You may think you have dehydrated skin, but how can you be sure? Knowing whether you have dehydrated skin - because it is different from dry skin - can be tricky.
That’s why we’ve pulled together all the best expert advice to help you identify whether your skin is really, truly dehydrated and how to use your skincare routine to resolve the parched, tight feeling and dull appearance that dehydration can bring.
If you suspect you might be experiencing dehydrated skin, we've got you. Read on to learn everything you need to know about dehydration, from causes and triggers to the best skincare products to quench and hydrate.
Dehydrated skin: causes, treatments and pro tips
How to tell if you have dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin is something that can rear its head regardless of your skin type. “Dehydrated skin occurs when the skin lacks internal hydration, is water deficient in the deeper layers and is caused by the environment,” explains dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross. If you know your skin type isn’t dry but you have recently been exposed to a change in weather or temperature and are suddenly feel tight and taut, or you know you haven’t drunk enough water, then it’s most likely it’s reacting to that.
Still unsure? Dehydrated skin does look different from dry skin, here's what to look out for:
- Dehydrated skin symptoms: Skin appears dull, sunken-looking, temporary decrease in skin elasticity and circulation.
- Dry skin symptoms: Being flaky, a scaly texture, redness, sensitive skin to the touch and you will be more prone to breakouts because of a compromised barrier function.
What causes dehydrated skin?
Once you understand that we all can get dehydrated skin regardless of our skin type, we need to know what’s going to cause it. “Dehydration happens in the skin when there is an alteration to the surface hydrolipidic film, which acts as a barrier that prevents water from evaporating through the epidermis,” explains Dr. Daphne Thioly-Bensoussa, a dermatologist specializing in skin aging.
What can cause this change in the skin barrier? “It can be caused by climatic factors such as UV rays, the cold, wind, and air conditioning or by more personal factors such as smoking, poor diet, unsuitable cosmetics or over-aggressive soaps,” advises Dr. Thioly-Bensoussa.
Of course, knowing what to avoid and what to reach for when your skin is dehydrated is key.
- DON’T: Use harsh physical scrubs as they can irritate the skin further. Choose a skincare acid instead, you can pick between AHA vs BHA.
- DON’T: Take long, hot showers. Learn how to wash your face using cooler temperatures then when showering use lukewarm water and make sure to just pat your skin dry rather than over-rubbing it.
- DO: Use vitamin-rich actives to reinforce the moisture barrier.
- DO: Make sure you drink enough water. Dehydrated skin is lacking water internally so you need to address that before supplementing with topical products.
Skincare ingredients for dehydrated skin
Certain skincare ingredients have been proven to be ultra-effective at quenching dehydration, Dr Dennis Gross recommends these as his top three:
1. Ceramides
“Ceramides make up the skin’s natural moisture barrier, so everyone can benefit from topical application. Our natural levels of ceramides decline as we age, making this is a helpful, hydrating ingredient at any age.”
Our Beauty Editor recommends:
2. Hyaluronic Acid
Weighing up whether niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid is a superior hydrator for dry skin? “Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that holds 1000x its weight in water, meaning it is a powerhouse when it comes to keeping the skin hydrated. The best hyaluronic acid products penetrate deeper than ceramides, helping to hydrate even further,” explains Dr. Gross.
Our Beauty Editor recommends:
3. Niacinamide
“Niacinamide aka Vitamin B3 repairs the skin lipid barrier, retains moisture, reduces inflammation and redness. It can help further by regulating oil production, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and reducing breakouts," says Dr. Gross. (this makes it a useful tool in learning how to get rid of acne) "Niacinamide is a real skin saver for those with acne, dry skin–it can tackle acne and dryness at the same time!”
Our Beauty Editor recommends:
woman&home thanks Dr Dennis Gross and Dr. Daphne Thioly-Bensoussa for their time and expertise