7 do's and don'ts for dehydrated skin

It is important to know that there is a difference between dryness and dehydration. Dry skin typically refers to skin experiencing unusual topical dryness, perhaps due to the weather or a new treatment. Dehydration, on the other hand, typically refers to skin showing the side effects of internal dehydration.

In this state, your skin is in a delicate condition, and it needs to be treated gently to resolve the issue. Just as there is a personally tailored skin care regimen to fit your needs, there are also specific lifestyle changes you can make to fix your dehydrated skin. They include abstaining from coffee and alcohol, both can dry out the skin, and eating a healthy diet rich in whole foods. And the most important is to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated internally is essential for beautiful skin. Dr. Lancer advocates for healthy skin from a holistic approach so while you make adjustments to your lifestyle, you will also need to fine tune your skin care routine. Here are some guidelines for getting your complexion back on track:

1. Avoid harsh skin care products. This isn’t a time for rough exfoliating scrubs or cleansers that strip skin of moisture. Gentle products are best to help your skin look and feel hydrated and moisturized.
2. Skip the use of exfoliating brushes or tools. While these devices are popular for  removing dead skin cells, they can also exacerbate rough, red, and dry skin.
3. Review your skin care routine. If you’ve recently added several different kinds of potent products such as retinol, acids, and vitamin C, they could be a cause of the dehydration. Try decreasing the frequency of use or alternating products to see if that helps your skin get back to normal and make sure you are using them according to the directions on the label.
4. Don’t wash your skin with hot water. Piping-hot water can make skin feel even more dehydrated. When washing your face, use lukewarm water instead.
5. Use a hydrating moisturizer.  Make sure to use your moisturizer day and night for around-the-clock hydration. This step will restore your skin to look smooth and glowing again.
6. Supplement skin with antioxidants. In skin care, antioxidants help protect skin and neutralize free radicals while giving your complexion a renewed vitality, which can counteract the signs of dehydration. 
7. Always use sunscreen. Without diligent application of sunscreen, the damaging effects of UV rays will counteract the healing action of the peptides, anti-oxidants and other ingredients used in your skin care. 

If you are ever plagued with dehydrated skin, don’t panic—just use these smart and simple skin care and lifestyle strategies to keep skin hydrated and radiant.