Dehydrated skin is among the most prevalent problems in many. But did you know that dehydrated skin is different from dry skin, as they occur due to different reasons? Dehydrated skin is caused due to a lack of moisture, and any skin type can get dehydrated. In this article, we talk about dehydrated skin, how it is different from dry skin, and other related topics. Continue reading to know more.
Simply put, dehydrated skin is skin that lacks moisture and is not well hydrated. It’s a myth that only dry skin is dehydrated – because all skin types can be dehydrated, including extremely oily skin.
Each of us has a different skin type – oily, normal, combination, or dry. All of us have one skin type, but it keeps changing with age, environmental conditions, and the weather. Irrespective of your skin type, your skin cells can be desperate for water. That’s when they get dehydrated. Unlike dehydrated skin, dry skin is primarily caused by underactive sebaceous glands. In other words, when your sebaceous glands don’t produce enough natural oils to maintain the moisture balance of your skin, it turns dry.
Dehydrated skin appears dry and shows all the signs that are similar to that of dry skin. But unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin can cause severe skin issues that need medical attention.
There are a few factors that differentiate dry and dehydrated skin.
It is crucial to learn the basic differences between dry and dehydrated skin. Both cause similar symptoms, such as peeling, flakiness, and discomfort. But the following infographic will give you an idea about the key differences.
Looking at the specific signs and symptoms of dehydrated skin can give you more perspective on this. But before we get there, it is important to understand what else can cause skin dehydration. Continue reading.
As we saw, dehydrated skin is different from dry skin. Check out the signs and symptoms of dehydrated skin to understand this better.
While dry skin can be flaky, itchy, and extremely uncomfortable, the signs and symptoms of dehydrated skin can be a little different. You may experience the following symptoms if you have dehydrated skin:
Severe dehydration may also cause:
Apart from these, you are dehydrated if you also show the following symptoms:
If this is the case, you should visit your doctor immediately. Dehydration can become a serious health issue if ignored.
If you do not know whether your skin is dry or dehydrated, there’s a simple way to determine it.
You can find out whether your skin is dehydrated or not with a simple test (called the pinch test). Here’s how you need to do it:
There’s yet another simple test you can do to find out if you are dehydrated. Usually, when you press your nail bed, it turns white, and when you release the pressure, the blood rushes back. If you are dehydrated, your nail bed takes longer to become pink or reddish again. To do this test:
If you just realized that you are dehydrated, and your skin lacks the normal moisture levels, don’t panic. You can improve your dehydrated skin and make it glow again. How? Scroll down.
Once you have determined that your skin is dehydrated and not dry, you can take the following steps to replenish its hydration levels:
Apart from these lifestyle changes, follow these skin care tips to take care of your dehydrated skin.
Dead skin cells, when accumulated, affect the rate at which your skin absorbs moisture. You need to exfoliate your skin at least twice a week to avoid the build-up of dead skin cells.
We love microdermabrasionsi A process that gently smooths your skin and clears the thicker, irregular outer layer to treat scarring, discoloration, and sun damage. , such as Dermalinfusion or Hydrafacials, which gently exfoliate the skin while infusing serums in it.
However, it’s important to know that exfoliation may not suit everyone’s skin type. Lena H, a blogger, noticed her skin was dehydrated after she overused treatments to treat hormonal acne. She fixed her dehydrated skin by removing exfoliation from her skin care routine. She said, “You cannot fix dehydration if exfoliation is still on the table. I even stopped using a konjac sponge. I essentially left my face alone, moisturizing and cleansing only for a month… Exfoliating, even “gently” while you’re in the active process of rebuilding the “wall” of your moisture barrier is not only tricky to navigate, it’s quite simply counterproductive (i).”
Quick Tip
Use an exfoliator with alpha hydroxy acids to remove dead skin. You can also use natural ingredients like sugar or ground oatmeal to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week.
Before you put moisturizer on your skin, apply a serum. Get a serum with hyaluronic acid. Your skin naturally produces this acid, and replenishing it with serum is key to reducing dehydration and strengthening your skin barrier. Dr.V’s Needle-Free serum is perfect for this.
Quick Tip
You can also look for serums with ingredients like salicylic acid, vitamin E, ceramides, or glycerin to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.
A heavy, oil-free, and non-comedogenici A product that allows your skin to breathe and retain moisture without causing comedones (pore blockages) or breakouts. moisturizing night cream prevents moisture loss.. It will keep your skin moisturized and repair it while you sleep.
Using the wrong products can worsen your dehydrated skin. Hence, ensure you pick the right product for your skin. Here’s a guide you can follow.
When picking up skincare products, be mindful of the ingredients. Certain ingredients may cause skin imbalance and worsen your condition. Here are a few pointers:
Underactive sebaceous glands affect the moisture balance of the skin, causing dryness and symptoms of dehydration. However, managing dehydrated or flaky skin and improving its symptoms is not impossible. You can do that after making a few changes in your lifestyle and following a proper skin care routine. Follow the tips discussed in the article, drink plenty of water, and eat nutritious food, and we are sure you will see your skin improve. However, if the symptoms persist even after taking proper care, consult a dermatologist to determine the underlying causes and follow the prescribed treatment.
Do weather conditions influence dehydrated skin?
Yes, weather conditions like cold, dry air and excessive heat can worsen dehydrated skin by stripping more moisture and damaging the skin barrier.
Is coconut oil good for dehydrated skin?
Yes, coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer that can hydrate the skin and prevent flaking (2).
Is Vaseline good for dehydrated skin?
Yes, petroleum jelly helps create a barrier that locks the moisture in, keeping your skin moisturized and smooth (3).
What liquids hydrate skin?
Some liquids you can incorporate into your daily routine to treat dehydrated skin are coconut water, cucumber juice, green tea, aloe vera juice, and lemon water.
Does aloe vera hydrate skin?
Yes, aloe vera is a natural humectant that can help retain moisture and hydrate your skin.
How long does it take to fix dehydrated skin?
If you religiously follow the above-mentioned tips you can expect visible improvement in skin in 3 to 4 weeks.
Can dehydrated skin cause premature aging?
Yes, dehydrated skin may weaken the skin barrier, thereby causing sensitivity, redness, inflammation, loss of elasticity, and signs of premature aging.
What ingredients should I look for in skincare products for dehydrated skin?
It is best to look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, vitamin E, and glycerin.
Can dehydrated skin cause acne?
Yes, dehydrated skin may lead to congestion and blocked pores, thereby causing acne.
Say goodbye to dry skin with this helpful video! Learn about the causes of and solutions to treat dry skin so you can get back to looking your best. Check it out!
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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker
Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She is an energetic, proactive, and compassionate medical practitioner with 5 years of experience and a thorough understanding of overall mind-body-spiritual wellness.
Read full bio of Dr. Vindhya L Veerula
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
Read full bio of Eshna Das
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti