What causes dehydrated skin?

Why does skin lose water?

The stratum corneum, your skin's outermost layer, contains cells surrounded by fats that help control water loss. Natural moisturizing factors are substances within this layer that help it hold water. The skin barrier helps hold water in, which is less glamorous than a skincare slogan and rather more useful. When the barrier is disrupted, its ability to retain moisture suffers. Low moisture also interferes with normal shedding of surface cells, leaving skin rough and flaky; further drying can lead to cracks.23

What can cause dehydrated skin?

• Dry surroundings reduce skin moisture. Cold weather, wind, low humidity, excessive air conditioning and direct heat from a fire or fan heater can all contribute.
• Washing can remove protective fats. Long hot showers, excessive bathing, harsh soaps, detergents and solvents are common culprits. Frequent handwashing and jobs involving water or chemicals increase exposure.
• Products and friction can aggravate dryness. Alcohol based topical products, rough clothing and abrasives can irritate skin. Retinol and astringent toners can also dry it out, and makeup or shampoo can contribute.
• Aging reduces protective oil. Sebum, the oil your skin produces, declines with age, with a marked drop during your 40s.
• Medicines and treatments can contribute. Statins, diuretics, oral retinoids and some cancer treatments are associated with dry skin.
• Health and nutrition matter. Diabetes, thyroid disease and kidney disease can cause excessive dryness. Nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition can also play a part.

Air conditioning can dry the air around your skin, so indoor comfort and skin comfort are not the same department.3

Could eczema be involved?

Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a group of conditions involving skin inflammation. Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes. Genetic and environmental factors likely contribute, and some people who had atopic dermatitis as children continue to have easily irritated, dry skin as adults. Certain soaps, fabrics and lotions can trigger irritation. A recurring itchy rash needs more attention than simply adding another moisturizer.6

How do you help skin hold onto moisture?

1. 1Use lukewarm rather than hot water, and choose a short shower instead of a prolonged hot bath. Reduce excessive bathing.
2. 2Replace harsh soap with a gentle soap substitute. Wash without rubbing or scrubbing, and pat skin dry rather than sanding away the flakes.
3. 3Apply moisturizer while skin is still damp. Use it in the morning, before bed and after washing, with additional applications when needed.
4. 4Choose a fragrance free moisturizer designed for the affected area. Glycerin attracts moisture, while emollients soften skin and help restore its barrier. Drier skin generally needs a thicker moisturizer.
5. 5Review products that worsen dryness. Avoid repeated exfoliation of flaky skin, and protect exposed skin from sunlight, cold air and wind.

Will the dryness go away?

Dryness can improve once contributing factors are controlled, although a tendency toward dry skin can persist for life. Moisturizers help reduce water loss and improve the barrier, but treating an underlying skin or health condition is also necessary when that condition drives the dryness.45

When should you see a doctor?

Get medical advice if dryness does not improve, keeps returning, interferes with daily activities or leaves a persistent pink patch. Wet, red areas also need assessment. Severe dryness can crack and bleed, and broken skin can become infected. A clinician can review your washing habits, environment, products and medicines to identify the cause.457