If your skin feels dry, flaky and more sensitive than usual, you may be dehydrated. Dehydration lines look similar to deep wrinkles and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish. To help you determine if your skin is showing dehydration lines or deep wrinkles, our Kate Somerville skin health experts share the advice they give to clinic clients every day.
What causes wrinkles?
The most common cause of fine lines and wrinkles is aging. As we age, the collagen and elastin in our skin break down. Both collagen and elastin are important components of healthy skin and provide structure to help keep skin looking smooth and youthful. As these proteins begin to break down, the skin loses its elasticity and is unable to regain its original shape, eventually leading to the appearance of wrinkles. In addition to natural aging, exposure of the skin barrier to damaging UV rays through sun exposure can also accelerate the aging process and lead to the formation of more fine lines [1]. Repetitive facial expressions also play a role in the formation of wrinkles, first around the eyes, forehead and mouth. While we would never tell you to "express less" - we celebrate every moment of laughter, the tears that come with life, and the tremendous emotions - if you need help reducing the visible results of years of visible results of full expression, we're here.
How to minimize the appearance of wrinkles
To minimize the appearance of wrinkles and prevent the formation of new ones, consider an age-specific restorative skin care routine. Incorporating skin care products and treatments into your daily routine that specifically target the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging is a great way to ensure your skin looks and feels its best at every age.
What causes dehydration lines?
Unlike wrinkles, dehydration lines are not caused by aging, but by dehydration itself. Skin dehydration is a skin condition that is usually caused by external factors such as weather and seasonal changes [2]. It can also be largely related to your diet and lifestyle choices. Not drinking enough water, consuming large amounts of salt or drinking too much alcohol can deplete your skin of moisture, resulting in a less radiant appearance and causing fine lines similar to wrinkles. When determining if your skin is dehydrated, it is important to note that dehydration is the amount of water in the skin, not the amount of oil. Even people with oily skin can tolerate dehydrated skin. The good news is that a combination of topical treatments and healthier lifestyle choices can help reduce the appearance of dehydration lines.
Signs of skin dehydration
#1 Your skin is itchy Whether you've recently taken a trip to the beach or are affected by seasonal weather changes, if you feel the need to scratch your skin, then you're likely experiencing some skin dehydration. Factors such as wind, heat and sun exposure can deplete your skin's protective moisture barrier, leaving it feeling dry and itchy. If you're struggling with dry skin, you may also notice that it has a flaky, rough texture.
#2 Your skin is sensitive One of the most common signs of dehydrated skin is an increased sense of irritation. As your skin's moisture barrier is depleted, it loses its ability to protect itself from external factors such as pollution, wind and bacteria. Contact with daily stressors can make it feel red, itchy and sensitive.
#3 Your skin feels dull If your skin doesn't look or feel as bright and fresh as usual, it may be dehydrated. Proper skin hydration plays an important role in essential functions such as cell renewal. Without it, your skin cells will not renew as quickly and dead cells may accumulate on the surface of your skin. Not only will dead skin cells clog your pores, they will also make your skin look dull and lifeless.