Do you feel that you have dull skin that feels dry or tight? It could be a symptom that your skin is dehydrated. You can assist to alleviate many of the problems associated with dry skin by keeping it hydrated. The process of absorbing moisture from air and then infusing it into the skin cells to improve its ability to absorb nutrients and moisture is known as skin hydration. You might be wondering what are the reasons behind dehydration and how to keep skin hydrated? This blog will cover up all these questions and more! 

What is hydrated skin? 

Smooth, luminous, and even-toned skin is a sign of skin hydration. To achieve this, you must periodically quench your skin’s thirst. Skin that is properly hydrated is significantly healthier and more attractive. In a nutshell, hydration entails increasing the water content of the skin. You can assist to alleviate many of the problems associated with dry skin by keeping the skin hydrated. However, many people mistake dehydrated skin for dry skin. Although they are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two. 

What are the causes of dehydrated skin? 

Dehydration affects all skin types, including oily skin, and is caused by a lack of water in the skin. Moisture escapes from your skin when the air is dry or windy.

• Dehydrated skin can be caused by air conditioning, the weather, lack of sleep, not drinking enough water, too hot showers, and skipping a gentle skincare routine. Dehydration is a condition that affects more than simply dry skin.
• Skincare products containing harsh, toxic substances can impair your skin’s ability to hold moisture.
• Also, exfoliating too much can cause your skin’s natural moisture barrier to be damaged. If you exfoliate your skin using harsh, abrasive treatments, it can be even more damaging.

How to tell if your skin is dehydrated? 

To measure your skin’s moisture levels, perform a simple pinch home test. Squeeze lightly a little part of your skin around your cheek area. If you see wrinkling and the skin doesn’t bounce back once you let go, it’s possible that your skin is dehydrated. Your dermatologist can also be helpful in telling you if your skin is dry or dehydrated. 

Hydration v/s moisturisation

Hydration refers to the amount of water in the cells, which causes them to swell and become plump and bouncy, allowing them to reflect light well. If water is lost from the cells and they get dehydrated, the cells might become shrivelled, resulting in dull skin. Moisturizing, on the other hand, is the process of capturing and sealing moisture in order to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, prevent water loss, and maintain the skin supple and smooth. Moisturization and hydration go hand in hand. Skin Hydration makes your skin feel soft and elastic, but it won’t stay long if the water evaporates quickly. Slathering moisturizing lotions and balms over dry skin, on the other hand, may briefly make it feel smooth, but dehydrated skin will still seem dull and feel uncomfortable. Both moisturizers and hydrators emphasize the need of ensuring that the skin receives enough water to combat dryness and dehydration, as well as premature symptoms of aging and environmental damage. However, the main distinction is in how they go about obtaining certain goals. 

How does skin hydration work? 

Increasing the water content of your skin is hydrating it. Your skin may appear flaky, dull, and dry if it is dehydrated. In the lack of enough hydration, skin’s natural renewal activities have stalled, leading to greater dryness, which ultimately pulls your skin into this downward cycle. 

How to keep your skin hydrated?

Water-rich foods should be consumed:

In general, eating high-water-content meals can assist in hydrating your skin. Fruits and vegetables frequently contain large amounts of water, which can help your skin retain hydration. Watermelons, in particular, are high in water and make an excellent complement to your diet. Avocado is one of these healthy foods to include in your diet.

Drink Enough Water:

Hydrating your body is the first step in hydrating your skin. It is suggested that you consume at least 8 glasses of water every day. Depending on your daily activity and weight, your body may require more.

Face Masks/Sheets are a great way to pamper yourself:

Hydrating elements abound in face masks. Your skin will stay plump and moist if you include a moisturizing face mask in your regular skincare routine. It can also help to conceal fine wrinkles and dark circles.

Invest in a humidifier:

Adding a humidifier to your house can bring numerous skin benefits. This is especially true during the winter, when the air tends to be dryer.

Make Use Of Hydrating Skincare

If you have dehydrated skin, you need products that can penetrate your skin and give water and hence you should use water-based lotions. Look for the following hydrating components:

• Hyaluronic Acid is a form of sugar that helps to moisturize and keep your skin flexible. The water-binding properties of hyaluronic acid aid to renew your skin while also preventing early indications of aging.
• Ceramides are skin-renewing chemicals similar to the cement that holds a building’s bricks together, strengthens skin barrier, and improves skin hydration.
• Glycerin: A popular beauty industry product, glycerin offers moisturizing characteristics that can help your skin feel less dry and irritable. As a result, it attracts moisture.

Exfoliate on a regular basis:

Exfoliating your skin is necessary to remove dry patches, dead cells, and other debris that have developed due to a lack of moisture. Make it a point to exfoliate once every 4-5 days

Make use of sunscreen:

Every time you go outside during the day, use sunscreen to ensure spf protection for face from UVA and UVB rays. Sun exposure dehydrates the skin, causing it to lose moisture and break down the collagen and elastin that give it strength and flexibility.

Moisturize:

Because your body loses a lot of water throughout the summer, it’s critical to hydrate yourself from the inside out. Aside from consuming water-rich foods and drinking enough water, cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin every night before going to bed. 

How to choose cream/moisturizer for best hydration?

Choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. Dry skin responds favorably to cream-based moisturizers. A mild gel-based oil free moisturizer will keep your skin from feeling heavy if you have oily skin. It’s recommended to use a skin hydrating moisturizer straight after cleansing your face properly with a skin hydrating facewash.

Dehydrated Skin v/s Dry Skin 

When you have dry skin, it indicates your skin isn’t creating enough natural oils to keep itself healthy. Dry skin can be there for various reasons. A person’s skin condition, such as dermatitis or eczema, may be present. Frequent washing can also create dry skin by robbing the skin of its natural oils. Furthermore, some people have naturally drier skin than others. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is caused by a lack of water intake. Despite the fact that they may appear to be the same, they are caused by separate sources. 

Conclusion 

One of the most crucial parts of skin care is skin hydration. Hydrating your skin from the inside out is essential for keeping it healthy, young, and wrinkle-free. To maintain hydrated, healthy skin all year, drink enough water, follow a regular skincare routine, eat water-rich foods, and exercise healthy lifestyle practices. 

FAQs 

1.WHAT TYPE OF SKINCARE PRODUCT SHOULD PEOPLE WITH DEHYDRATED SKIN BE LOOKING FOR?

 If you have dehydrated skin, look for products that contain moisture-binding elements like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and Squalane. 

2.WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST REGARDING DEHYDRATED SKIN?

Dehydrated skin isn’t usually a major skin problem. Hydrating face serums, creams, and lotions can help enhance the texture of your skin. If your skin’s overall health does not improve after your hydration effort, or if you see any of the following symptoms: white flakes, red areas, itchy and irritated skin, see a dermatologist.