How to Hydrate Facial Skin

If your face feels taught, rough and uncomfortable, then you may have dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin poses a unique set of challenges which is best managed on two fronts: internal and external. Differing in symptoms from dry skin, the signs of dehydration are relatively easy to diagnose. Read on and learn a variety of ways in which you can tackle this common problem with relative ease.

Rehydrate your dehydrated skin. (Image: Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

Diagnose Your Skin

Step 1

If you see horizontal lines on your face your skin is probably dehydrated. (Image: ChristopherBernard/iStock/Getty Images)

Decide whether or not your skin is dehydrated or dry then treat accordingly. Run the side of your finger up your cheek, just below the cheek bone. Look closely in a mirror. If you see fine horizontal lines, then it's safe to say that you are dehydrated.

Step 2

Focus in on internal factors of your lifestyle. Evaluate the quantity of pure water you drink on a daily basis then make it your goal to sip approximately 8 glasses of water a day. You may also like to add in herbal teas to your daily quota whilst abstaining from caffeinated drinks which will only dehydrate you further.

Step 3

Salmon has fatty acids which help balance skin. (Image: Elena Elisseeva/Hemera/Getty Images)

Scrutinize your diet and factor in more Omega fatty acid foods like salmon and mackerel, which will give a much-needed boost to not only your skin but also your hair and nails. Cook with extra virgin organic coconut oil, high in Lauric Acid and Medium Chain Triglycerides, which assist in re-balancing the skin whilst restoring elasticity and that much needed comfort factor.

Step 4

If you still have dry skin you may want to talk to your doctor. (Image: Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images)

Visit with your doctor. If your skin is still showing signs of dehydration after working on the steps above, it might be a good time to have your hormones checked. Declining hormones, an almost unavoidable aspect of ageing, can result in a loss of elasticity due to a reduction in the production of collagen.

Review External Factors.

Step 1

Protect your skin with sunscreen (Image: Maridav/iStock/Getty Images)

Protect your skin with a good quality sunscreen containing Titanium Dioxide, designed to reflect harmful UV rays away from your face. Whilst we can take control of our diet and the amount of water we drink, we can't always avoid the elements. Harsh winds, sun and the cold all play a part in wreaking havoc on our skin.

Step 2

Avoid sleeping in an air conditioned room. (Image: Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images)

Avoid sleeping in an air-conditioned room. If this is not realistic then place bowls of fresh water around the room. This small measure will restore moisture to the atmosphere.

Step 3

Bathe in lukewarm water. (Image: Christopher Robbins/Digital Vision/Getty Images)

Love your skin - avoid hot showers and baths. Bathe in lukewarm water laced with an oil-based bath product.

Step 4

Moisturize daily. (Image: Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images)

Moisturize daily with a product containing Hyaluronic Acid - designed to dramatically increase the amount of moisture in your skin.

Things You'll Need

• Water

• Mirror

• Hyaluronic acid

• Omega fatty acids

• Sunscreen