Dehydrated skin is a skin concern and not to be confused with the skin type. This means dehydrated skin is temporary and can be improved with the proper care.
You can have oily skin and still be dehydrated. In fact, it's common for oily or acne-prone skin to lack water and still be producing excess oil.
Dehydrated skin means your skin is lacking water and not oil. It may feel tight, look dull, have uneven texture, or show more fine-lines even if you're using moisturizer.
Signs your skin might be dehydrated
Dehydrated skin can be sneaky to diagnose, especially if you have oily skin. Look out for these common signs:
- Tightness or discomfort after washing your face
- Dull or tired looking skin
- Uneven or rough texture
- More visible lines around the eyes and mouth
- Increased oiliness or breakouts; your skin may produce more oil to compensate for the lack of water.
What causes dehydrated skin?
Several factors can cause your skin to become dehydrated:
- Not drinking enough water
- Excessive sweating from exercise or heat
- Lifestyle habits such as drinking too much alcohol
- Skin infections or a damaged skin barrier
- Overuse of exfoliating ingredients or strong actives such as acids or retinoids
- Some medications, such as diuretics or acne treatments, can cause skin dehydration as a side effect
How to rehydrate
Dehydrated skin is treatable. Here's how to bring moisture back to your skin:
- Use a gentle and hydrated cleanser to avoid stripping your skin further.
- Add a hydrating and gentle serum.
- Seal it in with a good moisturizer (yes, even if you have oily skin!)
- Drink enough water
