4 Signs your Skin is Dehydrated

Did you know that dry skin is different from a dehydrated one? Although dry and dehydrated skins have many signs and symptoms in common, however, they are not quite the same. Here arethe differences between these two misconceptions:

Dry skin

• Dry skin is a type of skin that does not produce enough natural oils to keep the skin hydrated.
• It is mainly due to genetic factors, hormonal imbalances or hypothyroidism, which all lead to dry skin.
• Dry skin cannot be changed, but its appearance and texture can be improved when usingserums and moisturizers within your skincare routine.

Dehydrated skin

• It is a skin condition
• The result of external elements such as weather, seasonal changes, or an unhealthy diet like a lack of vitamins, or bad habits such as smoking or drinking caffeine.
• All these factors deprive your skin from water, which leads to dryness. The main reason is lack of water, not oils.
• Oily skin can become dehydrated too
• It is a temporary condition that can be treated with either a healthy lifestyle or a treatment by a dermatologist.

If you are confused between dry and dehydrated skin, and don’t know how to determine whether you have a dry skin or suffer from dehydration, the following 4 signs are red flags for dehydrated skin:

1- Itchiness

Ever come back from skiing or a day at the beach and felt an urgent need to scratch your skin? External elements such as wind or temperature change can drain the moisture from the outer layer of the skin, causing severe itchiness. It is often accompanied by flaking, regardless of the oil on the skin.

2- Sensitivity

The biggest red flag of having a dehydrated skin is increased sensitivity. International Dermal Institute, “dryness and dehydration are precursors to sensitized skin.” When the moisture barrier is disrupted, the skin cannot protect itself from external stressors. Thus, bacteria or external pollution, for example, are more likely to penetrate the skin layer, leading tomore redness, itchiness and skin irritation.

3- Dull complexion

Dehydration affects your skin's ability to perform certain functions, such as cell turnover. Without hydration, the skin does not get rid of the outer layer which will result in dead cells accumulating on its surface, leading consequently to clogged pores and sagging.

4- Fine lines

Skincare expert Joanna Vargas says: "Pinch gently the skin on the cheek. If fine lines appear, then your skin is dehydrated." Dry skin often shows accelerated signs of premature aging, but unlike smile lines or crow’s feet, these look like tiny triangular fine lines.