When your skin is dehydrated, it is lacking water and moisture. This dehydration—which can happen to any skin type—can cause itchiness, tightness, and dry patches. Dehydrated skin is different from dry skin. While dehydrated skin is a temporary loss of moisture, dry skin is a skin type that lacks oil.
Skin needs to be hydrated to look and feel healthy. Skin hydration often begins with what you eat and drink. Water, in particular, is important for skin health and hydration. How much you need to drink each day to hydrate your skin and improve its appearance will depend on your age, medications, and climate.
For instance, in colder weather, the lack of humidity inside can deplete your skin’s water stores by making it easier for water to evaporate from the skin’s surface. Conversely, hotter climates can cause more sweating, leading to water loss.
Here are some ways to hydrate your skin from within:
- Drink plenty of water: One of the easiest ways to hydrate your skin from within is to drink plenty of water. Research has shown that drinking more water throughout the day improves skin health and may be as effective as applying a moisturizer.
- Choose foods with a high water content: You can also boost hydration by eating foods that have a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, and other fruits and vegetables.
- Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids: Several studies have found that eating a nutritious diet rich in healthy fats can improve skin barrier function, which can help the skin retain moisture. Eat foods with omega-3s, like salmon and tuna, as well as foods high in omega-6s, like pumpkin seeds, to help hydrate and protect your skin.
- Get enough zinc: If you eat a low-protein or vegetarian diet, you may not be getting enough zinc. Your body uses zinc to help keep your skin hydrated, protect the skin barrier, and produce collagen. Foods high in zinc include beans, meats, nuts, seeds, shellfish, and whole grains.
The second part of keeping your skin hydrated is to apply topical (on-skin) products. Look for daily skincare products that are geared towards hydrating your skin and sealing in moisture. If you have dry patches caused by your skin’s dehydration, you may need to include a heavier moisturizer in your routine.
Remember, it’s important to test new products on a small area of skin, like the inner wrist, before applying them all over, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Here are some topical ways to hydrate your skin:
- Use hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant. This means it binds to moisture and slows down the rate at which water evaporates from your skin. Research has shown hyaluronic acid can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it highly effective at hydrating the skin.
- Try slugging: This practice involves applying a thick layer of an occlusive product, like petroleum jelly or Aquaphor, to your skin to seal in moisture. This creates a barrier that prevents trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Some research shows it can reduce TEWL by 99%.
- Pick products with ceramide creams: Scientists have found that ceramide creams can also boost skin hydration. These creams mimic your body’s natural skin barrier function and allow it to absorb more moisture. Ceramide can also decrease water loss, especially if you have a drying skin condition like eczema.
- Address dry areas with coconut oil: Research shows that coconut oil is a good choice for treating dry skin. The oil penetrates your skin quickly and can help soothe dry, irritated skin. It can also boost hydration, improve skin elasticity, and reduce itching.
Often, the best way to keep your skin hydrated is through a multi-pronged approach that includes both internal and external strategies, along with changes to your environment. For example, making sure the air in your home is not too dry and managing your stress can help improve your skin’s appearance and hydration.
Here are some strategies to keep your skin hydrated:
- Use a humidifier: The air in your home can sometimes become too dry, either from the weather outside or your climate. In these situations, using a humidifier can help restore moisture to the air. This can help hydrate your skin and make it less susceptible to irritants in the air.
- Take shorter, cooler showers: Limit showers to no longer than 10 minutes, using lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Long, hot showers and harsh soaps can strip skin of oil, leading to dryness.
- Choose a good pillowcase: Your pillowcase’s fabric can also play a role in your skin’s hydration. Select a pillowcase made of silk, satin, or bamboo fibers. These materials draw less moisture from your skin and create less friction, minimizing irritation.
- Manage your stress: Researchers have found that stress can negatively impact your skin barrier. Try breathing exercises, yoga, or other relaxation techniques to reduce your stress.
- Get adequate sleep: When you sleep, your skin repairs itself. Conversely, when you do not get enough rest, your body may deplete its water stores to keep you alert and functioning. Aim for the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep in order to protect your skin health.
While you should be able to hydrate your skin on your own, if having dry or dehydrated skin is a persistent problem, you should contact a healthcare provider. They can determine if you have an underlying medical condition or if you need to change your methods for hydrating your skin.
A dermatologist, a medical doctor specializing in skin conditions, can also help create a skincare routine specific to your needs.
If you notice issues with skin turgor—a loss of your skin’s elasticity or ability to return to its original shape—you should get evaluated right away. Reduced skin elasticity is a sign of significant fluid loss or dehydration. This condition can occur from diabetes, heat-related illnesses, extreme weight loss, and vomiting. Connective tissue disorders like scleroderma can also cause changes in skin elasticity.
Addressing dehydrated skin often requires a multi-pronged approach that combines hydrating from within, addressing external issues, and improving your environment. To do this, you want to drink plenty of water, eat water-rich food, and use products containing hyaluronic acid on your skin.
You can also use a humidifier, especially in the winter or if you live in a dry climate. Using a soothing pillowcase, sleeping seven to nine hours at night, and managing stress can also improve your skin barrier function.
If your efforts at home are not working and your skin is still dehydrated, contact a dermatologist for an evaluation.
