Your Skin Dehydration Status May Be Hiding In Fine Lines
One of the most difficult skin issues to rectify is dry, irritated skin, but there is some confusion between dry skin and dehydrated skin. Although they are commonly mistaken for each other, there is a big difference between skin that is dry and skin that needs hydration. No matter what plagues you, finding what works for your specific skin type is tricky. In fact, itchy, dry skin is called xeroderma, and it plagues people because of age, climate, and genetics.
Dry skin is common, but if your skin is dehydrated, you have a very different issue on your hands. In addition, if your skin is dehydrated, it could be hiding fine lines and wrinkles that appear when its lacking moisture. If you've tried to combat dry skin or dehydration on your own, you know there are countless serums, moisturizers, and oils that boast skin-changing results — they can supposedly hydrate skin that desperately needs moisture. Knowing the difference between these two skin struggles, however, is essential to treat them effectively.
How to tell if your skin is dehydrated
It is important to know the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin so that you can begin the healing process. Dry skin is a bit more chronic, and it is a condition that reoccurs throughout the year. You can identify dry skin by a red, dry, flakiness. When it comes to dry skin, you may experience tightness, itchiness, and uncomfortable irritation in the skin's feel and appearance. Dehydration is more temporary and easily identifiable. This is good news for those who find that their skin is dehydrated because it's often easier to fix than dry skin.
In order to tell if your skin is dehydrated, the best method is to pinch a small area on your cheek. Squeezing lightly should provide enough pressure to determine if you have any fine lines. If your skin doesn't bounce back to your normal when you let go, dehydration may be at play (via Healthline). If you do notice fine lines or wrinkles, they are signs that your skin needs more moisture to look its best and feel its healthiest.
How to improve your dehydrated skin
If you are missing that glowing skin you usually boast, dehydration does not have to drag you down for long. There are many ways to get your skin back to its normal glow. Many factors play into dehydrated skin — the environment, stress, alcohol use, and some medications can work against your skin's hydration. Cutting back on salt, sugar, and caffeine can help keep water in your system. In addition, using sunscreen — even in colder months — helps lessen drying that can occur from the sun. Finally, Bioderma suggests adding hydrating products to your nighttime routine, like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and oil, in addition to your moisturizer to help to lock in moisture.
Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin can be corrected quickly with some behavior and skincare routine changes. If you notice your skin doesn't bounce back after a quick pinch to your cheek, your fine lines could be telling you it's time to hydrate. Finally, checking in with a dermatologist is always a good idea if your skin issues persist.