When you have flaky, red, tight, rough, itchy, and cracked skin, you have a higher risk of a multitude of skin issues, including acne, eczema, and even infection. Dehydrated skin is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It has many causes, including sun damage, harsh skin care products, overbathing, and cold or dry weather.
In this blog, we’ve rounded up the signs of dehydrated skin and how to prevent it. But first, let’s tackle the basics.
What is the importance of the skin?
As the body’s largest organ, the skin acts as the first line of defense, protecting against microbes, enabling tactile sensations, and regulating body temperature. Moreover, the skin prevents moisture loss, reduces harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and detects infection as an immune organ.
Without the skin, your bones, muscles, and organs would hang; worse; they would become exposed to harmful environmental hazards. In a nutshell, the skin holds everything together.
By saying so, the skin is prone to stress and damage. In addition, exposure to the environment predisposes the skin to become dry, irritated, and in some cases, infected.
What happens in dehydrated skin?
Though dehydrated skin is two different conditions, it all boils down to moisture loss. Dry skin happens when the body loses more water than what is consumed. It’s more of an internal problem that resonates through the lack of radiance in the skin. Meanwhile, dry skin occurs when the skin does not get the moisture or oils needed to maintain itself.
When the skin is dry, it develops cracks and scales that feel tight, irritating, and itchy, which stems from many complications like eczema, risk of infection, and even skin damage.
What are the signs of dehydrated skin?
Every day, our skin loses water, but it’s normal. However, if we lose too much, our skin will become dehydrated. As a result, it becomes irritated and sensitive. Hence, it’s crucial to determine the signs of dry skin and how to prevent and treat it.
Itchiness. One of the common signs and symptoms of dehydrated skin is itchiness. In addition, dehydrated skin changes its texture from soft to rough.
Scaling – Scaling skin is the loss of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, in large, scale-like flakes. It is also called
Skin dullness. When you have dehydrated skin, you are dry from the inside out. This means that your skin, overall, will look dull. If you aren’t drinking adequate water, it will affect the skin’s appearance.
Noticeable fine lines and wrinkles. When the skin is dehydrated, the skin is prone to premature aging, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Just like other parts of the body, the skin contains mainly water, so when it lacks enough moisture level, the skin will not function properly.
Dark under-eye circles or tired eye appearance. Dehydrated skin is a common cause of dark under-eye circles. When insufficient water is in the body, the skin under the eyes begins to look dull and sunken.
How to prevent dehydrated skin?
The good news is that many proactive ways prevent dehydrated skin. Following these will ensure you have radiant, supple, and healthy skin.
Drink adequate water daily
Drinking approximately 8 to 10 glasses of water daily is the best way to prevent dehydrated skin. The average person sleeps about 7 to 9 hours each night, which means your water levels are low for an extended period. Hence, drinking more water in the morning can help replenish the body with the needed fluids for healthy skin.
Drink less caffeinated drinks and alcohol
Drink less coffee, alcohol, and other sources of caffeine. These drinks are shown to act like diuretics, which causes you to urinate more frequently. Hence, they can reduce the water content in the skin, causing dehydration and tightness.
Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliation strips off the skin of dead cells accumulated due to dry skin. Make sure to exfoliate in four to five days. However, prevent over-exfoliation as it can alter the skin’s natural barrier.
Moisturize your skin
While it’s essential to support the skin from the inside out, do not ignore the need for hydration on the surface level. Make sure to use moisturizers such as nourishing night oils before sleep. Then, as the skin rejuvenates during the night, boosting the skin’s moisture power can help combat dehydrated skin.
Eat a healthy diet
To address dehydrated skin, you should also replenish your body with the needed nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. As crucial as water is, these nutrients can keep the skin healthy. Plus, many fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. In skin care, oxidants help protect the skin and neutralize free radicals, counteracting the effects of dehydrated skin.
Use mild products
To reduce dry and dehydrated skin, it’s important to choose your products wisely. Never use harsh products on your skin because these can strip off the skin with the needed moisture and natural oils, causing dry and irritated skin.
Steer away from hot showers
High temperatures can remove the skin’s natural barrier of oils. Hence, bathing for long hours in hot water can also result in moisture loss. Using lukewarm water is ideal for baths.
Sunscreen is a must
Sun exposure can dehydrate the skin. So make sure to apply sunscreen even if you are indoors. Aside from preventing dehydrated skin, using sunscreen can help protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Add moisture to the air
During months when the air is dry, it’s vital to use a humidifier to prevent skin moisture loss.
The takeaway
Dehydrated skin can cause many complications, predisposing you to more skin issues. Remember, hydrating the skin is essential, as well as preventing moisture loss. We hope these preventive measures will guarantee radiant, young-looking, and supple skin.
