We all know the importance of skin as it is our body’s largest organ. Our skin protects us from external damaging factors, such as infections and harsh sun rays. Our body’s shelter is equally important, so we must treat our skin well. Without a proper skin care routine, our skin can become weaker and dull.
Prevention is the best cure, but most of us form almost 10 common habits that dehydrate our skin and cause damage.
Why does skin get dehydrated?
External factors, including pollution, harsh weather, the use of aggressive skincare products, and certain internal factors such as insufficient water intake, excessive smoking, caffeine or alcohol consumption, and specific medications, can cause a lack of water in the outermost skin layer, resulting in skin dehydration.
Things that dehydrate your skin
Avoid these habits so that you can show your skin appreciation, and it can thank you for caring for it fully.
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- Sun exposure
Direct sunlight is very harmful to our skin. High temperatures and sun exposure can cause moisture loss from your skin, leading to dryness. If you step out more often or spend more time outside in a hot environment, it is essential to protect your skin by applying sunscreen cream or lotion. Make sure to wash your skin with water regularly so that your body doesn’t become dehydrated and you get relief from several skin issues.
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- Drinking too little water
All healthcare providers recommend drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to maintain overall health. Water plays a vital role in making your skin glowing and radiant. Make it a habit to drink water, fresh fruit juices, detox water, and herbal teas to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
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- Usage of harsh skin products
Harsh products of skin care affect the skin very badly and cause severe damage. One of the main reasons for dehydrated skin can be using skin care products that are too harsh for your skin type. These harsh products contain harmful chemicals that remove moisture from the skin, causing it to become dry. You should avoid using products that contain alcohol and fragrance as these can imbalance and dehydrate your skin.
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- Overusing products that contain retinol
Retinol is an active ingredient used to treat acne, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of ageing. It is a topical wrinkle reducer that fights against signs of ageing. However, using this product in higher quantities or applying it too frequently can lead to several skin issues, such as skin irritation, redness, or dryness.
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- Alcohol
Another dehydrating factor that dehydrates the skin is the consumption of excessive or routine alcohol. You should avoid alcohol as it dehydrates the body’s bloodstream, organs, joints, and skin. When you feel your skin is dehydrated, you can assume that collagen and structural fibres are damaged, which can cause those pesky wrinkles. You can take alcohol in moderate quantities.
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- Not using a humidifier
We all know that temperatures drop during the colder months of the year, which in turn creates humidity in the air. This is the reason most of us get drier, cracked skin in the winter. One should use a cool mist hygienic humidifier, as it helps add moisture back into the air of your home.
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- Smoking
Side effects of smoking are very common. Smoking is not only bad for your body, but it also harms the skin in various ways. The chemicals and nicotine content in cigarettes have been shown to cause premature aging signs, such as wrinkles and drooping.
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- Hot showers
It is true that a long and steamy shower helps your body relax and soothes the mind. However, if you don’t have a habit of applying moisturizer immediately afterwards,. In that case, the moisture can be sucked out of your already parched skin as the hot water evaporates it very quickly.
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- Coffee
Starting the day with coffee is amazing—and many people are fond of it. However, very few people are aware that caffeinated beverages can actually parch your skin from the inside, leaving it dehydrated. Research on coffee consumption has shown that excessive intake can lead to dry skin and exacerbate wrinkles.
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- Over-exfoliating
While exfoliation plays a vital role in clearing the skin’s dirt and grime, it can also cause the skin to become dehydrated. Whenever you exfoliate your skin, be sure to apply moisturizer afterwards. Make sure you don’t exfoliate your skin too aggressively or harshly, as it can strip the necessary oils your skin needs to maintain its natural glow.
One should also visit a dermatologist at least once every six months to determine the best skin care treatment that suits their skin type, thereby maintaining healthy and glowing skin.
Tips for dehydrated skin
The above-mentioned tips for dehydrated skin largely help to combat skin dehydration issues.
In short, a treatment regimen for dehydrated skin includes drinking plenty of water, eating water-rich foods, and limiting intake of smoking, caffeine, and alcohol. In your skincare routine, use lukewarm water for bathing. Apply a hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer, and consider adding ceramides and glycerin for enhanced benefits. Additionally, apply a hydrating face mask once a week. To lock in skin moisture, apply moisturizer immediately after washing your face. Additionally, use a humidifier in dry indoor environments to add moisture to the air.
If you experience no relief from skin dehydration, consult a doctor. He may prescribe a dehydration skin test to identify the exact cause and level of your skin dehydration.
