Dehydrated skin is not inevitable, but it does require special care. What can you do about it, and what routine should you adopt? We give you the keys. 

What are the symptoms of dehydrated skin? 

If we pay enough attention to our skin, we can learn to understand it and notice when it's suffering. Skin problems, imperfections, itching or simple dehydration. The more you know how to look after your skin barrier, the better off it will be. Since we're focusing here on the phenomenon of dehydrated skin, here are a few key signs to help diagnose the problem: 

• Fine lines. Fine lines come naturally with age. If you notice them on your face, especially around the eyes and mouth, while you're still in the prime of life, it could be a sign that your skin is suffering from dehydration and premature skin aging.
• Tight skin. It's really not pleasant... a feeling of perpetual tightness and itchiness can indicate that your dry skin needs hydration and that the skin's hydro-lipidic film has been damaged. 
• A rough texture.
• If your skin has a rough, dry texture, with the surface layer peeling, this is most certainly another sign that it lacks water.
• Dull skin with imperfections. A dull, gray complexion, oily skin, blackheads and pimples are all signs that your skin is suffering from dehydration.
• Des pores visibles. Une peau déshydratée peut laisser voir des pores apparents, en particulier sur la zone T (front, nez, menton) réputée comme étant la plus sensible aux problèmes cutanés.

But why does skin become dehydrated? 

There can be many causes. Sometimes isolated, sometimes genetic, skin dehydration is not to be taken lightly, since in extreme cases it can lead to serious skin problems. 

Dehydrated skin due to lack of water 

This is obviously the number 1 and most logical cause. When you lack water, you're dehydrated. When the body lacks water, the skin can clearly suffer, and it shows. This can be due to insufficient water intake, a dry environment or excessive perspiration. To remedy this, make sure you have a water bottle by your side so you can drink enough all day long. If you're not a fan of the insipid taste of water, there are now little tablets with multiple flavors that can be used to flavor water. More naturally, you can opt for detox water infused with mint, lemon, ginger or basil. 

Seasonal changes

It's a well-known reason. Every change of season brings its own set of little inconveniences, and dehydrated skin is one of them. As the body adapts to new temperatures and a new rhythm of life, its natural cycle (such as lack of sleep) and water intake (via food) can be affected. To avoid dehydration in particular, it's essential to adapt your lifestyle to the seasons, adopting not only a new eating routine, but also a new skincare routine that will provide your skin with the moisture it needs, through skincare products such as day cream, eyelash, face or eye serum, or night cream. 

The wrong beauty routine 

Day and night skincare routines, skin cleansing rituals, make-up and cocooning moments all need to be adapted to your skin type to avoid notorious problems such as dehydration. Don't just throw yourself on the first Tiktok trend, balm, cream or serum that comes along just because it's fashionable or recommended by this or that person. The key to beautiful skin is to use a routine that's right for you. To be sure of this, don't hesitate to test what suits you best using different samples. Respect your skin and you'll be rewarded!

External factors... 

Our hectic lives of stress, pollution, alcohol, bad make-up, smoking and an unbalanced diet can all contribute to skin dehydration. To remedy this, simply apply the points outlined above, drink enough water, eat healthily, 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 aggravate the problem:

• Aggressive cleansers: good hygiene is important, but avoid cleansers that are harsh on the skin. Those containing ingredients such as alcohol or sulfates. These ingredients can remove the skin's natural oils and damage the skin barrier, which can worsen dehydration... And forget all about double cleansing and other facial care trends that can totally undermine the primary function of your skin's barrier and damage the hydro film. 

• Too much exfoliation: exfoliating products are very useful for removing dead skin cells, but they can also worsen dehydration by eliminating the skin's natural oils. Avoid repeated exfoliation, preferring chemical peels that nibble away dead skin cells without damaging the cutaneous barrier, leaving your complexion beautifully radiant.

• Showers or baths that are too hot: yes, water that's too hot eliminates the skin's natural oils. These same oils naturally nourish and moisturize the skin, so it's best to avoid showers or baths that are too hot... 

• All products containing alcohol: this is becoming increasingly rare, but it can still be found. Skin care products containing alcohol can seriously damage skin hydration, so avoid them! For example, opt for surgras or neutral cleansing balms, sulfate- and paraben-free shampoos, natural plant oils for the body and floral waters such as rose, witch hazel or geranium water for the face...

• Excessive sun exposure: the sun, our false friend, can damage the skin barrier and worsen dehydration. As tempting as it is to bask in the sun for hours on end to get a perfect tan, forget it. Instead, we remember to wear broad-spectrum sun protection (UVB/UVA) every day!