If your skin has been feeling a little drier lately, it’s probably low on hydration and could really use a long-lasting drink. Let’s break down the five most common signs of dehydrated skin and what to do about it.
First, there is a difference between dry and dehydrated skin.
Dry skin is a skin type. Naturally produces less oil.
Dehydrated skin is a situation. Any skin type can experience it – dry, oily, combination, sensitive… even breakout-prone skin.
And yes, you can have oily and dehydrated skin at the same time.
Dehydration occurs when the skin does not have enough water. And when water levels drop, your skin’s barrier has a hard time doing its job properly. Moisture escapes faster than it should and the skin starts sending subtle (and not so subtle) SOS signals.
Here are some of the common signs:
1. Flaky patches (especially in random spots)
Small rough patches around your nose, chin, cheeks, elbows or hands are often one of the first signs that your skin needs a boost of moisture. When skin is dehydrated, it struggles to shed dead skin cells. Cell turnover slows down, texture becomes uneven, and suddenly you’re faced with dreaded flakes. This means that your skin does not have the water it needs to function properly.
2. Tightening after cleaning
If your skin feels tight, tight, or uncomfortable after cleansing, it may mean it’s been stripped too much. Tightness is one of the clearest signs that your skin barrier needs support. When the barrier is compromised, water escapes faster than your skin can hold it (a process known as transepidermal water loss).
This doesn’t mean your skin is ‘failing’ – it just means it needs a little extra support right now. Healthy, hydrated skin should feel calm and comfortable after cleansing, not like it’s thin.
3. Blur
Well-moisturized skin reflects light better. Dehydrated skin? Not so much. When moisture levels drop, skin can start to look flat, dull and tired, even if you’re sleeping well and doing all the right things.
4. Itching or sudden tenderness
Have you ever noticed that your skin itches, tingles or reacts for no apparent reason? Dehydrated skin is often more sensitive because the protective barrier that keeps out irritants is weakened. When this barrier isn’t doing its job, the skin reacts more easily to weather, air conditioning, heating and even products you normally tolerate just fine. Result: skin that feels uncomfortable, reactive and generally a little crazy.
5. Fine lines appear more noticeable
The fine lines are more visible when the skin is dehydrated. Because when the skin is deprived of water, it loses its firmness. The texture looks more intense. The lines look deeper than they actually are. And while hydration won’t completely remove fine lines and wrinkles, it can help skin look smoother, firmer and more rested, which makes those lines less pronounced. And just as importantly, help skin feel more comfortable, calm and supported.
So… what actually causes dehydrated skin?
Some very common culprits: Hot showers. Over-cleaning. Cold weather. Hot weather. Air conditioning. Indoor heating. Exfoliate too often. Hard products. Forgetting to properly seal in moisture. You don’t drink enough water. In other words: modern life.
The good news? Thirsty skin is usually very fixable when you know what you’re dealing with.
Hydration vs Hydration
Moisturizers help draw water into the skin. Think water-loving ingredients that quench thirsty skin and boost bounce. For a serious skin drink, reach out Raindrops Hydrating Mist and Serum FG 01 – both designed to boost hydration and leave skin looking fresh and radiant.
Moisturizing products, on the other hand, help seal in that hydrationslowing down moisture loss and keeping the skin comfortable. If you prefer something lighter, Perfectly Happy Light Vitamin C Cream it’s a great choice during the day. For drier skin or extra barrier support, Over The Moon Rich Repair Cream brings comfortable comfort.
And don’t forget your cleaning. Using a gentle non-flaking cleanser like Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm or 3 Cheers Cleansing Oil helps to properly prepare the skin so that all that hydration stays where it belongs.
A handy way to visualize this:
- Hydration works like a magnetdrawing water into the skin
- Hydration works like a fortresslocking them all inside
Most skin types need bothespecially when dealing with dehydration.
Hydrate first. Stamp two. This is the sweet spot.
So if your skin feels tight, flaky, dull, itchy, or that fine lines are suddenly more noticeable, it’s probably just thirsty. In addition to avoiding obvious dehydration culprits (hello, sun, air conditioning, and over-cleansing) and keeping up your water intake, it can really help to create a skincare routine that supports and repairs the skin barrier while locking in all that juicy hydration.
Drink up!
SKIN CARE SHOP
