Are you constantly using moisturizers, but still, your skin is dry? It's time to quench
your skin's thirst and bring back its natural glow. If you want to know the secret of supple,
hydrated skin that looks and feels fantastic, then you've come to the right place!
Dehydrated skin is a common problem caused by various factors such as harsh weather,
using the wrong skincare products, or not drinking enough water. But don't worry;
it's not all doom and gloom. In this video, we'll show you how to identify dehydrated skin and,
more importantly, bring it back to life with simple tips and tricks. So sit back,
relax and get ready to say goodbye to dehydrated skin for good!
Let's begin by clearing a myth: Dry and dehydrated skin are the same.
These two conditions might have similar symptoms but are not the same. It's like comparing apples
and oranges. Dry skin is considered a skin type, meaning it is inherited through genetics and lacks
natural oils or sebum. Hormonal imbalances or underactive thyroid can also cause dry
skin. While you can't change dry skin, you can improve it with oil-based products.
On the other hand, dehydrated skin is a skin
condition caused by external factors such as weather, diet,
and lifestyle choices that lead to a lack of water in the skin, making it appear less supple.
Even oily skin can become dehydrated. Thankfully, dehydrated skin is temporary and treatable.
But before we get into how to fix it, let's talk about what causes it.
Imagine your skin as a sponge. It's made up of 30% water and needs more water to function correctly.
But just like a sponge, it can lose water, and that's where the problem begins.
Dehydration could be due to cold weather, wind, smoke, UV rays, alcohol, and pollution.
It could be external factors like smoking or drinking or emotional factors like stress or
fatigue—certain medications or cosmetics strip your skin aggressively of its water.
The natural process of aging can be a contributor too.
What are the most common telltale signs of dehydration?
Look out for tight and uncomfortable skin.
Is your cleansing routine making you feel like a stretched rubber band? This is because
dehydrated skin lacks the necessary moisture to keep it plump and hydrated. As a result,
your skin can feel like it is being pulled. Dehydration impairs the skin's capacity to hold
moisture effectively. This leads to water loss, making the skin feel tight and uncomfortable.
Dull skin that lacks radiance is also not a good sign.
Have you ever woken up to a face that looks lifeless and dull? When your skin is dehydrated,
all its energy goes toward trying to grab more water. And when that happens, essential functions
like cell turnover, which is responsible for getting rid of dead skin cells and giving you
that natural glow, are put on hold. It's like a traffic jam in your skin; the dead cells are
piling up, clogging your pores and leaving you with a dull and lackluster complexion.
Does your makeup look cakey and patchy?
It's because of the lack of a smooth and even surface for the makeup to sit on.
This can result in an uneven application and reduce the long-lasting effect of your makeup.
Think of it like trying to paint on a dry, cracked wall. No matter how much product you use,
the cracks will still show through, and the paint won't stick as well.
That's your dehydrated skin; it does not provide a smooth makeup canvas.
Are you noticing fine lines and wrinkles that you didn't see before?
Aging indicators like wrinkles and fine lines appear prematurely whenever the
skin is unmoisturized. Moisture is necessary to retain its suppleness and firmness; You can even
see crow's feet at the outer corner of your eyes, which can take away your youthful appearance.
Pigmented shadows around the nose also can be due to dehydration.
Uneven skin tone, with some areas looking darker or lighter than others, could indicate
dehydrated skin. The skin's lack of consistent blood flow leads to a blotchy complexion.
Increased sensitivity and itchiness can also be an indicator.
Your skin can become more prone to redness and irritation without enough
moisture because it is less effective at keeping harmful elements like bacteria
and pollutants at bay. It can feel itchy with occasional flaking too.
Are you dealing with dehydrated skin? Here's a quick test you can do at home:
Gently pinch your hand's skin. If the skin snaps back to its normal position right away,
your skin is likely well hydrated. However, if it takes time for the skin to return to normal,
it's a sign that your skin might be dehydrated. Remember that this test is
not a definitive diagnosis, but it can give you an idea if your skin needs a boost.
Are you searching for solutions to rejuvenate dehydrated skin?
Look no further! Here are some expert tips to
help bring back the hydration and moisture to your skin.
Start drinking lots of water.
The first step in treating dehydrated skin is to hydrate it from within.
Drinking water is the easiest way to replenish the lost moisture on the skin. Men and women
between 19 and 30 should drink about 4 and 3 liters of water per day, respectively.
A study aimed to determine water's impact on healthy skin indicators in healthy females.
Two groups were formed based on daily water consumption,
with one group consuming less than 3,200 mL/day and the other consuming more than 3,200 mL/day.
Researchers added 2 liters of water to the daily diet of the second group for one month and
measured changes in skin hydration, transepidermal water loss, and biomechanical descriptors.
Transepidermal water loss, or TEWL, measures the amount of water that evaporates from the
skin's surface. High TEWL can signify skin dryness, irritation, or damage.
Biomechanical descriptors refer to properties of the skin, like elasticity, firmness,
and resilience, which can be measured and quantified through mechanical testing.
These properties are related to the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Measuring these properties can provide insight into the skin's structural and functional
characteristics, and changes in these measurements over time can indicate changes in skin health.
The results showed that higher water intake in a regular diet positively impacted normal skin
health, particularly in individuals with lower daily water consumption.
Water helps maintain the intracellular and extracellular volume of the skin,
helps transport nutrients to keep it healthy, and flushes toxins. So,
keep a water bottle close by and sip on it throughout the day.
Now let's talk about what products to use.
It is essential to be mindful of the ingredients in the skincare products you use.
Some ingredients, such as oxybenzone, petrolatum, parabens, sodium benzoate,
benzyl alcohol, and fragrance, can irritate the outer layer of the skin.
This can lead to dryness and moisture loss, making the skin feel itchy. It is best to
avoid using products that contain these ingredients or to use them in moderation.
Another critical factor to consider is the skincare products' pH level.
The pH level refers to the acidity or alkalinity of a product,
and it is essential to use products that match the pH level of your skin. Using too
many alkaline products can disrupt your skin's acid mantle, leading to dryness and dehydration.
The acid mantle is a thin, slightly acidic film on the skin's surface that helps protect it from
harmful bacteria and environmental toxins. The pH level of this film is typically around 5.5,
which is slightly acidic. When the skin's pH level becomes too alkaline,
it can disrupt the acid mantle and cause the skin to lose moisture. Like when using
skincare products that are not formulated for the face, such as soaps or cleansers.
When the acid mantle is disrupted, it can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria,
which can contribute to skin problems such as acne, eczema, and dermatitis.
Your skin will become more susceptible to environmental toxins and pollutants,
which can cause further irritation and dryness. It is best to look for products that match the
pH level of your skin or to use pH testing strips to check the pH level of your products.
Retinol-based skincare products can also be harsh on the skin and cause dehydration.
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A often used in skincare products to improve the appearance
of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. When applied topically, retinol is converted
to retinoic acid, increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. However,
retinol can also be harsh on the skin and cause dryness and dehydration.
Retinol causes dryness and dehydration by increasing the rate of cell turnover,
causing the skin to become more susceptible to water loss. As the skin's cell turnover
rate increases, the cells in the outer layer of the epidermis shed faster.
Another way retinol can cause dehydration is by increasing the skin's sensitivity to UV rays.
Retinol can increase the production of enzymes that make you susceptible to sun damage.
Sun damage can cause dryness and dehydration by breaking down the skin's natural barrier
and causing inflammation. So it is crucial to use these products
cautiously, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Another thing to consider is the use of fragrance in skincare products. Fragrance is often added to
skincare products to make them smell nice, but it can also irritate the skin and cause dryness
and dehydration. Even naturally extracted aromas can cause dehydration in people with
urticaria and eczema, so it is best to avoid using products and look for fragrance-free products.
It is also essential to avoid using lemon directly on the face, as it can be harsh on the skin
and can cause irritation and dryness. Instead, it is best to use lemon with other soothing agents,
such as honey or yogurt. Similarly, we don't recommend spot-treating acne or pimples with
baking soda or toothpaste, as these methods can dry the skin and worsen your condition.
Here's what to use instead:
It is best to use skincare products that contain ingredients such as ceramides, fatty acids,
natural moisturizing factors (NMF), hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and occlusive moisturizers.
These ingredients help keep the skin hydrated, soft, and smooth,
maintain pH, and prevent dehydration.
Hot showers can also damage your skin.
A hot shower may feel relaxing and rejuvenating, but it can damage your skin.
Hot water can strip the natural oils and moisture from your skin,
which is particularly problematic if you already have a compromised skin mantle.
A study evaluated the effect of water exposure and temperature on the skin in healthy individuals.
The study used various objective measures to determine the impact of cold vs. hot
water exposure on the skin. The study concluded that prolonged and continuous
water exposure could damage the skin, with hot water being more harmful.
It is recommended to use cold or lukewarm water for bathing to prevent skin damage.
So, be mindful of your time in the shower,
as overexposure to water can cause further dehydration.
Achieving beautiful skin can be a combination of luck and effort.
But using a few secret tips and incorporating specific foods into
your diet can improve the appearance of your skin. Need recommendations?
Click on 16 Secret Tips For Flawless Skin They
Never Tell You About or 12 Foods That Will Make Your Skin Glow.
Go ahead. Click one, or better yet, watch both and learn what methods and strategies can enhance your
appearance. How do you deal with dehydrated skin? Let us know in the comments below.