What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin? Dry skin is a common skin type, while dehydrated skin refers to the lack of water maintained. Your skin can become dehydrated no matter your skin type.
Dehydration can plague the overall look of your skin and even bring light to textured areas. Also, it can cause your skin to look dull and/or feel dry. Dehydration is often confused with dry skin, but you can not heal dehydrated skin the same as dry skin.
What are dehydration lines under eyes? Fine lines forming underneath and at the corner of your eyes, as well as itchiness, are common signs of dehydration. Dehydrated skin may also create a muted complexion, or you might notice a lack of brightness.
It can be challenging to rehydrate skin, especially if you assume your skin type is dry when it’s actually dehydrated. It’s quite common for people to treat their skin as the wrong skin type. However, you can heal dehydrated skin with a few tips.
It’s crucial to determine the cause of dehydration too. For example, treating dehydration can be difficult if you’re unaware of the primary triggers that ignite your dehydrated skin. One way you can identify dehydration is by analyzing the eye area.
What Are Dehydration Lines?
Dehydrated skin is a condition that can affect all skin types. It may even highlight and perpetuate signs of premature aging, which means that unfortunately, most people will overlook the fact that their skin is dehydrated and continue to treat it as if it’s dry or aging.
For example, dehydrated skin can increase the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. So while you may be tempted to reach for anti-aging products, you might want to focus on hydration first because it can reduce these signs and create a plump texture.
According to Healthline, “Dehydrated skin means that your skin is lacking water. It can be dry and itchy and perhaps dull looking too. Your overall tone and complexion may appear uneven, and fine lines are more noticeable.”
Dry Vs Dehydrated Skin
Dry skin and dehydrated skin aren’t interchangeable. Surprisingly enough, you must treat dry skin differently than you would dehydrated skin. Dry skin often refers to a particular skin type, while dehydrated skin is a condition.
Dehydrated skin can affect all skin types. For example, even oily skin types who notice lines under the eyes or a dull complexion can be dehydrated. Also, dry and dehydrated skin call for opposing methods of healing.
How To Tell If Your Skin Is Dehydrated
You can tell if your skin is dehydrated in multiple ways. In most cases, dehydration is easily recognizable around the eye area. Fine lines or signs of premature aging can frequently appear if the skin is dehydrated, especially around the eyes.
Healthline also recommends conducting a pinch test; “Pinch a small amount of skin on your cheek for a few seconds…if your skin snaps back, you’re likely not dehydrated.” This ability for the skin to bounce back can refer to its elasticity.
How else can you tell if your under eyes or skin is dehydrated?
Signs Of Dehydrated Skin Around The Eyes
We’ve briefly mentioned how your eye area can look if your skin is dehydrated. The skin around our eyes is already quite delicate, so immense changes in our body or skin can easily shine through and pinpoint if there is a lack of moisture.
Have you ever woken up looking tired or with a change in your eye area? It’s common to lose water or moisture during sleeping, affecting the under eyes. Other signs include fine lines, dark circles, or sunken eyes.
Fine Lines
Fine lines are often associated with dry or aging skin. They may first appear around your eyes. However, if you notice an increase in fine lines or wrinkles, don’t panic just yet because it may be a sign of dehydration.
It can be tempting to reach for an over-priced anti-aging eye cream, but it won’t solve these textural issues if they are caused by dehydration. So, before you determine if these lines are a sign of aging, try increasing water or moisture retention in the skin first.
You may be surprised that fine lines can quickly disappear if the skin is hydrated. Hydrated skin will look smoother and plumper while also diminishing the signs of premature aging.
Dark Circles
Dark circles can be tricky to treat. For some individuals, dark circles may just be genetic. However, they can be intensified if your skin is dehydrated. Sleep also plays an essential factor because water loss can increase overnight.
Keeping the skin hydrated and prioritizing sleep can improve dark circles and your overall complexion. You may notice plumper and brighter skin with adequate hydration and rest.
Sunken Eyes
Dehydration can potentially cause the skin to look hollow or sunken—one of the first places that may appear sunken are the eyes. Dehydration can also increase the appearance of shadows across the face, which can contribute to a dull complexion.
Also, the skin around our eyes is much thinner than other regions. So, the eyes can quickly change or appear sunken due to dehydration.
Other Signs Your Skin Is Dehydrated
The eyes aren’t the only tell-tale sign of dehydrated skin. For example, you can also analyze the rest of your facial features or skin to catch any changes. Similar signs around the eyes can appear elsewhere on the face.
Overall, dehydration can increase the appearance of texture and shadows, and even create a lower level of elasticity.
These signs can appear along the forehead, across the cheeks, or even elsewhere on your body.
Texture & Fine Lines
Premature aging and texture can significantly increase when the skin is dehydrated. We’ve mentioned how fine lines can easily come to the skin’s surface due to water loss. However, they can just as easily be treated by focusing on hydration.
Other textural issues that may arise include itchiness or overall dullness. It can be difficult to maintain a bright complexion if the skin is dehydrated. It can lead to an older or aged appearance.
Shadows
Dehydration can also cause an increase in shadows. We’ve mentioned how sunken eyes can be a sign of water loss. However, you may notice these shadows or sunken areas all across the face.
For example, your cheeks may appear more hollow, or shadows can appear wherever your bone structure lays. However, you can easily prevent shadows by preventing water loss.
Dull Complexion
Another sign of dehydration will include a generally dull complexion.
For example, your skin may look flat, or dehydration can highlight hyperpigmentation or discoloration. You may also notice a change in your skin tone, causing you to look less lively.
Low Elasticity
Finally, low levels of elasticity can also signify your skin is dehydrated. Earlier, we provided a pinch test to see how your skin will bounce back. If it appears wrinkly or takes time to revert back to its normal state, it can be a sign of water loss.
Elasticity can refer to the skin’s ability to be pulled or stretched and how it bounces back. Dehydration may be able to decrease elasticity, which is also crucial to maintaining a youthful complexion.
Low elasticity levels can also lead to signs of premature aging, all of which are affected by water loss.
How To Treat Dehydrated Skin
Now that we’re aware of all the possible signs of dehydration, how can you treat it? One of the easiest ways to identify dehydration is by looking around the eye area. Other signs include fine lines, dullness, or decreased elasticity.
Thankfully, all of these signs are easily treatable with simple adjustments made in your lifestyle or skincare routine. Switching up a few lifestyle habits can infuse hydration back into your skin and body.
With consistency and time, you will notice these dehydration signs disappearing. Finally, you’ll be able to enjoy a plump, dewy, and bright complexion.
So how can you treat dehydrated skin? You can make simple diet changes or invest in skin-restoring products. It’s significant to remember you can’t treat dehydrated skin the same as dry skin types.
Drink Water
The most accessible and easiest way to increase hydration is by consuming water. You’ll want to ensure you’re consuming appropriate levels of water for your body type. If you’re unsure where to start, consult with your general practitioner.
Water will nourish your body and your skin. This is a cost-effective way to boost hydration and diminish texture issues if you can’t invest in specific skincare products just yet.
However, it’s just as important not to over consume water because it will not achieve your desired results and may even deplete the nutrients your body needs. So, this is another reason why it’s best to consult a doctor.
Eat Water-Rich Foods
Another simple switch includes eating more water-rich foods. Now you don’t have to revamp your entire diet. Instead, simply adding water-rich foods can boost your overall hydration levels.
It’s always great to focus on adding beneficial foods rather than restricting them.
Fruits and vegetables are accessible and a fantastic source to boost hydration. For example, you can add melons, strawberries, celery, and peppers to improve water retention.
According to Healthline, “for dehydrated skin, oral hydration is a must because it’s adding water into the complexion from the inside.”
Invest In Skincare
You may also want to incorporate hydrating or repairing skincare products. For example, humectants are excellent for dehydrated skin because they draw water to the surface of the skin and help retain water/moisture.
It will be beneficial to focus on ceramides. Chances are dehydrated can feel itchy or be more prone to having a compromised skin barrier. One way to keep the skin healthy and intact is by incorporating ceramides.
You may also want to hydrate and moisturize. For example, you may apply a hyaluronic acid serum followed by a moisturizer. Then, you can lock everything with an occlusive like vaseline to help retain moisture.
Use A Hydrating Mist
A hydrating mist can come in handy for those who are constantly on the go. For example, if you find yourself looking dull throughout the day, a hydrating mist can quickly add water on top of the skin and help you feel refreshed.
However, it’s crucial to follow your product’s directions for the best results. For example, you may find out you should only mist the face once or twice a day.
It’s also helpful not to go overboard with a mist. Instead, think of it as a supplemental product.
Products To Help Dehydrated Skin
Not sure how to improve your dehydrated skin? These products and ingredients are generally well-tolerated by all skin types and tones. They focus on either repairing the skin barrier, locking in hydration, or preventing water loss.
However, it will be wise to consult a dermatologist to get products and regimens specifically tailored to fit your needs.
1. Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
Hyaluronic Acid is a popular humectant that will draw water to the skin’s surface and prevent moisture loss.
The Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum is non-sticky, fragrance-free, and lightweight on the skin.
This Hyaluronic Acid serum will focus on keeping the skin hydrated, plumped, and strengthened. As a result, you may also notice a healthy glow, and it will prevent signs of premature aging.
You can incorporate the Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum day and night right after cleansing.
2. EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex Face Moisturizer
EltaMD is a well-loved drugstore and pharmaceutical skincare brand. It’s often recommended by dermatologists.
One product that may benefit dehydrated skin is the Barrier Renewal Complex Face Moisturizer.
This moisturizer contains Hyaluronic Acid and is enhanced with Ceramides.
Its primary goal is to minimize signs of aging, including fine lines, texture, and promote an even skin tone. Also, Ceramides will keep the skin barrier healthy.
EltaMD recommends using this cream during the day or at night.
3. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist
A hydrating mist can be a fantastic pick-up-me to use throughout the day for dehydrated skin.
La Roche Posay is known for its famous thermal spring water that they infuse most of their products with. It’s also easy for you to use when you’re out.
La Roche Poasy states their mist is packed with antioxidants like Selenium, minerals, and other soothing components.
You can spray this on the face once or twice a day, or even use this product to replace your toner.
Overall this product is ideal for dehydrated skin that needs an extra boost of hydration.
The Takeaway
Dehydration can appear all across the face and body. However, it can be especially prominent under the eyes. For example, you may notice an increase in fine lines, wrinkles, low elasticity, and a dull complexion.
Dehydrated skin is a condition that can affect any skin type. Dehydrated skin and dry skin are not the same. Dehydration refers to a lack of water, whereas dry skin relates to a lack of oil.
You can treat dehydrated skin by drinking water, consuming water-rich foods, or adding humectants to your skin routine. Lastly, always consult a dermatologist to address any concerns.
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