When we talk about skincare, the terms “dry” and “dehydrated” are often used synonymously, while in reality, these are two very different things. To boost your skin health and elevate your skincare regimen, it is important to know how to fix dehydrated or dry skin. So, let us understand what the two terms mean and some skin tips to alleviate them.
Dehydrated Versus Dry Skin
When you are on a quest to fix dehydrated or dry skin, the first step is to understand what the two terms mean. Dry skin is essentially a skin type and is characterised by a dearth of sebum, which is the oil naturally secreted by our skin. It may feel rough, appear dry, or be a bit flaky if you have dry skin.
On the other hand, dehydrated skin is a state of skin, just like acne and other conditions. As the name suggests, it is characterised by a lack of water, and your skill may look dull, be sensitive, show signs of accelerated aging, or feel tight. Dry skin and dehydrated skin are not mutually exclusive; dehydration can afflict all skin types, whether dry, oily, or combination skin.
How to Fix Dehydrated or Dry Skin
While talking about dehydrated versus dry skin, it is important to note that the latter can be fixed, whereas the former can only be managed to a certain extent. So, a dry skin moisturiser and other products curated towards keeping dry skin conditions in mind can help you manage the skin type. Listed below are some dehydrated skin tips to help you fix this condition.
1. Cut Back on Alcohol or Caffeinated Drinks
If you have dehydrated skin, caffeine and alcohol are its worst enemies and only aggravate the condition. This is because both these substances are diuretics, which means that they promote increased urine production.
These drinks, therefore, further deplete your skin’s water content and compromise its health. Alcohol also hinders the production of vasopressin, which is an essential hormone for rehydration.
So, it is recommended that you limit yourself to one or two cups of caffeinated beverages per day and only one glass of alcohol, preferably in the evening. Also, drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin!
2. Use Gentle Cleansers
One of the best ways to fix dehydrated or dry skin is by cleansing it with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Cleansers that are devoid of harsh chemicals, and artificial fragrances, will help lock moisture into your skin.
Choose products that have organic ingredients and are free from harmful toxins like parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and petrolatum. Hot water also strips your skin of moisture and leaves it dehydrated.
Hence, use a cleanser with lukewarm water to gently wash away any environmental impurities from your skin without leaving behind any residue. This will hydrate your skin instantly.
3. Lock in that Moisture!
After gently cleansing your skin, rehydrate it with a dry skin moisturizer and a dedicated facial essence. Both of these will maximize hydration and protect your skin from environmental stressors, which may dehydrate your skin.
Moisturizers and facial essences are packed with the goodness of deeply nourishing, antioxidant-rich ingredients that replenish moisture. It is no surprise that these skincare products work wonders for dehydrated skin!
Some of these products even have organic ingredients like snow mushrooms that have an added benefit. They can neutralise the aging and irritating effects that free radicals have on your skin, so say goodbye to inflamed, wrinkled skin!
4. Tap into the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a miracle ingredient and is super effective in replenishing dehydrated skin. It is a humectant, which means that it can bind and retain moisture in your skin, making it soft and radiant.
According to researchers, hyaluronic acid can hold nearly six liters of water and hence works somewhat like a magnet for moisture. It helps your skin cells retain as much moisture as possible.
If you regularly use a good, organic hyaluronic acid serum, you’ll notice that it appears plump and healthy.
5. Say No to Harsh Scrubs
Dehydration affects your skin’s ability to regenerate its cells, which is why it appears dull and tired. When your skin lacks hydration, it doesn’t shed its outer layer as much as it should, and dead skins accumulate on the surface. This then leads to clogged pores or a lackluster complexion.
It’s no secret that exfoliation helps brighten up a dull complexion. On average, healthy skin renews itself naturally within 25 days, but this period is longer for dehydrated skin. Therefore, it is essential to properly exfoliate your skin to accelerate this process and improve skin cell rejuvenation.
Exfoliation sloughs away the dead skin cells from the surface and reveals the healthy skin cells underneath. For dehydrated skin, it is vital to opt for a gentle, organic exfoliant instead of a harsh, gritty scrub, as it may irritate your skin.
6. Protect the Outer Layer of Skin
Drinking ample water throughout the day is perhaps the best way to fix dehydrated or dry skin. But did you know that hydration may not actually reach your skin unless you’re extremely dehydrated?
So how do you ensure that your skin stays hydrated? The answer to this question is to keep your skin’s moisture barrier intact so that water doesn’t leave the skin in the first place.
This can be done by applying a topical treatment before you go to bed, like a detoxifying overnight treatment, which prevents transepidermal loss. Also, during the day, apply a good amount of moisturising sunscreen to protect your skin’s natural barrier from UV rays.
Final Words
Dehydrated skin is a temporary skin condition caused by a lack of water. It is easy to manage and fix dehydrated or dry skin with a few simple lifestyle changes. Topical treatments, too, go a long way to help you alleviate this condition. With the tips listed above, you’ll be able to flaunt your radiant and soft skin in no time!