There are several skin conditions which can cause skin irritation and make your skin feel dull and itchy. Skin dehydration is one such skin condition. In this article, we will know about skin dehydration, the signs of dehydrated skin and also ways to treat it.
What is Skin Dehydration?
Skin dehydration is a skin condition that is caused by external elements, such as seasonal changes, unhealthy lifestyle choices such as caffeine or alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diet. All these factors deplete the water content of your skin and give your skin a less supple appearance. Skin dehydration is characterized by a lack or reduced level of water, not oil. It must be mentioned that even skins that are oily, become skin dehydrated. Fortunately, skin dehydration is only temporary and it can be relieved by some topical treatments and some lifestyle changes.
What Are The Signs Of Dehydrated Skin?
Below are some of the signs of dehydrated skin.
Itchy Skin:
External elements, such as wind as well as extreme temperatures changes can actually zap moisture from the skin’s outer layer, resulting in tight and itchy sensation. Often, this is accompanied by flaking, irrespective of the oil present on the outer skin layer.
Skin Dullness:
Do you feel that your skin looks dull and tired? This might be due to skin dehydration. Lack of water in skin affects the ability of your skin to perform its essential functions, such as cell turnover. Without adequate water, the skin does not shed its outer layer most frequently, and dead skin cells accumulate on the skin surface. This results in clogged skin pores, congestion, as well as a lackluster complexion.
Increased Skin Sensitivity:
One of the major symptoms of skin dehydration is that a dehydrated skin has increased skin sensitivity. As per the International Dermal Institute, it is believed that dryness and skin dehydration are precursors to sensitized skin. When the moisture barrier of the skin is disrupted, it cannot protect itself properly from the external stressors; and this in turn can cause the irritants, such as bacteria and pollution to penetrate the outermost layer of the skin and thus worsening the symptoms, such as itchiness, skin redness and skin irritation.
Fine Lines And Wrinkles:
Fine lines and wrinkles are some other signs of skin dehydration. You need to pinch your skin on the cheek and if it looks as if you have fine lines, then it means that you are dehydrated. Often, dehydrated skin displays accelerated signs of aging; however, these wrinkles appear as a network of small and triangular fine lines.
What To Do For Dehydrated Skin?
Wash With Lukewarm Water And A Gentle Cleanser:
The best way to cleanse a skin that is dehydrated is to do it with a gentle cleanser along with lukewarm water. You must use a cleanser that is free of harsh chemical additives and free of artificial fragrances, as this can strip your skin of beneficial moisture as well as aggravate skin sensitivities.
Make Use Of A Hyaluronic Acid Serum:
Hyaluronic acid is very much effective in replenishing your dehydrated skin. Being a humectant, hyaluronic acid helps in binding and retaining moisture, thus keeping the skin soft. Hyaluronic acid works as a magnet for moisture and helps your cells to retain as much of the moisture as it can so that the skin feels and also appears properly hydrated, healthy and plump.
Protect The Outer Layer Of Your Skin:
In order to treat skin dehydration, you need to protect the outer skin layer. It is essential for you to drink at least 8 glasses of water in a day so as to improve the hydration of your skin. As per the dermatologist Hoel Schlessinger, “Sipping water all throughout the day is really great for your body; however, this hydration does not really reach your skin unless you are very much dehydrated.” So, the key to prevent skin dehydration is to prevent water from leaving your skin, by keeping the skin’s moisturizer barrier well intact. You can use a topical treatment for this that could lock moisture and also prevent transepidermal loss of water.
Do Not Use Harsh Face Scrubs:
Always keep in mind not to use harsh face scrubs. Avoid gritty scrubs that can actually irritate your skin. Instead you can choose some gentle exfoliants so as to buff away flakes and the dead skin cells very gently.
Avoid Alcohol And Caffeine:
Two of the worst offenders for skin dehydration are alcohol and caffeine. Both of these are diuretics and they deplete the water content. Moreover, alcohol hinders the production of Vasopressin hormone, which is important for rehydration. So, try to avoid more of alcohol and caffeine. However, one or two cups of coffees and one glass of alcohol in the evening will be okay.
Conclusion:
It is true that skin dehydration could be really complex. But, it is absolutely treatable once it is correctly diagnosed. In case your skin dehydration does not improve even after making important lifestyle changes and using topical treatments, you might actually be having dry skin. You must consult with your dermatologist for further advice on how to treat the dry skin properly.
Also Read:
- Dehydration: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
- Disc Dehydration: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis
- Symptoms of Dehydration in Newborns & Its Prevention
- Can Dehydration Cause Tachycardia?
- What is a Dehydration Headache & How Long Does it Last?|Remedies To Get Rid of Dehydration Headache
- What Causes Dehydration Headache & How to Recognize it?|Treatment, Prevention of Dehydration Headache
- Dehydrated Tongue : Effects of Dehydration & Tips to Manage Dehydrated Tongue
