In warm weather, we all worry about dehydration. It’s important to keep drinking water throughout the day to replenish liquid lost through sweat. Without enough H2O, the human body struggles to function. We need water to live!
While you may know about how dehydration affects your internal organs — namely, that without enough water, your body can start to shut down — but did you know that even mild dehydration can have a dramatic effect on your skin? Dehydrated skin has a number of unpleasant side effects. That’s why it’s important for everyone, especially if you’re prone to dehydration, to drink water throughout the day.
What’s the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?
You may be wondering if you have dehydrated skin or simply dry skin. What’s the difference? Our skin is the body’s largest organ and has a crucial impact on our health. Skin acts as a barrier against potential harmful irritants, bacteria, and pollutants that we come into contact with. Our skin needs hydration just like our other bodily organs but is the last to receive it when we drink water. It is easy to become dehydrated without adequate water or in extremely hot, arid climates. This causes the skin to dehydrate.
Think about a prune versus a juicy plum. Which one do you want for your skin? I think most ladies would choose the juicy plum! Dehydrated skin can feel tight and overstretched. It can exacerbate fine lines and wrinkles, and cause your complexion to appear dull. Dehydrated skin is a lack of water in the skin, just as a prune is a plum that has been dehydrated.
Dry skin is caused by a lack of oil in the skin. If your pores are not producing enough sebum to create a waxy top layer of skin, you may have rough or flaky skin that needs oil. Moisturization is a key part of every skin routine, but absolutely essential for people prone to dry skin. While those with oily skin may moisturize less frequently, people with dry skin may need to do so twice a day.
It can be difficult to tell the difference. If you have persistent skin issues, consult an esthetician for a professional opinion and recommendations for treatment.
How to tell if you have dehydrated skin
Itchy skin
Even if you have naturally oily skin, environmental factors can sometimes suck the hydration out of your skin. Oftentimes people feel the effect after a long day at the beach or hitting the slopes. Hot weather, cold climates, dry air, sun exposure, and extended time in the water can all deplete your skin’s hydration levels. This can leave you feeling tight and itchy. If you are itchy, and if you notice white flakes when scratching, your skin is giving you a sign!
Sensitive skin
Itchiness is one symptom of sensitive skin, but there are several others. Once your skin has become dehydrated, you may notice that it is overly red and/or irritated. Because your skin doesn’t have its natural defenses, pollutants like smog as well as bacteria can irritate your skin more easily. Because your complexion is more sensitive and less able to protect itself, you may find itchiness, irritation, and redness more prevalent.
Cracked Lips
You may prepare for dry lips when enjoying winter sports or playing in the sand at the beach, but many people don’t consider how their water intake. Drinking at least 8 glasses a day is important for bodily functions, including your lips. Without adequate water intake, lips can become dry and cracked. When you’re sure to drink enough water, your lips can be smooth and supple.
Dull skin
Have you noticed your skin looks tired? Or does it look dull? When your skin doesn’t have enough water, it slows down its normal schedule and functions, such as cell turnover. The skin cells do not shed enough, which allows clusters of dead skin to build up on the top layer of skin. Overall, this gives your complexion a dull look, and can also clog pores.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Just like a prune, dehydrated skin has a lot of wrinkles. When skin is dehydrated, it speeds up signs of aging. Just as it’s important to keep skin moisturized (to make sure there’s enough oil on the top layer of skin), it’s also important to make sure skin is hydrated with enough water. Without it, fine lines can start to appear across your face in a network of tiny wrinkles.
Dark circles
Are you worried about dark circles underneath your eyes? Many women use cover up to try to hide hyperpigmented skin, but the solution might be drinking more water. Without enough water, your eyes can start to look sunken and the skin underneath can darken. This is one of the most common skincare complaints, and it can be directly related to your water intake. Banish those dark circles not with makeup, but with hydration.
How to Treat Dehydrated Skin
Treating dehydrated skin is simple but important to stick to. Most crucially, drink water! I already mentioned it, but I am mentioning it again. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day; remember that everybody is different so your needs may be different. If you live in a warm climate or exercise extensively, you may need more.
In addition to drinking water, you can also get water from the food you eat. Foods like watermelon, cucumber, and lettuce have high water content and can help keep you hydrated.
Another critical way to keep skin hydrated is protecting it from harmful sun rays. While vitamin D is essential to health, skin can easily become overexposed and burned. Even if your skin doesn’t turn red, it can still be absorbing dangerous rays that dehydrate and damage cells. The best way to protect your skin from the rays and ensuing dehydration is by wearing a high SPF like the Complete Defense SPF 40. Wear daily, even on cloudy days, to keep your skin hydrated.
To hydrate your skin topically, use a product like Rapid Lift Hydra Serum daily. Rapid Lift Hydra Serum is a deeply penetrating serum that delivers immediate and long-term hydration to your complexion, allowing your skin to fight against fine lines, redness, irritation, and other signs of dehydrated skin. For serious dehydration, use in the morning before applying your other skin products and before going to bed.
Dehydrated skin can leave your complexion feeling tight, itchy, and irritated. You may notice cracked lips, dullness, fine lines, and dark circles underneath your eyes. All of these symptoms are due to a lack of water in your skin, which can be fixed with regular water intake, wearing sunscreen, and using a hydrating serum. Now that you know the signs of dehydration, you can take the proper steps to make those symptoms disappear. Pour a glass of water and prepare yourself for a gorgeous complexion!