Habits that can dehydrate your skin

Skin dehydration can lead to dryness, dullness and a compromised skin barrier, which is why keeping the skin hydrated is so important. However, there are some lesser known factors that can have a dehydrating impact on your skin, including some common habits that can dehydrate your skin. So what are these habits? And how can you avoid problems associated with dehydrated skin?

What are the most common habits that can dehydrate your skin?

There are a number of common environmental factors and habits that can lead to dehydrated skin. These include:

Hot showers and baths- While indulging in a steamy shower or bath may be relaxing, prolonged exposure to hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture. Hot water can disrupt the skin’s lipid barrier, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). To prevent excessive dehydration, opt for warm or lukewarm water and limit your bathing time to a reasonable duration.

Using harsh cleansers- Using harsh cleansers or soaps can disrupt the skin’s pH balance and strip away its natural oils. Ingredients like sulfates and alcohol can be particularly drying. Instead, choose mild, pH-balanced cleansers that are gentle on the skin. Look for products with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides to help replenish moisture while cleansing.

Excessive exfoliation-While exfoliating can remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresh complexion, overdoing it can have detrimental effects. Excessive exfoliation can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier and lead to dehydration. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, depending on your skin type, and opt for gentle exfoliants that won’t cause irritation.

Insufficient water intake- One of the most common causes of skin dehydration is inadequate hydration from within. When the body lacks sufficient water, it prioritizes vital organs over the skin, leading to dryness. Make a habit of drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day to maintain optimal hydration levels. Remember, the recommended daily water intake varies, but a general guideline is to aim for at least eight glasses of water.

Exposure to environmental factors- Environmental factors such as dry air, low humidity, and harsh weather conditions can contribute to skin dehydration. Additionally, exposure to indoor heating or air conditioning can also dry out the skin. To combat these effects, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, protect your skin with a moisturizer, and shield it from extreme weather conditions with appropriate clothing.

Excessive sun exposure- Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure can lead to skin dehydration due to the loss of water through sweat and increased evaporation. UV radiation can also damage the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and wearing protective clothing, such as hats and sunglasses.

Choose the Skin and Wellbeing Clinic for hydrating skin treatments

Here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic we are approved retailers for the SkinCeuticals range, and this range includes a number of topical treatments that can help to restore hydration and moisture to the skin. These include:

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Cream– this is a moisturising cream that can improve the skin’s hydration for up to 8 hours, while also replacing cholesterol and lipids that can reinforce the skin barrier.

Glycolic Renewal Cleanser– this is a soft-foaming gel cleanser that can exfoliate the skin without removing the skin’s moisture.
Why not take a look at the full range today, or get in touch for more information?