If your skin feels itchy, red, flaky, or irritated, it could be a sign of dehydration.
Dehydrated skin often comes with increased sensitivity, dryness around the mouth, noticeable dark circles under the eyes, and the early appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures.
While it’s great to pamper your skin with moisturizers, serums, and toners, true radiance starts with proper hydration from within. When your skin lacks moisture, its barrier weakens and elasticity decreases, making it more vulnerable to damage.
Although our bodies naturally provide the elements needed to keep our skin hydrated, external factors like cold weather, sun exposure, poor diet, and certain lifestyle habits can strip away that moisture, leaving skin dry and dehydrated.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to maintain skin hydration and keep it nourished so it functions at its best.
Read on to discover effective tips for keeping your skin hydrated:
1. Choose the Right Cleanser
If you’re dealing with dehydrated skin, it’s time to switch to a cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
For dry, acne-prone skin, a cream-based hydrating cleanser may be ideal. As someone who suffers from severe skin dehydration in cold weather, I always make it a point to cleanse my face with CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Facial Cleanser. It’s gentle, affordable, and leaves my skin feeling soft and supple.
If you have oily skin, opt for a gel-based or water-based cleanser. These will effectively clear dirt and pollutants while retaining moisture in your skin. Some of my favorite gel-based hydrating cleansers include Forest Essentials Kashmiri Saffron Face Wash, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, and Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Face Wash.
2. Get a Humidifier
Dry winter air can strip moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and flaky. A humidifier can help replenish the moisture in the air. I recommend placing a humidifier in the room where you sleep to experience its magic.
I recently invested in a cute, portable humidifier that doubles as a décor piece on my desk. I plan to use it even more during the upcoming winter season.
3. Change Your Face-Drying Habits
One of the biggest causes of dehydrated skin that many people don’t realize is poor face-drying habits.
If you tend to wipe your face with a harsh, abrasive towel, your skin will lose moisture no matter how good your cleanser is. To break this habit, start treating your skin gently. After cleansing, take a soft towel and gently pat your face until it’s damp, not completely dry. This is the perfect time to apply your moisturizer, locking in some of that hydration.
4. Make SPF Your Best Friend
No matter how much you dislike wearing SPF for a quick trip to the grocery store, don’t skip it. SPF is, in the simplest terms, heaven in a tube. Exposure to the sun—even for short periods—can cause irreversible damage, drying out your skin and leading to early signs of aging.
Sunscreen creates a physical barrier between the sun’s rays and your skin’s moisture. So if you’re skipping sunscreen, you might as well stop everything that falls under the skincare category.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water hydrates your body, which, in turn, hydrates your skin. When your skin is hydrated from the inside, it’ll look glowing and healthy on the outside. Aim to drink at least 2 liters of water a day. I always carry a 1-liter bottle in my handbag, and there’s another one on my bedside table that needs to be emptied before bed.
You can also hydrate with citrus juices and water-rich fruits like berries, watermelon, and oranges. Trust me, your skin will thank you!
6. Invest in a Thick, Rich Night Cream
Your skin loses a significant amount of hydration while you sleep, so it’s important to use a heavier moisturizer at night to lock in moisture. Look for a ceramide-rich moisturizer that also contains other beneficial ingredients to treat your skin concerns. I use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream at night and don’t plan on switching anytime soon, as it works wonders for my skin.
7. Do Not Over-Exfoliate
Dry, dehydrated skin can lead to dead skin cells and flakiness, which might tempt you to exfoliate more frequently. However, exfoliation isn’t the solution for dehydration; it can actually worsen the issue by stripping away your skin’s moisture barrier.
Limit exfoliation to once a week to remove dead skin cells. As the weather warms and your skin becomes more hydrated, you can gradually increase exfoliation to once every 4-5 days.
8. Invest in a Satin Pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases absorb the moisture from your skin, undoing all the hard work of your nighttime skincare routine. Switch to a satin pillowcase, which repels moisture and is gentle on your skin. I’ve been using a satin pillowcase for several months now, and I’ve noticed it really helps keep my skin hydrated overnight.
So there you have it! Remember, maintaining your skin’s hydration is just as important as applying a high-quality moisturizer. Make sure to do everything in your power to keep your skin hydrated and nourished throughout the day. Drink plenty of water, eat lots of citrus fruits, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep your skin looking youthful and glowing.