What is skin dehydration?Updated a year ago
Dehydration is a temporary condition when the top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, lacks water. In most cases, this is a temporary state. It can occur due to a variety of causes, and while temporary dehydration is not a big deal, it can take a serious toll on your skin when it’s chronic.
Having water embedded in the stratum corneum is vital to skin health. When the skin is hydrated, it follows a healthy renewal process (i.e., the skin cell turnover rate). Dead skin cells have an easier time shedding, as well. What that means for you is that less exfoliation is needed. In fact, for some, well-hydrated skin means no exfoliation at all!
Dehydration has a huge impact on how your skin looks and feels. Hydrated skin feels soft and looks plump, springy, and glowy, which most people interpret as healthy and youthful.
When the skin is dehydrated, it can become very dull and rough, with a tight, uncomfortable feeling. Wrinkles can seem more prominent, as well. Where it gets really bad is when dehydration becomes a chronic issue. When the skin is constantly dehydrated, it becomes incredibly sensitive and easily compromised. Chronic dehydration often comes hand in hand with a “broken skin barrier”, meaning that the skin becomes less effective at keeping the bad things out and the good things in, often resulting in dermatitis or infections.