There are several causes of dehydrated skin. In most cases, skin dehydration is the result of a weakened barrier that allows too much moisture to evaporate. Environmental factors such as air conditioning, artificial heat, dry climates with low humidity, hot showers, and harsh skincare products can contribute to dehydrated skin. Lifestyle can play a role as well, since dehydrated skin can result from drinking too little water, lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, and more.

Symptoms of dehydrated skin include dryness, flaking, itching, dullness, and sensation of tightness. Skin dehydration can also cause fine lines and dark circles to appear more prominent.

Dehydrated skin and dry skin have similar symptoms, but have different underlying factors. Skin dehydration is characterized by a lack of hydration, while dry skin does not produce enough of its natural oils (sebum). Dry skin is a naturally occurring type of skin (which is typically determined by genetics) while dehydrated skin may be considered a temporary condition. Anyone can experience dehydrated skin, whether their skin type is normal, dry, oily, or combination.<sup>1

1</sup> https://www.healthline.com/health/dehydrated-skin#symptoms

First, be sure you are drinking enough water. From there, use a regimen of skincare products that provide dehydrated skin with extra moisture. Serums and daily moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin are effective for all types of dehydrated skin since these ingredients are known to help replenish moisture. Ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, found in Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, are also beneficial ingredients for skin dehydration since supplementing the skin with these naturally occurring lipids helps to reinforce the skin barrier so it can better retain moisture.

Yes, you can exfoliate dehydrated skin, but it’s important to use gentle ingredients. Our Retexturing Activator is an ideal dehydrated skin product because it simultaneously exfoliates the skin and replenishes moisture with hyaluronic acid.

Using moisturizer as part of your morning and evening skincare routines should be enough to replenish dehydrated skin and keep it feeling comfortable. If you find that twice-daily moisturizer use isn’t enough to keep signs of skin dehydration at bay, you may need to add a hydrating serum, try a richer cream, or look for formulas that promote barrier repair. A SkinCeuticals skincare professional can help you build the ideal routine for your dehydrated skin.

Skin dehydration itself is unlikely to cause acne. However, the products you use to improve dehydrated skin may contribute to blemishes if they clog the pores. Hydrating B5 Gel is an ideal dehydrated skin product because this oil-free serum helps attract and hold water in the skin. Those with oily dehydrated skin can use Hydrating B5 Gel as a standalone moisturizer, while those with dry dehydrated skin can layer it beneath their daily moisturizer.

Skin dehydration can make fine lines and wrinkles appear more prominent. This is because dehydrated skin lacks the moisture that contributes to skin plumpness. Those with dehydrated skin often notice improvement in fine lines and wrinkles once proper hydration levels are restored.

Visible signs of skin dehydration include dullness, flaking, and fine lines. Dehydrated skin texture can look rough and uneven as well.

The amount of oil your skin produces has nothing to do with skin dehydration—this is determined by your skin type (i.e. dry, oily, or combination). You can have oily dehydrated skin or dry dehydrated skin. Regardless, the primary goal of using dehydrated skin products is to restore skin hydration and reinforce the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss.