How Do I Manage Dehydrated Skin?
During these cold times, the skin goes through so much. You have to remember your skin is an organ you must take care of it. Imagine it like a plant, if you don't give it water and nutrients, it will work against you. Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that happens when the skin is lacking water. The skin needs water to function, to keep you looking young, and to keep its elasticity. When you are dehydrated, you can't hide it. It shows so apparently in your skin. In this article, we will discuss tips for dehydrated skin and what dehydrated skin looks like.
Symptoms of Dehydrated Skin
Redness/irritation - Without the care that it needs, dehydrated skin will begin to get red and show some irritation. Without moisture, it will have a hard time protecting itself from the elements, especially cold weather. Think of it as a plant withering away because it is under watered. The leaves will begin to yellow and it will quickly lose its moisture because of the lack of water supply.
Itchiness - it will begin to itch because your skin is withering and drying up. Without water, it can't make you feel great. Dehydrated skin feels super uncomfortable and the itchiness can be all over.
Dull Looking - It will begin to lose its luster or glow appearance. It will be as if you have lost your color. Dehydrated skin sucks the life out of you in a literal sense.
Pre-mature aging
Due to the lack of water. Dehydrated skin will begin to lose its elasticity and you will age at a bit of a faster rate. Wrinkles will be more abundant around the eyes, lips, and overall face. You will begin to have that "tired" appearance and your skin will look like you haven't gotten a good night's sleep in days. Dark under-eye circles will also begin to appear as well around your eyes. The skin will begin to work against you.
What can you do:
Hydrate - Drinking water is good for your overall health. Hydrating yourself will combat dehydrated skin for sure. Once you are getting enough water, it will show in your skin first before it begins to hydrate everything else. Your dehydrated skin will begin to feel brand new again, you will begin to glow. Your cells will renew itself. The average human should be getting about 2 liters of water a day, maybe more when you work out regularly. This should be your first step because skincare is more than skin deep. The body needs to be taken care of from the inside out.
Sleep - Rest is super important on a daily basis. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, at least 7 hours a day when you are busy. Sleep is when your body is at rest and it works the most to recover. It recovers cells, fights infection, and heals itself the most when you are resting. Think about it, your body needs time to recharge from working, fighting off illnesses and stress. It will show in your skin when you are not getting rest. This is where dark circles around your eyes will become more apparent, developing that "raccoon" look. If you are not getting enough hours of sleep at night, rest during the day or take more naps to help you function.
Drink less alcohol/ Keep coffee at a moderation - Alcohol and coffee will dehydrate you if not consumed in moderation. Coffee is great to keep you awake in the morning or throughout the day, but zap all of the natural moisture and water from your body. Alcohol does the same thing with your body. Be mindful of how much of both of them you consume. Especially on those late nights of work or out with the girls drinking, please sneak in a glass or two of water.
Skin Care
Caring for dehydrated skin is the second step. Drinking water alone is not enough. You have to actively work on hydrating on the outside as well. Here are some steps you can take to add to your skin routine day and night
Hot Showers
Showering in a hot water does feel amazing during the winter. Be mindful of how hot that shower is, however. Make sure that water temperature is not scolding to the skin. Hot water can lead to dry skin and irritation. Skin cannot handle extremely hot temperatures because it will have a hard time protecting itself under those conditions. You can disrupt the skin's natural balance of oils and moisture, this can lead to a burn.
Turning down the temperature is the best way to avoid that and also don't take too many showers throughout the day. Too many showers during the day will zap all the moisture in the skin. Your skin won't be able to protect you from everyday germs and bacteria. Don't shower too long on a daily as well.
Washing is super important in the morning and the evening. You want to make sure the cleansers that you are using is not harsh to the skin, especially when it has a lot of alcohols in the cleansers. Harsh chemicals will encourage more dryness and irritation. Here are some suggestions.
Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser - It's a gentle cleanser that you don't need to rinse. It will gently remove any makeup you had on during the day.
VMV HYPOALLERGENIC Moisture Rich Creamy Cleansing Milk for Dry Skin - This cleaner is super-rich and moisturizing for the skin. It has virgin coconut oil and antioxidants to keep the skin hydrated and provide nutrients to feed the skin.
Solinotes Paris Shower Cream Tiare - A body cleanser that gently cleans the skin and leaves it moisturized after your shower.
Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil - An ultra-nourishing and anti-irritating cleansing oil for very dry to atopic skin.
Toning
Toners are great to refresh the skin after stripping away the moisture after washing. Toners will restore and replenish moisture back into your skin.
EltaMD Skin Recovery Toner - Gentle soothing toner that keeps the skin fresh and calm. It is filled with antioxidants that help protect the skin from radical damage from the sun.
SkinCeuticals Conditioning Toner - It is a conditioning and hydrating toner that removes impurities in the skin.
Moisturize
Dehydrated skin needs to be moisturized after cleansing to keep it supple. This is a step you can't miss out on because your skin needs all-day moisture. Skincare products are designed to keep that dehydrated skin plump and protected. Here are some recommendations to keep that skin supple!
Solinotes Paris Body Balm Pomegranate - A body Balm that is refreshing to the body and designed to give lasting all-day moisture, especially if you love the sweet scent of Pomegranate.
Epicuren Discovery Moroccan Rosemary After Bath - A lightweight body moisturizer that is great for anyone that doesn't like that greasy feel. Its packed with Rosemary oil to deeply penetrate the skin.
Remember if you want your skin to protect you, you have to protect your skin. Dehydrated skin will be unable to protect you from the weather or UV rays without care or nutrients. Update your skincare based on the weather and your skincare needs. With these skin care tips, your skin will be able to manage the aggressors of everyday life just fine.