Your skin is the largest organ in the body. As such, it’s important to keep skin hydrated and healthy on a daily basis. Dehydrated skin is incredibly common. Many of us need extra help to add moisture back into the skin, whether it’s due to a skin condition, harsh weather, or aging. For instance, our body gradually loses the ability to retain moisture in the skin during the aging process. It needs all the help it can get to stay happy, healthy, and radiant!
What are the signs of dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin symptoms can range from mild to severe. Typically, skin that lacks sufficient moisture will appear more dull and lifeless, while properly hydrated skin will look more fresh and radiant. Here’s an easy test: gently pinch a small amount of skin on your arm or the back of your hand. When released, it should quickly bounce back to normal. However, if your skin is dehydrated, it will take longer to return to its usual position.
What causes dehydrated skin?
Oddly enough, dry skin and dehydrated skin are different things. Dry skin occurs when the skin’s glands produce less oil than normal. Meanwhile, dehydrated skin results from a lack of water in the skin instead of oil.
When your skin is dehydrated, it actually has a lot to do with what’s going on inside the body. Since skin is an organ, it often shows signs of internal issues. Take acne, for example: while pimples often spring up when dirt, bacteria, and excess sebum clog your skin’s pores, internal factors like diet, hormonal changes, certain medications, and even stress can trigger breakouts, too.
Along the same lines, when your body is dehydrated, the skin will show signs of dehydration as well. With that being said, some of the best ways to treat dehydrated skin and keep it healthy is to start from the inside out!
7 Ways to Hydrate Skin Naturally
1. Drink lots of water
Drink more water, people! The most intuitive way to rehydrate your skin is to down some good H2O. Besides keeping your skin looking fresh, water improves your brain function, energy levels, relieves headaches, and serves as a cushion between your joints. Your recommended daily amount of water will depend on several factors, including your weight, gender, and physical activity level.
2. Add a hydration pack to your morning glass of water
If you struggle to get (and absorb) enough water during the day, add a hydration pack to your routine. Morning Routine hydration packs contain all 6 essential electrolytes that help you stay hydrated all day long. Each hydration pack also contains half an organic lemon, which can further improve your skin with the power of Vitamin C! Best of all, they are sugar free and taste amazing.
3. Avoid food and drinks that dehydrate
Sodium-rich foods and alcoholic beverages do few favors for the skin. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it flushes water out of your system. Excessive amounts of sodium throw your system out of whack and cause your body to draw water out of your healthy cells. If you’re looking for a way to rehydrate your skin, indulge in these foods sparingly and/or do your best to counteract the effects by drinking extra water.
4. Shower in lukewarm water
While most of us love a nice, hot shower, it’s not recommended for skin. Hot water opens your pores and coaxes the moisture out while you bathe. Plus, every minute you spend in a scalding hot shower will continue to strip your skin of moisture. Instead of cranking up the temperature, take shorter showers in lukewarm water.
5. Use gentle cleansers and a good moisturizer
Harsh ingredients can interfere with the natural balance of your skin and strip away moisture. Not only that, but washing your face and body too often will eventually break down your healthy skin barrier. Use a gentle moisturizer no more than two times a day and follow it up with a hydrating moisturizer. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump and refresh the skin.
6. Eat your antioxidants
Antioxidants contribute to great looking and feeling skin by protecting your body’s healthy cells. They fight against environmental damage and free radicals, making them a popular ingredient in anti-aging skin care products. To boost your intake, incorporate plenty of antioxidant-rich foods into your diet.
7. Invest in a humidifier
In the winter months, the dry air tends to suck the moisture right out of our skin. If your home lacks proper humidity, the same can happen on a daily basis. A humidifier will add moisture back into the air and help protect your skin from becoming dehydrated. Place it in the room where you spend most of your time, like the bedroom, a home office, or living room.
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