How to Tell If Your Skin Is Dehydrated
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Confession: I don’t drink enough water. In fact, I’m currently feeling dehydrated. And so is my skin.
Dehydration can occur in all skin types, especially oily complexions. (Dry skin, unlike dehydrated skin, is a skin type, usually characterized by peeling and flaking.) I have combination skin with a touch of sensitivity (e.g. a reactive oily complexion), and my dehydration is usually easy to diagnose. That being said, here’s how to tell if your skin is dehydrated.
Pinch yourself.
No, really: pinch your cheeks. If your skin wrinkles with the pressure and doesn’t hold its shape, it’s likely dehydrated. You’ll also notice your skin may look and feel taut after pinching, with more pronounced fine lines.
On the other hand, if you’re well-hydrated, your skin may appear slightly more voluminous. "When we think of water weight elsewhere on the body, we think of bloating and swelling," dermatologist Ross C. Radusky, MD, previously told Allure. "It's the same thing on our skin. When hydrated, our skin cells swell, and this can be a great thing. It minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and generally makes us look less tired."
Other signs of dehydration to look out for are dry mouth, chapped lips, and headaches. All of which I’ve experienced. All this to say, once you determine your skin’s hydration status (or lack thereof), here’s how to fix it.
Drink more water. This one is obvious, right? While the amount of H2O you should be intaking daily is different for everyone, you should be refilling your emotional support water bottle at least a couple of times a day for your overall well-being. "It's true that the skin needs water, just like every part of your body to function properly, but as long as you drink enough fluids to maintain body hydration, you're fine," dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, previously told Allure. "Drinking water is essential for overall health, but it has very little to do with the level of skin hydration.”
So then what does boost skin hydration?
Moisturizing! And… exfoliating? While the former is fairly obvious, finding a chemical exfoliator to help slough away dead skin cells will make it easier for your moisturizer’s hydrating ingredients (ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin) to seep deeper into skin, faster.
If you’re in the market for a new moisturizer, here are two of my favorites that really put in the work: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid 242 and CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion.
Reader Question
I’m 65 yrs old. I have noticed a big change in my skin. What I was using doesn't seem to be doing much for me anymore. I'm just not sure what I should change? I think, because my skin looks dull and more dry, I have to make some changes. If you could recommend some new clean products for me that would be great. Thank you!
— asks Allure Reader Carol
First things first: What are you currently using? I recommend cutting your routine down to a few simple steps: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Sometimes going back to the basics is the easiest way to reset your skin. Then try adding in an active treatment every other day, like a serum made with bakuchiol, which is a gentle, plant-based version of retinol and big in the clean beauty space.
Have a burning skin-care question? Send one in.
Editor's Pick
BEST HYDRATING MOISTURIZER: SkinMedica Rejuvenative Moisturizer
Formulated with a hydrating cocktail of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E.
“This rich cream keeps my skin super moisturized from morning to midnight.”
Quick Tip
Start slugging. Slather on a layer of your favorite occlusive balm, like Vaseline or Aquaphor, after your moisturizer to lock in hydration overnight.
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