How to Take Care of Dehydrated Skin

When you have dehydrated skin—it shows. Skin that lacks moisture looks parched and lackluster. Skin appears brittle from the visible rough patches and flakiness. Lines and wrinkles look more pronounced when your complexion is depleted of its plump and supple texture. Add in a tight, itchy feeling, and you’ve got the definition of dehydrated skin. In addition to that tight, dry feeling and the visible wrinkles and roughness, you may notice that your skin is oilier than usual. While that may seem counterintuitive, many of the same triggers for dehydrated skin also prompt excess oil production. The good news: If you take proper care of your skin, those symptoms of dehydration can disappear, and your complexion will be restored to its optimal healthy level.

How to Fix Dehydrated Skin

It is important to know that there is a difference between dryness and dehydration. Dry skin typically refers to skin experiencing unusual topical dryness, perhaps due to the weather or a new treatment. Dehydration, on the other hand, typically refers to skin showing the side effects of internal dehydration.

In this state, your skin is in a delicate condition, and it needs to be treated gently to resolve the issue. Just as there is a personally tailored skin care regimen to fit your needs, there are also specific lifestyle changes you can make to fix your dehydrated skin. They include abstaining from coffee and alcohol, both can dry out the skin, and eating a healthy diet rich in whole foods. And the most important is to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated internally is essential for beautiful skin. Dr. Lancer advocates for healthy skin from a holistic approach so while you make adjustments to your lifestyle, you will also need to fine tune your skin care routine. Here are some guidelines for getting your complexion back on track:

• Avoid harsh skin care products. This isn’t a time for rough exfoliating scrubs or cleansers that strip skin of moisture. Gentle products are best to help your skin look and feel hydrated and moisturized.
• Skip the use of exfoliating brushes or tools. While these devices are popular for removing dead skin cells, they can also exacerbate rough, red, and dry skin.
• Review your skin care routine. If you’ve recently added several different kinds of potent products such as retinol, acids, and vitamin C, they could be a cause of the dehydration. Try decreasing the frequency of use or alternating products to see if that helps your skin get back to normal and make sure you are using them according to the directions on the label.
• Don’t wash your skin with hot water. Piping-hot water can make skin feel even more dehydrated. When washing your face, use lukewarm water instead.
• Use a hydrating moisturizer. The Method: Nourish offers powerful hydration thanks to avocado and olive fruit oils that soothe and replenish, while hyaluronic acid and peptides help skin retain moisture. Make sure to use your moisturizer day and night for around-the-clock hydration. This step will restore your skin to look smooth and glowing again.
• Supplement skin with antioxidants. In skin care, antioxidants help protect skin and neutralize free radicals while giving your complexion a renewed vitality, which can counteract the signs of dehydration. Dr. Lancer’s Omega Hydrating Oil is formulated with a rejuvenating blend of oils while omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9 act as antioxidants to renew skin’s elasticity and suppleness.
• Always use sunscreen. Without diligent application of sunscreen, the damaging effects of UV rays will counteract the healing action of the peptides, anti-oxidants and other ingredients used in your skin care. Sheer Fluid Sun Shield offers SPF 30 coverage, as well as anti-aging ingredients such as Gamay grape stem cells plus chamomile to soothe and calm skin.

If you are ever plagued with dehydrated skin, don’t panic—just use these smart and simple skin care and lifestyle strategies to keep skin hydrated and radiant.