Why is my skin so dehydrated?

What is making your skin lose moisture?

Your skin barrier is its protective outer layer. When that barrier is disrupted, skin holds less water. Hot water and harsh soap can remove protective oils, which is an impressive amount of sabotage for something called getting clean. Frequent washing, detergents and repeated contact with water can contribute, especially on your hands.13

Look for these other contributors:

• Your surroundings: Low humidity, wind, excessive air conditioning and direct heat from a heater can dry skin.
• Your products: Retinol, astringent toners, rubbing and scrubbing can worsen facial dryness. Makeup and shampoo can also contribute.
• Your age: Skin produces less protective oil as you get older.
• Your medications or health: Statins, diuretics and oral retinoids can cause dryness. Eczema, thyroid disease, diabetes and kidney disease are other possible causes.

Cold air holds less moisture, so winter is not offering your skin much hospitality.1

Why does my skin look so dehydrated?

Moisture loss can make fine lines more noticeable and leave skin looking dull, rough or scaly. Flakes appear when skin loses enough moisture, and severe dryness can cause cracks. Tightness and itching can accompany these changes. Dry, cracked or raw skin can also sting or burn when touched, even by water.256

How do you help skin hold onto water?

1. 1Wash gently. Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser instead of standard soap. Choose a short shower rather than a prolonged hot soak, and avoid scrubbing.
2. 2Pat dry and moisturize while skin is still damp. For your face, apply moisturizer within five minutes of washing rather than waiting until skin feels tight.
3. 3Repeat daily. Apply moisturizer in the morning, before bed and after bathing. Reapply during the day when skin needs it.
4. 4Review drying products. Avoid astringent toners and exfoliating flakes while skin is dry and sensitive. If retinol is contributing, review its place in your routine and use moisturizing products alongside it.
5. 5Reduce environmental exposure. A humidifier can help in winter. Shield skin from cold air and wind, and wear sunscreen daily.

Which moisturizer should you use?

Choose a fragrance free moisturizer made for the area you are treating. Glycerin attracts moisture; occlusive ingredients, such as petroleum jelly or mineral oil, form a layer that slows water loss. Ceramides help strengthen the protective barrier. A moisturizer can replenish lost moisture without being a fancy product, so your bathroom shelf does not need a promotion.345

Match the texture to the dryness: lotions suit mild dryness, creams suit moderate dryness, and ointments suit very dry, scaly areas. Ointments are the most effective of these textures at sealing in moisture, but can feel greasy. Urea and lactic acid products can sting on scratched, cracked or inflamed skin. Stop using a moisturizer that causes burning, irritation or a new rash.3

Will drinking more water fix it?

Staying hydrated is part of prevention, but treating dry skin also means moisturizing and reducing the things that strip its protective layer. Moisturizers are the main treatment for most dry skin. There is no single recovery timetable: dryness can improve once contributing factors are controlled, while a tendency to dry skin can persist and need ongoing care.25

When should you get it checked?

See a healthcare professional if dryness does not improve, keeps returning, or causes itching that disrupts sleep or daily activities. Persistent pink patches also need assessment. Seek care for yellow crusts, pus or leaking fluid, swelling or discoloration, which can signal infection. Deep cracks and bleeding need attention rather than more exfoliation.456