4 Signs Your Skin Is Dehydrated & How To Fix It

As we “spring” into a new season, you may notice subtle differences in your skin’s moisture level and texture. Winter’s harsh winds and lack of humidity have depleted the moisture from your epidermis, leaving it flaky, dull and more sensitive than normal. If this sounds a little bit like the state of your complexion right now, it could mean that your skin is dehydrated.

Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin

Before finding a solution to your dehydrated complexion, here’s a quick lesson on the difference between “dry” and “dehydrated” skin:

Dry skin is classified as a skin type and is inherited through your genetics. A dry skin type is predisposed to inadequate production of the skin’s natural oils (SkinInc). Dry skin can also be connected to hormonal imbalances or an underactive thyroid which can further inhibit the production of sebum, producing a complexion that is dry and lackluster in appearance (YouBeauty).

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a skin condition. Dehydrated skin is often caused by external elements (weather), unhealthy diet (lack of fresh produce) and lifestyle choices (consumption of alcohol or caffeine). All of these factors deplete the skin’s water content, resulting in a less supple appearance (YouBeauty). The important takeaway is that dehydration is a lack of water, not oil, so even oily skin types can be dehydrated (dermalinstitute.com).

Even though dehydrated skin can be uncomfortable, it’s often temporary and can be relieved with a combination of skin treatments and a healthy lifestyle. Below are 4 signs of dehydrated skin and how you can return your complexion to its natural glow.

1. Itchy Skin

Have you ever returned from a ski vacation or a day at the beach and felt an unrelenting need to scratch? External elements like wind and extreme temperatures changes can zap the moisture from the outer layer of your skin, causing an itchy, irritated sensation. Treating your skin with products that contain jojoba oil is a quick way to soothe irritation and return your complexion’s natural moisture balance. Celebrity facialist and Éminence fan Joanna Vargas touts the hydrating benefits of jojoba oil since it “will not cause breakouts because it closely mimics the skin’s natural oils.” Treat your skin once or twice a week with our Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque which contains jojoba oil to nourish and hydrate, as well as healing stone crop to cool and ease irritation.

2. Increased Sensitivity

One of the biggest consequences of dehydrated skin is an increase in sensitivity. According to the International Dermal Institute, “dryness and dehydration are precursors to sensitized skin”.  When you’re suffering from skin sensitivities brought on by dehydration, we suggest using gentle products that are free of harsh fragrances and additives. It’s also important to refrain from retinols or stimulating products or peels until the sensitivities have subsided. We recommend easing reactive and dehydrated skin with our Facial Recovery Oil. This gentle facial oil from our Biodynamic® line is created from nourishing oils that soothe and renew irritated skin.

3. Dull Skin

Take a quick look in the mirror, does your skin have an overall dull, tired appearance with flaky spots and dark circles under your eyes? Despite the fact that you may need a little extra shut-eye, these are all telltale signs of a dehydrated complexion. Exfoliation is a no-fail way to brighten your dull dehydrated complexion. Opt for a gentle and natural exfoliant like our Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant that uses rice and chickpea flour to gently buff away flakes and dead skin. For the eye area, our Wild Plum Eye Cream helps reduce the appearance of dark circles.

4. Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Gently pinch the skin on the cheek. If it looks like you have fine lines, you are dehydrated“Gently pinch the skin on the cheek. If it looks like you have fine lines, you are dehydrated,” recommends skin care expert Joanna Vargas. She also suggests looking for fine lines around your eyes and flakes on your forehead—additional signs that your skin could use some more water (xovain.com). The ingredient hyaluronic acid is extremely effective in retaining the skin’s hydration. Our Firm Skin Targeted Treatment contains this deeply hydrating miracle ingredient, a natural substance derived from the marshmallow plant that plumps the skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s also important to remember that, in combination with a healthy skin care routine, healthy lifestyle choices are essential for treating dehydrated skin. Simply lifestyle choices like drinking plenty of water, reducing alcohol and coffee consumption and increasing your intake of water-rich fruits and veggies (celery, cucumber and watermelon) will drastically help improve your skin’s hydration levels (Health.com).

This post was written by Christie Pike from Eminence Organics.
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