Keep Your Skin Moist and Supple
Dehydration is the loss of water in the body, sometimes severe enough to reflect on our skin. To address this problem you first need to know its main cause. Dry skin tends to worsen with age. As we get older, our skin produces less oil (sebum) and dead skin cells shed less often. The result is dull, flaky and rough skin. However, some people experience dry skin at a young age due to inherited factors.
Several other factors like environmental pollution, weather changes, poor health or an unhealthy lifestyle can also contribute to the problem. Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do to improve the condition of dehydrated skin.
Air conditioning zaps moisture from your skin. Room humidifiers can be employed to keep the air around you moist. Or, you can fill several pots with water, place them in strategic places in the house, and refill them when the water level becomes low.
Pollution also plays a role in skin dehydration. Either avoid pollution (which is easier said than done) or care for your skin by diligently following a proper skin regimen.
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to dehydration as it is a diuretic. Diuretics draw water from the body. The result: A hangover. Drinking sodas, either the regular kind or the diet ones can also cause dehydration, so try to avoid these. Instead, increase your intake of purified water.
Smoking dries out the body both internally and externally. Even if you are just the recipient of second-hand smoke, it can still cause dehydration. So stop smoking for your skin’s sake.
Excessive scrubbing dries out your skin. Use gentle scrubs with polyurethane beads or cornmeal. The excessive use of topical medications prescribed for the skin like Retin-A can also cause inflammation.
Protect your skin daily with a sunscreen. Over time, sun exposure contributes to dryness and loss of elasticity.
Cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser that won’t strip the oil it needs. Never use bar soap—it is much too drying. If you need a toner, use one with an alcohol-free formulation.
Invest in a moisturizer that assists your skin in adapting to extreme weather changes.