impact your skin's condition. Stay hydrated from within by drinking water throughout the day; eating hydrating, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables; getting enough sleep at night; minimizing stress; and exercising regularly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To maintain hydrated and healthy skin, steer clear of common pitfalls that can lead to skin dehydration.
Over-Exfoliation
Over-exfoliating can strip your skin's natural oils and disrupt the skin's protective barrier. In general, stick to a gentle exfoliator like PCA SKIN Daily Exfoliant two to three times a week.
Harsh Skin Care Products
High concentrations of active ingredients, alcohol, sulfates, and fragrances can exacerbate dehydration by causing irritation and moisture loss. Instead, choose gentle, hydrating formulations with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin to replenish moisture and soothe the skin.
Cleansing with Hot Water
Avoid bathing in or cleansing your face with hot water. High temperatures can strip the skin's natural oils and leave it feeling tight and parched. Aim for cool or lukewarm water to effectively rinse away impurities without compromising your skin's hydration levels.
Quenching Your Skin's Thirst
To recap, dehydrated skin is a common issue that occurs when your skin's uppermost layer lacks water. This condition leads to symptoms like dullness, pronounced fine lines and wrinkles, tightness, excess oil production, and increased sensitivity.
Using hydrating skin care ingredients and adjusting your lifestyle habits—and staying away from hot water, over-exfoliation, and harsh skin care products—can help you achieve a hydrated, radiant complexion. Implement these measures in your daily routine and you’ll see a difference in your skin's glow and overall vitality.
If you have any concerns, consult a Dermatologist for personalized advice. After all, your skin is unique, and you deserve to feel confident in it!
Author:
Kaleigh Fasanella
Kaleigh Fasanella is a freelance beauty and wellness writer with over six years of experience contributing to outlets like Allure, Teen Vogue, Byrdie, HealthCentral, Bustle, Dazed Beauty, and more. Born with a rare genetic skin condition, she has a particular penchant for all things skincare. She's also incredibly passionate about amplifying the voices of those with chronic illnesses like her own. She holds a journalism degree from Penn State University, and in addition to editorial, she consults for brands and does some copywriting. Follow her on Instagram @kaleighfaz.