Is your dehydrated skin causing you to look older?

Your skin used to be flawless. Firm, smooth, and without any of those pesky fine lines. But these days, the face that’s looking back at you in the mirror doesn’t look as flawless. Those late nights in the office and hanging out with your colleagues seem to be adding up. Your cheeks are less plump, and that radiance is fading. 

Is the lack of moisture causing you to look beyond your years? Let’s take a look at how dehydrated skin can affect how you look, and find out what you can do to restore your skin to its former glory.

The importance of hydrated skin

The skin is the largest organ in our body – besides affecting our appearance, it also regulates our body temperature and facilitates the sensation of touch. For these crucial functions to be performed effectively, maintaining skin hydration is essential. If the skin is well-hydrated, it will be better equipped to combat pathogens and environmental stressors and can remain healthy, elastic, and less susceptible to damage.

Hydrated skin is essential for: 

– Preventing dryness and flaking 

– Reducing discomfort associated with more serious conditions like dermatitis 

– Maintaining natural repair processes 

– Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Causes and signs of skin dehydration

What happens to cause our skin to dry out, and what should we be looking out for? Here’s all you need to know. 

Causes of skin dehydration

As age catches up with us, our skin naturally becomes thinner and less resilient, which can result in a decreased ability to retain moisture, leading to dehydration. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease, can also negatively affect the body’s ability to retain water. Genetic factors can predispose individuals to skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, which often manifest as dehydrated skin.

External factors contributing to skin dehydration include environmental conditions like low humidity, extreme temperatures, and harsh weather conditions, which can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Constant exposure to air-conditioning can cause moisture to evaporate from the skin’s surface more quickly, leading to dehydration. Persistent sun exposure is another environmental factor that can significantly dehydrate the skin, as ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the skin cells, impeding their ability to hold onto moisture.

Lifestyle habits can also cause skin to dry out. Diets that are low in essential fatty acids and vitamins can affect the skin’s ability to retain water. Officer workers also suffer from a unique lack of hydration that comes from a combination of insufficient water intake and low humidity environments. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage the skin, impairing its hydration. Alcohol is also well-known for its diuretic effect, further stripping the body of the water it needs.

Signs of skin dehydration

Unfortunately, it can be hard to tell when the skin is dehydrated until it is too late. If you are looking out for any early signs and symptoms of dehydrated skin, you should look out for feelings of tightness, especially after washing, and a noticeable roughness or dullness to the skin’s appearance. 

In slightly more advanced cases, fine lines and wrinkles may become more apparent as the skin loses its plumpness, a hallmark of adequate hydration. Some people may notice their skin looks ‘papery’, with fine lines appearing when the skin is pinched or pressed. Flakiness and peeling are also common signs and symptoms of dehydrated skin, as the topmost layers of skin begin to shed. 

In more severe cases, cracks may form in the skin, which can be painful and pose an entry point for infections. Redness, inflammation, and itchiness are other possible symptoms, as the skin becomes irritated due to lack of moisture.

How to maintain skin hydration

Now that we know what causes dry skin, we need to know how we can keep it from turning dry in the first place. Maintaining a good level of skin hydration requires a comprehensive approach that includes the following steps.

Water intake and nutrition

It’s recommended to consume an adequate amount of water daily, which helps replenish the body’s water reserves and keeps the skin hydrated from the inside out. 

A balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals also contributes significantly to skin hydration. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, help strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier and retain moisture. Vitamins like A, C, and E have antioxidant properties that promote skin health and hydration.

Skincare

Use gentle, hydrating cleansers instead of harsh soaps to prevent the skin from being stripped of its natural oils. Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and boost the skin’s ability to absorb moisturising products. Applying a suitable moisturiser daily helps create a barrier that locks in moisture and protects the skin from environmental factors. For optimal hydration, it is advisable to moisturise immediately after a bath or shower when the skin is still slightly damp.

Overexposure to the sun can lead to dehydration and premature ageing. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during peak intensity hours can protect the skin from harmful UV radiation.

Integrating a hyaluronic acid serum into your skincare routine can do wonders for you. Hyaluronic acid is a potent humectant that can attract and hold onto a large amount of moisture, aiding in skin hydration. Other beneficial skincare ingredients include ceramides, which strengthen the skin’s barrier, and glycerin, another effective humectant.

Using a humidifier, especially during dry seasons or in air-conditioned rooms, can also help maintain skin moisture levels. It helps add moisture back into the air, which can be beneficial for the skin.

Treatment

If you want to really boost hydration levels in your skin, a hydrating facial is something you should seriously consider. A hydrating facial is a targeted skincare treatment that works to replenish the moisture levels in the skin. 

It often involves the use of products rich in hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and natural oils. These components aid in restoring the skin’s natural moisture barrier, helping to lock in hydration and prevent future moisture loss. The facial may also include exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, enhancing the absorption of hydrating products.

Which skincare is best for dry skin?

Skin care is key in ensuring a healthy complexion. Hydration-boosting ingredients in skincare products work in a variety of ways to help replenish moisture, enhance the skin’s ability to retain water, and strengthen its natural barrier. Recognizing these key ingredients can help you select effective products that will support your skin’s hydration.

Here are our top therapist picks: 

Hyaluronic acid

Often used in hydrating facials, hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular hydrating ingredients used in skincare. This potent humectant is said to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. It attracts moisture from the environment and the deeper layers of the skin, holding it in the skin’s outermost layer to promote a plump, hydrated appearance.

Glycerin

Glycerin works similarly to hyaluronic acid, attracting moisture to the skin and helping to keep it there. It’s a common ingredient in many moisturisers and serums due to its hydrating and skin-softening properties. It works on all skin types and is particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.

Ceramides

Ceramides are fats that occur naturally in the skin’s outer layer and play a crucial role in maintaining its barrier function. They create a protective layer that locks in moisture and shields the skin from harmful environmental factors. Skincare products containing ceramides help replenish this protective layer in individuals with dry or aging skin, improving hydration and resilience.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage and helps improve its capacity to hold onto water. It’s often paired with vitamin C, another antioxidant that boosts collagen production and enhances the skin’s hydration and plumpness.

Natural oils

Natural oils such as argan, jojoba, and avocado oils are packed with essential fatty acids that can deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. They mimic the natural sebum produced by our skin, helping to reinforce the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture.

Amino acids

Finally, amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, help maintain skin’s hydration, texture, and overall health. They’re essential for the production of collagen and elastin, which give the skin its firmness and elasticity.

Seeking professional help with skin hydration

If you want to quickly add moisture to your dry skin, it is probably best to seek help from a professional who will be able to perform a hydrating facial for you.

Hydrating facials are an excellent solution for replenishing the skin’s lost moisture and promoting long-term hydration. They involve a series of treatments that specifically aim to hydrate the skin using an array of moisture-enhancing ingredients.

A typical hydrating facial begins with a gentle cleansing and exfoliation to pave the way for better product absorption. The main event involves using a hydrating serum or mask that is enriched with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, all of which are well-known for their powerful hydrating properties. These ingredients help to bring moisture to the skin and help it retain hydration over time.

Some facials also include a massage to stimulate circulation and promote better absorption of the products. The hydrating facial usually ends with the application of a moisturizer to lock in the hydration and provide a protective barrier against environmental factors that could dry out the skin.

Going for regular hydrating facials can help to restore and maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance for a healthier, more radiant complexion. The good thing about these facials is that they provide both immediate and long-lasting hydration benefits, making them an effective solution for dehydrated skin. 

Check out our facials specially formulated for dehydrated skin. 

Restore your hydration with a hydrating facial

Dull, dried out skin can be a dampener for your confidence. Fortunately, our hydrating facials can bring back the youthful, radiant complexion you know and love. With the expertise of experienced, well-trained professionals who have access to the best tools and treatment options in Singapore, well-hydrated skin is possible At SkinLab, Singapore’s largest medical spa chain, our team will give you the dewy, plump and youthful-looking skin you desire and deserve.

Make an appointment with us now.