How to Treat Dry and Dehydrated Skin: Tips from Dermatologists
January 9, 2025
Dry and dehydrated skin are common skincare concerns that can leave your skin feeling tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. Although often used interchangeably, dry skin and dehydrated skin are different. Dry skin refers to a lack of oil (sebum), while dehydrated skin lacks water. Both conditions require different approaches to treatment, but the good news is that dermatologists have plenty of tips to help restore moisture and hydration, leaving your skin soft, supple, and healthy.
Understanding the Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Before diving into treatments, it’s important to understand the difference between dry and dehydrated skin:
Dry Skin: Dry skin is a skin type that has a lower-than-normal oil content. It’s often genetic, and people with dry skin may experience rough patches, flakes, and irritation. Dry skin is more prone to environmental damage and may feel tight after cleansing.
Dehydrated Skin: Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a condition that can affect any skin type (even oily skin). It occurs when the skin lacks water. Dehydrated skin can appear dull, feel tight, and may show fine lines or wrinkles. It’s usually caused by environmental factors like weather, air conditioning, or excessive use of harsh skincare products.
Tips from Dermatologists to Treat Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Whether you’re dealing with dry or dehydrated skin, dermatologists recommend specific steps to restore moisture and improve skin health. Here are the most effective treatments and habits for both conditions.
Use a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser
The right cleanser is key for both dry and dehydrated skin. Harsh, stripping cleansers can worsen the condition by removing natural oils from the skin. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that does not disrupt the skin’s moisture balance.What to Look For:
Cream-based or oil-based cleansers: These are moisturizing and help retain the skin’s natural oils.
Avoid sulfates: Sulfates are drying and can strip the skin of its natural oils.
Fragrance-free options: Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin, especially if it’s dry or dehydrated.
Dermatologist Tip: Use lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can strip away moisture and exacerbate dryness. Cleanse your face no more than twice daily—morning and night—to avoid over-cleansing.
Apply a Hydrating Toner
After cleansing, use a hydrating toner to replenish lost moisture. Toners help balance the skin’s pH and provide an additional layer of hydration. Look for toners with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera.What to Look For:
Hyaluronic acid: A powerful humectant that attracts water to the skin and helps keep it hydrated.
Glycerin: A moisturizing agent that draws water to the skin and helps retain moisture.
Aloe vera: Known for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Dermatologist Tip: Avoid toners with alcohol or astringents, as these can further dry out and irritate the skin.
Use Moisturizer Liberally
For both dry and dehydrated skin, moisturizing is essential. A good moisturizer not only helps replenish moisture but also locks it in, preventing water loss throughout the day. When selecting a moisturizer, go for thicker creams or ointments rather than lightweight lotions, as they are more effective at sealing in moisture.What to Look For:
Occlusives: Ingredients like petrolatum, dimethicone, or beeswax form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss.
Humectants: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw moisture into the skin.
Emollients: These ingredients, such as squalane or ceramides, help soften and smooth the skin while maintaining hydration.
Dermatologist Tip: Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp from cleansing or toning to help lock in hydration.
Avoid Hot Showers and Baths
Long, hot showers may feel relaxing, but they are a major culprit when it comes to drying out your skin. Hot water strips the skin’s natural oils, leaving it more prone to dryness and dehydration.Dermatologist Tip: Keep your showers lukewarm and limit their duration to 5-10 minutes. Afterward, gently pat your skin dry with a towel and immediately apply a moisturizer to trap the moisture.
Add Hydrating Serums to Your Routine
In addition to moisturizers, hydrating serums can offer an extra layer of moisture. These concentrated formulas penetrate deep into the skin, delivering intense hydration. Look for serums that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or vitamin E.What to Look For:
Hyaluronic acid: Helps attract and hold water in the skin, plumping it up.
Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3 that helps repair the skin barrier, improve hydration, and reduce inflammation.
Dermatologist Tip: Apply serums after toning and before moisturizing to maximize absorption and hydration.
Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliation is important to remove dead skin cells, but harsh scrubs can worsen dryness. Instead, choose a gentle chemical exfoliator with ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which are less abrasive and help improve skin texture without stripping moisture.What to Look For:
AHAs (like lactic acid or glycolic acid): These acids remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture, helping moisturizers penetrate more effectively.
BHAs (like salicylic acid): These are great for clearing pores but still gentle on dry skin.
Dermatologist Tip: Exfoliate once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliating, which can lead to further irritation and dryness.
Use a Humidifier
Dry indoor air, especially during colder months or in air-conditioned environments, can exacerbate dehydration. Using a humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping your skin stay hydrated.Dermatologist Tip: Place a humidifier in your bedroom or office to prevent moisture loss overnight, particularly in the winter months when air tends to be drier.
Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydrated skin often indicates that the body itself is not getting enough water. Staying hydrated from the inside out is crucial for maintaining skin health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider eating foods that contain high water content, like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges.Dermatologist Tip: Aim to drink at least 8 glasses (2 liters) of water daily. Hydration helps maintain the skin’s elasticity and appearance.
Avoid Harsh Products
Harsh skincare products can strip the skin’s natural moisture, leaving it drier and more sensitive. Avoid products with alcohol, artificial fragrances, or other irritating chemicals, as these can worsen dryness and dehydration.Dermatologist Tip: Stick to fragrance-free, gentle formulas that cater to sensitive skin. Look for non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores or irritate the skin.Treating dry and dehydrated skin requires a thoughtful, multi-step approach that involves both moisturizing and hydrating your skin. By choosing the right cleansers, moisturizers, and serums, and by maintaining good habits like staying hydrated and using a humidifier, you can effectively restore moisture and achieve soft, smooth skin. If your skin continues to feel dry and tight despite using these strategies, it may be time to consult a dermatologist, who can recommend personalized treatments tailored to your skin’s needs.
