Dehydrated Skin: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Although we frequently confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin, the two are not the same. Dehydrated skin lacks sufficient water.
Conversely, dry skin lacks natural oils and lipids, or what skincare professionals refer to as sebum. Skin dehydration is considered a medical problem.
On the other hand, dry skin is just a skin type. You may have dry skin by birth.
Dry skin can also be a symptom of an underlying illness such as psoriasis, eczema, or hypothyroidism.
Some medications and skin care products meant to treat acne and outbreaks can also cause dry skin.
These consist of humectants, retinol, and exfoliating creams. Pictures of dehydrated skin will be added to this post.
Dehydrated Skin: An Overview
When your skin is dehydrated, it means that it is losing moisture and is not getting enough water.
It is frequently confused with dry skin; however, the two conditions are not the same. Dry skin is devoid of oil.
When your skin doesn’t get enough water, it might get dehydrated. Dehydration is a medical disease that occurs when the body loses electrolytes and water more quickly than it can replenish them.
For optimal operation, your body needs electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, in addition to water.
According to studies, for your skin to stay hydrated and retain moisture, it also needs certain essential electrolytes.
You can find out if you have dry or dehydrated skin by consulting a dermatologist.
They might advise altering your skincare regimen. This contains hints on how to use a humidifier, exfoliate, and moisturize.
If bacteria accumulation is the reason for your dry skin, they might suggest a particular cleaner.
As an alternative, they could recommend particular components and antioxidants for a hidden issue.
If you are chronically dehydrated, a dermatologist can also help you manage your dehydration and provide lifestyle advice.
Dry vs. dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin is comparable to dry skin. Despite the fact that they may seem similar, there are various causes for them.
Dry skin is a sign that the skin is not creating enough of its natural oils to keep itself in balance. There are several possible causes of this. A person could suffer from a skin ailment like eczema or dermatitis.
Because frequent washing removes the skin’s natural oils, it can also lead to dry skin.
Furthermore, some people’s skin is naturally drier than others.
In contrast, inadequate water consumption leads to dehydrated skin.
To distinguish between dry skin and other symptoms, medical experts may look at the patient’s other symptoms.
Symptoms of dehydrated skin
Mild dehydration is typical. Patches of dry skin are one sign of dehydration.
The areas could be itchy, scaly, or rough. Individuals may also have a poor complexion or more pronounced fine wrinkles in their skin.
Additionally, they could notice that their skin is less supple or elastic than usual.
The five most prevalent characteristics of dehydrated skin include:
- dullness
- Dry skin
- Dark circles and wrinkles
- Itching
- Dry eyes, lips and mouth
Signs of dehydrated skin face
Your skin is most likely dehydrated if you see tiny furrows in the corners of your eyes or on your cheeks, as well as flakes—petites of dead skin—after applying makeup.
Causes of dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin can result from a variety of factors, including the use of harsh skincare products, air conditioning, the environment, sleep deprivation, water consumption deficiencies, excessively hot showers, and skipping a mild skincare routine.
Furthermore, dehydration affects more than simply dry skin.
When a person loses or uses more water than they intake, they are said to be dehydrated.
There are numerous causes of dehydration, including:
- Not consuming adequate water
- Sweating excessively
- Losing liquids due to vomiting or diarrhea
- Being feverish
- Being sunburned
It is important to remember that certain individuals are more susceptible to dehydration than others.
As people age, they frequently lose their thirst perception. This indicates that some elderly people do not consume enough fluids, such as water.
Children, toddlers, and infants may also be particularly vulnerable.
This is because, compared to adults, they are more likely to have diarrhea and vomiting.
Specific medical disorders
Dehydration can result from certain medical disorders. For instance, kidney failure, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis can cause increased sweating or urination.
Certain drugs
Numerous medications have the potential to alter the body’s fluid balance. The following are a few drugs that may exacerbate dehydration:
- Diuretics
- Antacids and laxatives
- Counter-irritants
- Medications for blood pressure
How does skin get dehydrated?
You now understand the signs of dehydrated skin and how dehydration and it relates to each other.
However, how does it initially get dehydrated? Humans can become dehydrated in a variety of ways.
Sweating a lot, not drinking enough water, being sick, and environmental conditions can all lead to dehydration.
Your body secretes water and salt onto your skin’s surface when you perspire.
This results in evaporation, which keeps you cool by lowering your body’s core temperature.
Dehydration, however, can occur if you don’t consistently replenish these lost fluids and electrolytes.
This is not limited to the summer months.
Wearing heavier clothing during the colder months can increase sweating, and dehydration throughout the winter poses a severe concern. Furthermore, dry air from air conditioning in the summer or winter can exacerbate the risk of dehydration and dry skin.
If you become ill and have diarrhea or vomiting, you run the risk of developing dehydration and dehydrated skin.
Dehydrated skin can also result from too much sun exposure, particularly if sunscreen is not worn.
Our skin frequently becomes dehydrated due to a simple lack of hydration and electrolyte consumption.
How dehydration affects your skin
Your body lacks electrolytes and water when you’re dehydrated. This implies that your skin suffers along with all of your other organs.
Your skin is especially vulnerable to dehydration because it contains around 64% water.
Additionally, a system of proteins called aquaporins makes up your skin.
Aquaporins’ primary job is to carry electrolytes and water from your bloodstream into your skin cells.
These essential functions of these aquaporins are not possible in a dehydrated state.
Dehydrated skin is the end outcome. Maintaining moisture retention is even more challenging when your skin is dehydrated.
The only way to break this vicious cycle is to treat the underlying dehydration.
The following are some effects of dehydration on the skin:
- Blood vessels may contract as a result of dehydration.
- Hyperpigmentation and dark shadows may result from this, particularly in the areas around your eyes and nose where the skin is thinner and blood vessels are more noticeable.
- If your skin isn’t getting enough moisture, it might become dry and lifeless.
- The flakes may cause skin irritation and itching, as well as possible redness.
- Furthermore, dehydration can make your skin appear thinner and less plump, which will highlight any lines that already exist.
- Shadows surrounding your nose and beneath your eyes
- Shadowy areas beneath your eyes
- More noticeable aging indicators, such as wrinkles and fine lines
How to identify dehydrated skin
A skin turgor or elasticity test can be used to determine whether your skin is dehydrated.
Pinch a little section of skin on your hands or face gently. You can be dehydrated if the skin stays up and doesn’t fall back fast.
It’s crucial to monitor your hydration levels because there are numerous ways to become dehydrated.
How to treat dehydrated skin
Dehydration, unlike dry skin, is treatable by changing one’s diet and fluid intake. The first vital step is to replenish your hydration, so make sure you drink lots of water. If you don’t currently drink enough water, you can start with the traditional recommendation of eight glasses per day.
You might need to consume more liquids than this, depending on your body weight and degree of exercise. Find out from your doctor how much is right for you.
Additionally, excessive water consumption should be avoided since this can cause a loss of minerals. Consuming fruits and vegetables high in water content, such as watermelon and celery, can also help you consume more of them.
The following dietary and lifestyle adjustments can also be used to cure dry skin:
- If you consume alcohol at all, do it in moderation.
- Reduce your intake of coffee and other caffeinated drinks.
- Quit smoking.
- Work out frequently
- While exercising, sip water—the Nemours Foundation suggests a few sips every 20 minutes at the very least.
- Hydrate yourself after working out.
- Get enough rest.
- Consume more fruits, vegetables, and legumes, as well as other plant-based foods.
- Make sure you are consuming enough broth-based soups, electrolyte-containing beverages, and water.
- In a hospital or doctor’s office, intravenous fluids may be used to treat severe dehydration.
How to hydrate your skin ~ How to treat dehydrated skin at home
Follow these steps to keep your skin hydrated:
Antioxidants: Include a sufficient quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet each day as they possess antioxidant properties.
Your skin will remain smooth and soft as a result.
Drink plenty of water. You need to consume enough water to keep your skin well moisturized.
It is crucial to drink three to four glasses of lukewarm water first thing in the morning.
Face oil: You can use facial oil both before and after taking a bath if you tend to have dry skin.
Moisturizer: Remember to use a generous amount of moisturizer and apply it right away after taking a bath.
This keeps the skin supple and hydrated on a daily basis.
Take brief baths. To prevent dry skin, proper bathing is necessary. However, avoid taking long showers.
It would be beneficial to have a brief, warm bath.
Dehydrated skin products
You can get closer to having the healthiest possible skin by using substances that strengthen, hydrate, and nourish your skin, such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
Distinguishing dehydrated skin from other conditions
Classic symptoms of dry skin (whether due to your skin type or another condition causing a lack of moisture) include scaliness or flakiness as well as itchy, red, and irritated patches.
Dry skin might develop as a result of psoriasis or eczema, or it can follow an acne outbreak.
In these situations, treating the underlying ailment is crucial to treating dry skin.
A physician or aesthetician can assist you in determining whether you have dry skin, dehydrated skin, or another skin condition and in creating a plan of action.
Always seek medical attention if you have concerns about anything happening to your skin.
Prevention of dehydrated skin:
The following information should be taken into consideration to keep your skin from drying out:
Sip water. Sip lots of it. Water is a vital component that maintains the moisture balance of your skin. You should drink a lot of water, even in the cold.
Give up smoking—you must! Nothing can damage your skin more than smoking! If you do not want to see dry, parched skin, you should give up smoking.
Consume meaningful fruits. Fruits high in water content should be part of your diet. Fruits in season, such as melons and oranges, can be beneficial.
To keep your skin moisturized, use a moisturizer that works well without being too harsh.
When to contact a doctor
Dehydration in mild situations is prevalent. Individuals can take care of themselves by consuming lots of water.
Dehydration, though, can occasionally be quite dangerous.
It can cause a reduction in blood pressure and impair the proper function of important organs.
Extreme dehydration may have an impact on:
- Immune system
- Heart
- Kidneys
- Brain
Anyone who exhibits any of the following symptoms in addition to mild dehydration symptoms should get emergency medical attention:
- Losing consciousness
- Bewilderment
- Absence of urine
- Rapid breathing in
- Rapid heart rate
Conclusion
The body needs water to function and to carry out essential physiological functions.
If a person loses more water than they take in, they will get dehydrated.
One common indicator of dehydration is dry skin. It is possible for people to detect patches of skin that are itchy, rough, and scaly.
In addition to the usual signs of dehydration, such as thirst, weariness, or dark urine, these may also manifest.
The best line of treatment for mild cases of dehydration is to consume a lot of water each day.
Severe cases can be harmful and need to be treated right away.
FAQs
How can you treat dehydrated skin?
How to fix dehydrated skin fast:
- Steer clear of harsh skin care products.
- Don’t use any exfoliating equipment or brushes.
- Examine your skin care regimen.
- Avoid using hot water to wash your face.
- Apply an emollient moisturizer.
- Give your skin antioxidant supplements.
- Use sunscreen constantly.
What are the main causes of dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin can result from a variety of factors, including the use of harsh skin care products, air conditioning, the environment, sleep deprivation, water consumption deficiencies, excessively hot showers, and skipping a mild skincare routine.
Furthermore, dehydration affects more than simply dry skin.
How do you know if your skin is dehydrated?
Your skin becomes dehydrated when your body loses more water than it can absorb.
Dehydration from excessive perspiration or insufficient water intake may be the cause of this.
Dehydrated skin might show up as itchy, dull, sunken eyes, under-eye circles, and/or more obvious fine wrinkles.
What is the fastest way to treat dehydration?
Drinking fluids, especially sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions that contain electrolytes, is the quickest way to treat dehydration.
For quicker outcomes, people with medical issues that prevent them from drinking enough water may need IV hydration.
How do you fix dehydrated skin naturally?
Home remedies for dry skin
- Sunflower oil seed: A 2013 study discovered that applying sunflower seed oil as a moisturizer to participants’ arms increased their level of hydration.
- Coconut oil is all-natural oil that is effective in treating dry skin.
- Milk consumption,
- Honey,
- Petroleum jelly,
- Oatmeal baths, and
- Aloe Vera.
How can I rehydrate my skin naturally?
- Avoid taking hot baths and showers.
- Purchase a humidifier.
- Avoid using strong cleaning agents.
- Don’t clean too much.
- After washing your skin, leave it moisturized.
- Look for skincare ingredients that are hydrating.
Can dehydrated skin be cured?
Dehydration is treatable with lifestyle modifications, unlike dry skin.
The first vital step is to replenish your hydration, so make sure you drink lots of water.
If you don’t currently drink enough water, you can start with the traditional recommendation of eight glasses per day.
Can dehydrated skin go away?
It could just take a few days of regular moisturizing and drinking lots of water to notice a noticeable improvement in moderate cases of dry skin.
More severe cases of dry skin, however, can require many weeks of regular therapy before hydration levels improve.
How long does dehydrated skin take to heal?
For mild cases of dehydrated skin, it may only take a few days of consistent moisturizing and drinking plenty of water to see a significant improvement. However, more severe cases of dehydrated skin may take several weeks of consistent treatment to see an improvement in hydration levels.
How do I hydrate my skin overnight?
According to Dr. Green, doing this helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and keep moisture in so it doesn’t evaporate while you sleep.
Seek for an emollient moisturizer with petrolatum, squalene, and ceramides among its constituents.
Does skin look worse when dehydrated?
Dehydrated skin often has a lifeless appearance and may exhibit early aging symptoms such as wrinkles and loss of suppleness.
