Staying hydrated during the day is difficult enough as it is, but when done right even your skin will thank you for it. 

Dehydrated skin is a condition caused by lack of water in your skin. The condition is commonly mistaken with having dry skin however, there are stark differences between the two. While dehydrated skin is skin that lacks water, dry skin maybe caused when your skin is unable to produce more oil. While both conditions may make your skin appear dry, flaky, or dull, it is important to understand the symptoms of dehydrated skin before you begin treating it.

Dehydrated skin may cause tightness, flakiness, increased sensitivity and sometimes even make your skin oilier than usual. Although it sounds counterintuitive, oilier skin can be caused when your skin lacks water and tries to compensate by producing more oil. 

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

 

1    DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin is treated by lifestyle changes. So, while we may be stating the obvious here, consuming more water daily is the simplest and most effective way to hydrate your body and moisturize your skin from within. Be sure to grab a glass of water early in the morning as this is the time when your body is most dehydrated.

 

2    AVOID EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL AND CAFFEINE
Not all liquids are good for rehydrating your body. Caffeine and alcohol are both scientifically shown to act as a diuretic. A diuretic is a substance that causes your body to produce urine. Simply remember that a big part of keeping your skin hydrated and healthy includes retaining the fluid and moisture already present in the body. 

 

3    CONSUME WATER RICH FOODS
While drinking water is important, you can also get your daily dose of hydration through your diet. A high salt or fat intake may make your feel bloated, but water-rich foods can counter that uneasy sensation. The obvious additions to your diet can be watermelon, strawberries, and cucumber. They help give your skin and body the hydration it needs to look and feel its best. 
 

 

4    LOCKING THE MOISTURE IN
While using the right ingredients on your skin or in your diet often helps the cause, the results are often far greater when you lock the moisture in. Jojoba oil is one such miracle ingredient that prevents the skin from losing moisture and keeps the moisture barrier intact. It also boosts the overall hydration of the skin even when your hydration levels aren’t up to the mark.

5    CHECK YOUR SURROUNDINGS
While staying hydrated is essential, it also important that you keep a check of your surroundings. Dry air containing little moisture vapor is an active cause for dehydrated skin. If you live in an area with dry air, investing in a humidifier would be a good idea.
 

6    RECONSIDER THAT HOT SHOWER
While a hot shower can seem like one of life’s simple pleasures, it isn’t a great idea for people having dehydrated skin. While counterintuitive, showering for too long makes your skin even more dehydrated by stripping the 'good' oils from your body.

Dehydrated skin can be corrected relatively quickly by drinking plenty of fluids and being mindful of retaining the moisture in your skin. The treatment is largely a lifestyle change where a few steps can go a long way in allowing you to love the skin you’re in.

Interested to know more about dehydrated skin? Click here.