Most providers in the skincare industry agree that hydration is one of the most important factors in healthy skin - we see reminders to drink water regularly and moisturize our skin at least once daily. Many, however, don’t realize that hydration is a broad term that encompasses two separate conditions: dehydrated skin and dry skin. Dehydrated skin is due to lack of water, whereas dry skin is from a reduction in natural oils. In this blog, we’ll focus on what dehydrated skin means, how to know if your skin is dehydrated, and what to do if it is.

Dehydrated skin simply put is caused by a lack of water content within the skin. The most common lifestyle factors that can contribute to skin dehydration are lack of water intake, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, stress and even lack of sleep. Weather changes and exposure to cold wind also can cause dehydration and damage skin integrity. Sometimes even the skin care products we apply have hidden ingredients that could potentially be dehydrating, such as alcohols or sulfates.

If your skin is dehydrated, you’ll be able to notice some of the following signs:

Dull or itchy skin
Fine lines/wrinkles
Sunken or darker under eye color

What we put into our bodies matter and have a direct impact on our skin’s appearance. Staying hydrated internally by drinking lots of water and eating water-rich foods (yes - that means your fruits & veggies!) are key in helping maintain a healthy balance in your skin and your gut. A happy gut means happy skin! Here’s a quick list of lifestyle modifications to improve your overall hydration:

Monitor or decrease alcohol consumption
Increase water intake, especially after exercise or sun exposure
Monitor or decrease coffee and caffeine consumption
Stop smoking
Get plenty of sleep
Eat plant-based foods, such as fruit and vegetables high in water content

Although we can’t control the weather ( *sigh*), we can control the steps we take to protect our skin against it. While monitoring the forecast is always helpful in knowing what to expect, it’s strongly recommended to wear SPF every day as a general rule no matter what the weatherman says (yes - even when it’s overcast & you’re just running out to take out the trash!). In addition to the SPF, having a hat on hand when you’ll be outside for more than 10 minute increments is highly encouraged - there’s no better way to prevent sun damage and dehydration than to keep your skin covered. In cold, windy climates the skin is stripped of moisture very quickly. It’s best to cover your face as much as possible with a scarf or mask and to drink lots of liquids to stay hydrated, preferably hot drinks because the steam can also act as a humidifying element that soothes the chapped skin. Keeping a moisturizer handy is highly encouraged, including a lip balm to protect your lips from breakage.

If you’re already experiencing skin dehydration, there are a few key ingredients to look out for that are categorized as “hydrators” that do exactly what the name suggests - they hydrate! Here are the main players:

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) provides immediate plumping by attracting water and increasing the water content in the skin. It acts as a humectant, which means it holds the water in place and prevents it from escaping.

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipid molecules found in cell membranes which create a barrier to prevent water loss. Lipids are hydrophobic, so they naturally separate from the water molecules and seal them in, preventing any moisture from escaping.

There are plenty of incredible products available that include these very important hydrators and will help restore your skin’s moisture. Below are our go-tos to rehydrate your skin:

Lira Hydrating Mineral Mist

On-the-go refreshing facial mist that hydrates, brightens and calms skin with Plant Stem Cells, Antioxidants and Gold and Silver Minerals.

Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum

Hydrating Serum features two forms of Hyaluronic Acid plus a blend of powerful natural fruit extracts, antioxidants and a peptide leaving skin with a smooth, refreshed appearance. The ultra-light texture absorbs instantly without leaving skin feeling greasy.

Provides short- and long-term moisturization
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Keeps skin uniformly hydrated.
Alleviates tightness and moisturizes without leaving skin feeling sticky
Can be used under moisturizer for added hydration

SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Cream

This product contains TNS®, peptides and a patented Ceramide technology to hydrate and help restore your skin's natural barrier function. TNS® (aka Tissue Nutrient Solution) is a mixture of human growth factors, cytokines, antioxidants and matrix proteins. Growth factors are inherent in our bodies and play a role in maintaining healthy skin.

The Nue Co. Barrier Culture Moisturizer

Meet your skincare shield: BARRIER CULTURE MOISTURIZER. A lightweight pre-, pro- and postbiotic formula with ceramides, peptides, niacinamide and squalane that’s engineered to protect the skin barrier, replenish the microbiome, lock in moisture and smooth skin texture. Supporting long-term skin health without overloading the complexion with too many active ingredients.

Oral supplements are also effective in increasing hydration and improving the skin barrier. One of our favorites is the Skin Hydrator by The Nue Co.

The Nue Co. Skin Hydrator

Contains phytoceramides, hyaluronic acid, collagen and astaxanthin (a potent antioxidant that protects against cell damage). Daily intake of this powerful combo is like a cool drink on a hot day, providing support to the skin, repairing the lipid barrier, and leaving it hydrated, plump and supple.