When it comes to skincare concerns, dehydrated skin is one of those sneaky culprits that can wreak havoc on your complexion without you even realizing it. One day your skin feels fine, and the next, you’re noticing tightness, flaking, or a dull appearance. You may even be thinking, why is my skin so dry, yet the issue might not be about dryness at all—it could be dehydration.
It’s a common confusion: dry vs dehydrated skin can seem like the same thing, but they’re not - in fact, they are actually very different.
- Dry skin is a skin type that lacks oil
- Dehydrated skin is a condition caused by a lack of water.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself asking, what does dehydrated skin look like and what causes dehydrated skin, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re going to break down the top five factors behind dehydrated skin, why understanding dry vs dehydrated skin is a MUST, and how to fix dehydrated skin through simple lifestyle tweaks and a proper skincare routine.
In addition, we’ll also give you specific product recommendations to fully equip you with the knowledge (and the right regimen) for exactly how to hydrate your skin and restore its natural healthy glow.
Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin: Know the Difference
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to hydrate skin, let’s clear up the dry vs dehydrated skin debate once and for all:
Dry Skin
This is a skin type, much like oily or combination skin. Dry skin means your sebaceous glands (which produce oil) are not producing enough oil to keep your complexion lubricated. People with dry skin often experience flaking, rough patches, and a feeling of tightness all year round.
Dehydrated Skin
This is a skin condition, meaning it can happen to anyone—yes, even if you have oily skin. Dehydrated skin lacks water, leading to a dull, lackluster appearance, fine lines that pop up out of nowhere, and even sensitivity or itchiness. You might also notice more pronounced creases—think smile lines—because the skin isn’t plumped up by adequate hydration.
Now that we have that squared away, let’s move on to the five big reasons your skin might be lacking water. Understanding these causes is the first step in learning how to treat dehydrated skin and prevent it from happening again.
5 Reasons Your Skin Is Dehydrated
1. Not Drinking Enough Water
We’ve all heard that internal hydration is key to a glowing complexion, and it’s not just hype—there’s truth to it. One of the simplest answers to what causes dehydrated skin is simply not taking in enough fluids each day.
- Why It Matters: When you’re not drinking enough water, your body goes into conservation mode, pulling hydration away from your skin to keep other vital organs well-functioning. The result is a dehydrated skin texture that feels tight and uncomfortable, especially around areas where the skin is thinner (like around your eyes).
- How to Improve: Strive to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day, depending on your activity level and climate. If plain water isn’t your choice, infuse it with fruit or herbs (like cucumber and mint) to make it more appealing. Remember, the goal is to keep your entire body hydrated from the inside out.
- Other Beverages Count (Sort of): Tea and coffee can contribute to your fluid intake, but be mindful of caffeine’s diuretic effect. Herbal teas are a wonderful caffeine-free option.
While water intake alone may not be the ultimate fix, it’s an essential baseline for overall health and a crucial piece of the puzzle in how to hydrate your skin on a deeper, long-term level.
2. Harsh Climate: Dry Air, Indoor Heat, and Super-Hot Showers
Nothing can zap moisture from your skin faster than a dry environment. If you live in a region with low humidity or find yourself blasting indoor heating during winter, you may see your skin transform into a desert-like landscape.
- Dry Air Indoors and Outdoors: Central heating and air conditioning are notorious for sucking the moisture out of the air. As the air gets drier, it begins to pull water from anywhere it can—including your skin.
- Super-Hot Showers: A long, steamy shower feels luxurious, especially in colder months. But prolonged exposure to hot water can strip the skin’s natural oils and lead to dehydrated skin. Though it might feel comforting at the moment, hot water weakens the skin barrier, causing more water loss.
-
How to Fight Back:
- Humidifier: Placing a humidifier in your bedroom or office can help keep the environment from getting too arid.
- Lukewarm Showers: Opt for shorter, lukewarm showers instead of scalding hot ones, and you’ll see less flaking and tightness.
- Seal in Moisture: Always apply a moisturizer right after you get out of the shower to lock in the water that’s still on your skin’s surface.
If you’re searching for how to fix dehydrated skin in winter, or in a desert climate, paying attention to your immediate surroundings will make a big difference.
3. Harsh Skincare Products
Ironically, sometimes the very products we rely on to help our skin can be the culprit behind its dehydration. Certain cleansers and scrubs can leave your face feeling squeaky clean but at the price of stripping away essential oils and impairing your moisture barrier.
- High pH Cleansers: Traditional bar soaps or cleansers with high pH can disrupt the skin’s acid mantle, making it more vulnerable to water loss.
- Over-Exfoliation: While exfoliation can help brighten your complexion, going overboard—especially with harsh scrubs—can create micro-tears and weaken your skin barrier.
- Alcohol-Based Toners: If your toner lists “alcohol” as one of the first few ingredients, it might be drying out your skin faster than you can say, “Why is my skin so dry?”
How to treat dehydrated skin effectively often starts with a gentler approach. That means pH-balanced cleansers, alcohol-free toners, and exfoliators that use mild chemical exfoliants rather than physical scrubs with rough edges.
4. Poor Nutrition: Excessive Alcohol, Sugar, and More
A balanced diet isn’t just good for your waistline—it’s vital for healthy, hydrated skin. Eating too many processed foods, sugary treats, or indulging in excessive alcohol can all contribute to dehydrated skin.
- Alcohol: Beyond the typical dehydration headache, alcohol also reduces the body’s production of the hormone vasopressin. This hormone is crucial for water retention, so when levels drop, your skin can suffer.
- Sugar: Diets high in sugar can lead to spikes in insulin, which can cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation disrupts your skin’s balance, making it harder to maintain a hydrated, healthy glow.
- Lack of Nutrients: Vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, E, and essential fatty acids are vital for a strong skin barrier. When your diet is missing these, dryness and dehydration can set in.
Suppose you’re not fueling your body properly. In that case, you might find yourself continually wondering what does dehydrated skin look like—it often appears dull and lifeless because it’s not getting the nutrients it needs. Incorporating hydrating foods like cucumbers, celery, and watermelon, as well as healthy fats from avocados and nuts, can make a marked difference.
5. Lack of a Proper Natural Skincare Routine
Finally, one of the most overlooked factors is simply not having a consistent, skin-friendly routine. Even if you’re doing everything else right—drinking water, eating well, and living in a humid climate—without a proper regimen tailored to how to hydrate your skin, you may not see the transformation you want.
So what does a “proper” routine look like for someone dealing with dehydrated skin texture? Here’s where picking the best moisturizer for dehydrated skin and other targeted products comes into play. A structured routine can replenish water levels in your skin, support your barrier function, and keep dehydration at bay.
How to Build a Routine for Dehydrated Skin (Featuring Eight Saints Products)
If you’re serious about how to fix dehydrated skin, we highly recommend using a consistent regimen that addresses each step of your skincare routine—from cleansing to moisturizing. Here’s a curated routine using products from Eight Saints, a natural skincare brand focused on delivering clean and effective formulations:
1. Cleanse (AM & PM)
Brightside Cream Cleanser is ideal for dehydrated skin because it helps remove dirt and impurities without stripping away your skin’s natural oils. The creamy formula ensures your face is left feeling soft and nourished, not tight or irritated—a critical first step in how to hydrate skin properly.
2. Hydrate with Serum (AM & PM)
Pep Rally Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a superstar when it comes to how to treat dehydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing in moisture from the environment to plump the skin. The result? A softer, smoother complexion gives new meaning to the phrase, “lit from within.”
3. Moisturize (AM)
The Daydreamer Face Moisturizer is lightweight yet deeply hydrating—arguably a contender for the best moisturizer for dehydrated skin if you want something non-greasy but effective. Apply it in the morning to lock in all that hydration from your serum and keep your skin happy throughout the day.
4. SPF (AM)
Incorporating sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially when you’re focused on how to hydrate your skin long-term. UV damage not only ages the skin but can also compromise its barrier. Chase the Sun SPF Moisturizer offers SPF 30 protection and a moisturizing base that won’t leave you feeling sticky or heavy.
5. Moisturize (PM)
For nighttime, switch to something a bit richer like the Up the Anti Anti-Aging Cream. This moisturizer is formulated to nourish while you sleep deeply—arguably the best time for skin cell regeneration. By morning, you’ll wake up with supple and well-hydrated skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can oily skin be dehydrated?
Absolutely! Many people assume if their skin is oily, they can’t possibly be dehydrated. But dehydrated skin is all about a lack of water, not oil. In fact, dehydrated oily skin can sometimes overproduce oil to compensate for the lack of moisture.
I’m already using a moisturizer. Why is my skin still dehydrated?
Not all moisturizers are created equal. If it doesn’t contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or if it’s full of harsh chemicals, it may not be helping you as much as you think. Consider switching to a product like the Daydreamer Face Moisturizer or Up the Anti Anti-Aging Cream from Eight Saints to truly support your hydration goals.
Is dehydrated skin permanent?
Generally, no. While chronic dehydration can lead to longer-term issues, most people can correct dehydrated skin by improving their internal and external hydration strategies.
Does SPF help with dehydration?
While sunscreen itself doesn’t “add” water to the skin, it does prevent UV damage, which can compromise your skin barrier over time. A compromised barrier is more prone to dehydration. So wearing SPF is a form of prevention—an essential step in how to fix dehydrated skin for good.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a holistic way on how to hydrate your skin, try the Eight Saints lineup for a simplified yet effective approach to daily skincare:
- Brightside Cream Cleanser
- Pep Rally Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Daydreamer Face Moisturizer
- Chase the Sun SPF Moisturizer (AM)
- Up the Anti Anti-Aging Cream (PM)
These products work together to cleanse, hydrate, protect, and nourish your skin—everything you need in your quest for how to treat dehydrated skin effectively.
Remember, your skin is as unique as you are. While these guidelines are universal enough to help the vast majority of people battling dehydrated skin, you might need to tweak the details to fit your lifestyle, climate, and preferences. The important thing is to listen to your skin and give it the consistent care it deserves.
With the right approach—both internally and externally—you’ll no longer have to ask, what does dehydrated skin look like, because your complexion will be refreshed, plump, and glowing for all the right reasons!