Are you in desperate need of some relief for your dehydrated skin? Find out here if your skin really is dehydrated or if it's simply dry so you can treat it accordingly.

Are you experiencing sensitive, tight, dull, itchy or flaky skin? You could have dry or dehydrated skin. 

Regardless, it’s trying to tell you something and it’s important that you listen and take care of it. Having a better understanding of dehydrated skin is the first key, and we have provided some helpful tips for achieving effective relief all year-round.

Tip #1 - Determine if Your Skin is Dehydrated or Just Dry

So, before you can start treating your skin, it’s important to understand if it’s actually dehydrated or simply dry and in need of some simple TLC.

Dehydrated Skin Vs Dry Skin

Dry skin is typically referring to skin that is lacking in oil production. Many people are born with this skin type and others may develop dry skin as they age.

Dehydrated skin is a lack of moisture in the stratum corneum (the horny outer layer of the skin).  Your skin can still be quite oily if it’s dehydrated so you can’t assume it’s not dehydrated just because you have an uptick in oil production.

Dry skin treatment requires a regimen that includes cream or oil-based products. Dehydrated skin relief can require a bit more work but you want to replenish the lack of water. The reasons for this dehydration can be many and often include things like beauty products (makeup), weather, and diet.

When your skin becomes dehydrated it produces more oil to try and counteract the lack of water. This extra oil production can then cause irritation, dry patches and even breakouts. All of this can lead to more frustration instead of a good remedy.

Tip #2 - Find the Cause for Your Skin's Dehydration

There are a variety of factors that can be triggering your dehydrated skin, so in order to correctly approach the problem you must first determine the cause. Your outdoor environment could be one of them.

If you don’t use a sunscreen or moisturizer of any kind, the sun can really draw the moisture from your skin. In the winter months the cold and wind can also leave your skin dry, flaky, itchy and irritated.

Do you love hot showers or baths? If so, they could be the reason you’re battling dehydrated skin. Your body loses water, even while immersed or in contact with water. If you use really hot water you’re causing the protective oil layer on your skin to be stripped away. 

If you don’t typically moisturize after you bathe, your skin is suffering. Keep your showers lukewarm and on the shorter side.

Your air conditioner keeps your home cool but it also lowers the humidity in your environment. Dry air will draw moisture from your skin, leaving it dehydrated. Keeping your skin hydrated with a moisturizer can help immensely, or investing in a humidifier for your home if that’s where you spend a lot of your time.

It’s unfortunate but beauty and skin care products can also leave your skin dehydrated. Some products contain ingredients or chemicals that strip your skin of natural oils, in turn letting water escape, resulting in dehydrated skin. Opting for ingredients that naturally hydrate the skin is a great way to take care of your skin and avoid dehydration.

Your diet can also affect the water levels of your skin. Any drink or food that triggers water loss from the body, like caffeine and alcohol, in addition to high-sodium foods, should be avoided if possible. These can encourage dehydration.

Look for water-rich alternatives instead. There are foods like strawberries, tomatoes and watermelon that contain mostly water and this can help re-hydrate your body and skin.

Tip #3- Use the Proper Skin Care Routine

Regardless of what may be causing your dehydrated skin concern, implementing a good skin care routine can help you improve the moisture level of your skin. 

Unfortunately, just drinking a glass of water won’t cut it. This is the time to hydrate and use products that repair the skin to help it retain moisture that it currently lacks.

Start with cleaning your skin well, using a cleanser that contains repairing and hydrating ingredients. This includes ceramides and humectants like honey, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and more. Layering a serum with a moisturizer can also help nourish your skin and help to rehydrate.

Using a toner on your face after cleaning can help to restore the dehydrated skin on your face. Toner should be applied prior to moisturizing. It actually helps to remove any excess dirt that was left behind even after you cleansed your face. 

Toner can also help to balance your skin’s pH and even help control acne. Get rid of those gross built-up dead skin cells on the surface with a natural toner.

It’s time to hydrate your skin! A great dehydrated skin remedy is to use an effective moisturizer; on both your face and your body. Choose products with SPF when possible to help protect your skin further, while rehydrating at the same time. You might prefer to use separate morning and night moisturizers to encourage re-hydration.

Serum can be ideal for some people suffering from dehydrated skin. It only takes a little bit to provide ample results and it helps your skin retain moisture. Use it alone or mix it with your night moisturizer.

Hydrate Your Skin With Natural Ingredients

Finding a bar of soap that you can use regularly without drying out your skin is a reason to celebrate. Our eczema soap bars are ideal for daily use, even if you have Eczema, Psoriasis, sensitive skin or another skin condition. Packed with natural ingredients, our bar soap exfoliates and cleanses safely and efficiently. Try it risk-free today!