Nobody likes itchy skin. The annoying urge to scratch can be distracting during the day and disruptive at night when you’re trying to sleep. There are a few reasons why your skin may be itchy – including itchy skin from dehydration.
In this blog post, we discuss the connection between dehydration and itchy skin, including:
- What is Dehydrated Skin?
- Dry Skin vs dehydrated skin
- Symptoms and causes of dehydrated skin
- Tips and tricks for dealing with dehydrated skin
If you have dehydrated skin or are simply dealing with extremely itchy skin, read on to discover how to care for your skin safely and effectively.
What is Dehydrated Skin?
As the name implies, dehydrated skin means that your skin is lacking water. It can cause the skin to have a dull look. You may notice your skin’s overall tone and complexion is uneven. Perhaps wrinkles or fine lines are more noticeable. When your skin is dehydrated, it will be dry and itchy. Fortunately, it’s possible to replenish your skin’s moisture with some help from skincare and the right lifestyle changes.
What’s the Difference between Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin?
Although dehydrated skin appears dry, it is not the same thing as having dry skin. Dry skin is when the skin lacks oils to hold in moisture. This results in cracked skin that may bleed. Dry skin can be the result of cold weather, pregnancy, age, or skin conditions like eczema. Some people are also naturally born with dry skin. In contrast, dehydrated skin is when the skin doesn’t have enough moisture on the inside. It occurs when your body is losing more water than it’s taking in. In short, dry skin is a skin type while dehydrated skin is a skin condition.
Symptoms and Causes of Dehydrated Skin
While dehydrated skin can result from not drinking enough water, it can also be related to urinating more from caffeine or diuretics. Excessive sweating from exercise can also lead to dehydrated skin. Having a sunburn or losing fluids through diarrhea or vomiting can also lead to dehydrated skin. In essence, skin will become dehydrated if a person uses and loses more water than they take in.
Symptoms of dry skin can include:
- Itchiness
- Sunken eyes
- More fine linkes and wrinkles
- Dull complexion
- Dry skin patches
Dehydrated skin can become a medical emergency if symptoms extend beyond the skin and cause dry mouth, faintness, lightheadedness, and general weakness. Speak to your doctor immediately if symptoms don't improve.
Is your Skin Dehydrated?
To determine whether your skin is hydrated, you can perform a simple pinch test at home. This involves taking a bit of skin on your arm between the thumb and forefinger. If the skin goes back to its original position after a couple of seconds, your skin is well hydrated. If it doesn’t, your skin may be dehydrated.
Natural Ways to Ease Itchiness
Moisturize Often
Keeping your skin well hydrated can help reduce itchy symptoms of dehydrated skin. This Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream helps moisturize even the driest of skin. It’s made with just 6 ingredients, including the powerful manuka honey.
Wet Wrap Therapy
Wet wrap therapy is an at-home treatment that gives your skin an extra boost of moisture when you need it most. It involves soaking the skin and then applying a natural cream like the one mentioned above. Cover up with a damp layer of clothing, followed by a dry layer. The damp layer allows the emollients to better permeate the skin.
Wear Protective Clothing
This Remedywear™ Long Sleeve Shirt for adults and kids protects skin on the back, stomach, and arms. It’s made with TENCEL and embedded with anti-inflammatory zinc to boost the healing process and protect the skin from scratching. Thanks to moisture-wicking sweat control, it’s comfortable to wear all day or all night long.
How to Treat and Prevent Skin Dehydration
- Drink plenty of water
- Reduce alcohol and coffee intake, as well as sugary drinks
- Stop smoking.
- Drink more water when sick
- Replenish fluids after you work out.
- Get plenty of sleep
Start Improving your Skin Today
Say goodbye to dehydrated skin and start enjoying moisturized skin today with these helpful tips and suggestions.
