Dehydrated Skin: Reasons And Solutions

Dehydration can affect every skin type and every age, especially those with dry skin. Skin dehydration is the loss of water in the skin and occurs when the skin loses more moisture than it takes in. Dehydration often leads to thinning of the skin, promotes development of fine lines, wrinkles, crows feet. Being dehydrated can change the appearance of your skin it may appear flushed, dry and older looking.

Because dehydrated skin is the result of upset moisture level, and not because of heredity or aging, like dry skin, treatment should differ between the two skin conditions. Sufferers of dehydrated skin often make the mistake of slathering thick face creams onto their skin, which can make it become blemished because it is too rich. Even people with oily skin types can suffer from dehydrated skin.

Surface dehydration can occur for several reasons:
- Poor cleansing: Any cleanser leaving the skin "squeaky clean" or even taut is dehydrating.
- Skin damage: This may result from using harsh acne treatments like hydrogen peroxide, retinoic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hexachlorophene, etc.
- Neglect: This covers a wide area, from failure to drink sufficient amounts of fluid, to applying protective creams on a regular basis, to deliberately hampering the body's ability to function normally.
- Medication and illness: Certain illnesses may cause internal dehydration and ultimately affect the epidermis.
- Inadequate moisturizers: Light textured and milky moisturizers that "disappear" into the skin offer little or no protection.
- Scrubs: The regular use of scrubs can break down cell cohesion in certain skin types, which reduces the capacity to retain moisture and places capillaries at risk.
- Astringents: Alcohol based tonics wiped on skin remove sebum and act like strong cleansers.
- Air conditioning and climate: Moisture evaporates quickly within the dry atmosphere of air conditioned and/or overheated rooms, and adequate protection must be taken.
- Hot showers: The friction and heat of hot water remove sebum from the skin's surface, inviting capillary damage and dehydration.
- Diet: An excessive intake of table salt (sodium chloride) can have a dehydrating effect. It transfers water from the interior of the cell to the interstitial fluid, creating water retention and bloating at the same time.

Results of dehydration:
* Discomfort
* Loss of elasticity
* Shrunken skin
* Feeling of tightness
* The skin looks rough
* Redness
* Fine lines and wrinkles
* Premature ageing
* Flaking, scaling
* Itching

What can be done to cure the dehydrate body and skin:
* Drink lots of fluids to restore the damage of the body. Drink at least two liters of water and consume fruit juices to rejuvenate the skin. It will start making difference in the appearance of your skin in just 5 days. Skin will start regaining its lost complexion and texture by looking smooth and lustrous.
* Drinking coconut water is very useful for dehydrate skin.
* Cut off the intake of tea and coffee rather drinks lemon juice.
* When going out in the sun, always drink 2 glasses of water and then move out.
* Never go out in direct sun. Always carry an umbrella for protection.
* Do not eat much of fried, salty and sweet food.
* Always apply good moisturizers on your skin depending on your skin type and weather.

Homemade treatment for dehydrated skin:
- Mix 2 drops of lavender oil with baking soda and water until it becomes a paste. Put on face and leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse. Moisturize. This light, exfoliating mask makes skin more receptive to moisture.
- When the skin is badly hydrated make a solution of sugar, salt, water and lime juice and drink it on and off to heal the dehydrate skin. Take 2 liters of water in a jug; add one spoon salt and one spoon sugar to it. Squeeze a lemon to this solution. Keep it in the freeze and drink it every hour. It will help the dehydrate to heal faster.
- Winter months can often mean centrally heated home containing little moisture. To solve this problem, invest in a humidifier or even place bowls of water around your home. It doesn't take a lot to put moisture back into your environment, you simply have to remember to do it.

By keeping in mind two important steps – moisturizing and staying hydrated – you can help save your skin from becoming dehydrated.