Dehydrated skin is not inevitable, but it does require special care. How can you remedy it and what routine should you adopt? We’ll give you the keys. 

What are the symptoms of dehydrated skin? 

If you pay close enough attention to your skin, you can learn to understand it and notice when it is suffering. Skin problems,  imperfections, itching, or simple dehydration. The better you take care of your skin barrier, the better it will look. Since we are particularly interested in the phenomenon of dehydrated skin, here are some major signs that can help you diagnose the problem: 

• Pronounced fine lines. Fine lines come naturally with age. If you notice them on your face, especially around your eyes and mouth, while you are still in the prime of your life, it may be a sign that your skin is suffering from dehydration and premature aging.
• Tight skin. It really isn't pleasant... a constant feeling of tightness and itching may indicate that your dry skin needs hydration and that the skin's hydrolipidic film is compromised. 
• A rough texture.
• If your skin has a rough and dry texture, with the top layer peeling, it is very likely another sign that it lacks water.
• Dull or blemished skin. A grey and sad complexion, oily skin, blackheads, and small pimples are all signs that should alert you to skin dehydration.
• Visible pores. Dehydrated skin can make pores more visible, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), which is known to be the most sensitive to skin problems.

But why does skin become dehydrated? 

There can be many causes. Sometimes temporary and sometimes genetic, skin dehydration should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to serious skin problems in extreme cases. 

Skin dehydrated by a lack of water 

This is obviously the number one and most logical cause. When you lack water, you are dehydrated. When the body lacks water, the skin can clearly suffer and it shows. This lack of water can be due to insufficient water intake, a dry environment, or excessive sweating. To remedy this, make sure you have a water bottle by your side so you can drink enough throughout the day. If you are not a fan of the bland taste of water, there are now small tablets with multiple flavors that allow you to flavor your water. More naturally, you can opt for detox water with mint, lemon, ginger, or even basil to infuse. 

Changes in seasons

This is a well-known reason. With every change of season comes its own set of minor discomforts, and dehydrated skin is one of them. Since the body must adapt to new temperatures as well as a new pace of life, its natural cycle (such as lack of sleep) and its water intake (via food) can be affected. To prevent this dehydration phenomenon in particular, it is essential to adapt your lifestyle to the seasons, by adopting a new diet routine as well as a new skincare routine that will provide the skin with the hydration it needs through the skincare products used, such as day cream, eyelash serum, face or eye contour serum, or even night cream. 

A poor beauty routine 

Day and night skincare routines, the skin cleansing ritual, makeup, and cocooning moments must be adapted to your skin type to avoid well-known discomforts such as dehydration. You should not jump on the first TikTok trend, the first balm, the first cream, or the first serum just because it is fashionable or recommended by so-and-so. The main thing for beautiful skin is to use a routine that is right for you. To make sure, do not hesitate to test different samples to see what suits us best. Respect your skin and it will reward you!

External factors... 

Our hectic, stressful lives, pollution, alcohol, poor makeup, tobacco, and an unbalanced diet can greatly contribute to skin dehydration. To remedy this, simply apply the points mentioned above, drink enough water, eat healthy, adopt the right beauty routine, and love your skin. 

What to avoid at all costs when you have dehydrated skin 

If you suffer from dehydrated skin, here are a few things to avoid so as not to make the problem worse:

• Aggressive cleansers: good hygiene is important, but we avoid harsh cleansers for the skin. Those that contain ingredients like alcohol or sulfates. These ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils and damage the skin barrier, which can worsen dehydration... Also, leave behind anything that talks about double cleansing and other facial skincare trends that can completely harm the primary function of your skin barrier and damage the hydrolipidic film. 

• Over-exfoliation: exfoliating products are very useful for removing dead skin cells, but they can also worsen dehydration by stripping the skin of its natural oils. Avoid repeated exfoliation and opt for chemical peels that will gently remove dead skin without damaging the skin barrier and provide a beautiful, radiant complexion.

• Too-hot showers or baths: yes, water that is too hot strips the skin of its natural oils. These same oils naturally nourish and hydrate the skin, so it is therefore preferable to avoid too-hot showers or baths... 

• Any products containing alcohol: it is becoming increasingly rare, but we still sometimes find them. Skin products containing alcohol can seriously damage skin hydration, so avoid them! Opt instead for ultra-rich or neutral cleansing balms, sulfate- and paraben-free shampoos, natural plant oils for the body, and floral waters such as rose water, witch hazel, or geranium for the face ...

• Excessive sun exposure: the sun, our false friend, can damage the skin barrier and worsen dehydration. Even if it is tempting to bask in the sun for hours to get a perfectly tanned complexion, forget it. Remember instead to wear broad-spectrum (UVB/UVA) sun protection every day!