Skin types are fluid. The change in seasons, the process of aging, and interactions with the world around us can all influence the look and function of skin. One of the most common skin states is dehydration. It's also one of the most easily influenced by daily habits and often, unknowingly. So, we’ve compiled the sneaky things that are contributing to your dehydrated skin and what you can do about it.
 

Difference between dry vs. dehydrated skin

Often used interchangeably, these states are quite different yet go hand in hand with one another. Dry refers to a lack of oil in the skin while dehydration is a lack of water. Dry skin is a skin type just produces less oil while dehydrated skin can happen to anyone. Checkout the difference between oil and water in the skin HERE. The bottom line is the skins protective barrier is composed of both water and oil and understanding how they interact will help keep the skin looking and feeling its best.
 

You’re cleansing in the morning

Why it's drying: While a morning cleanse can be refreshing and awakening, it can also be stripping to the skin. Surfactants and emulsifiers in cleansers are designs to lift dirt and oils from the skin in order to clean it. Unfortunately, this can remove the protective and beneficial natural oils from the skin, allowing water to evaporate and leaving the skin dehydrated.
What to do instead: Splash your face with water, pat partially dry and apply skin care directly to damp skin. This will help seal the water into the skin and keep it plump and flexible.
 

You’re consuming alcohol

Why it's drying: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it promotes the disposal of water from the body. If alcohol is consumed without the addition of water, dehydration is often a result. The skin is a storage area for excess water in the body, so if water is required elsewhere to carry out bodily functions, it will be extracted from the skin. This can contribute to skin dehydration externally, leaving it high and dry.
What to do: Limit the amount of alcohol you consume on a regular basis, swap alcoholic drinks for their virgin version, and if you do drink, try to hydrate with water in between beverages.
 

You’re washing in hot water

Why it's drying: Hot water lifts oil from the skin better than cold water. If too much oil is stripped from the skin during washing, water can evaporate easily, leaving the skin dehydrated and dry.
What to do instead: Use lukewarm or cool water when showering and cleansing to maintain the moisture barrier keep skin quenched.
 

You’re applying occlusive moisturizers to dehydrated skin

Why it's drying: Occlusive ingredients like lanolin, petrolatum, beeswax, and silicones (commonly found in moisturizers and creams) form a blanket over the skin that prevents water from getting in or out. If occlusives are applied to dehydrated skin it will seal water out and exacerbate dehydration.
What to do instead: Apply hydrating serums like HydrExtreme Serum to damp skin before applying moisturizers.
 

You’re Always exposing your skin to dry air

Why its drying: Cold winter air and furnace forced air contains very little water. When skin is exposed to this air it loses water through evaporation, leaving it dehydrated.
What to do instead: Protect skin from the cold by applying hydrating products like HydrExtreme Serum that binds 1000x its weight in water, and seal it in with a rich moisturizer such as Ultra Moisturizing Face Cream. Try using a humidifier in your room at night to improve the air/water content to rehydrate skin while you sleep.
 
Dehydrated skin can be frustrating but you have the power to influence it on a daily basis. From skin care to air care, keeping your skin hydrated is in your hands.