Dehydration & Our Skin

Dehydration is just as common in oily skin as it is in other skin types. When the body becomes dehydrated it becomes evident on our skin. The skin becomes dull and dry looking and may become flaky, tight and uncomfortable. As the body becomes dehydrated the skin cells lose their water content and therefore the plumpness of healthy skin cells and the glow we associate with healthy skin fades. If you have oilier skin you may not notice the dehydration on your skin  as readily as other types but the symptoms of dehydration and the dangers still exist.

Our bodies are losing water all the time – through evaporation, perspiration, organ function and cell processes and excretion. Add to this the water we lose through heating, cooling, flying, exercise, being in hot climatic conditions and air-conditioning and you have a large quantity of water that needs replacing on a daily basis. Heavy exertion and exercise vastly increase this loss. Some medications and illnesses cause us to lose more water than usual.

The drier our skin the more prone it is to fine line formation.

Signs of dehydration:

• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Dry lips
• Decreased urination
• Dark coloured urine
• Loss of appetite

Seek medical help immediately if you suspect someone has severe dehydration – it can be a life threatening condition but is quickly treatable.

What to avoid:

• Exposure to the sun without adequate protection such as hats and long sleeved shirts.
• Not re hydrating adequately after exercise or exertion.
• Alcohol and caffeine are diuretic – meaning they cause us to lose water. Compensate if you drink either of these with a glass of water.
• Prolonged exposure to central heating, sitting too close to a radiator or heater.
• Air conditioning robs the air and therefore your skin of moisture.
• Windy conditions both hot and cold winds.
• Letting ourselves become thirsty – rehydrate frequently throughout the day.

What to do:

• Increase raw foods and fruit in the diet that have a high water content such as grapes, tomatoes, oranges and on.
• Increase your water intake – little and often is a good way to start if you are not used or do not like to drink large quantities of water.
• Water can be made more palatable for those people not to keen on drinking it by adding a squeeze of lemon, lime or mint. Use a small amount of fruit juice to flavour if needed.
• Change the temperature – some people find it easier to drink warm water rather than cold.
• Carry a water bottle to remind you to increase your daily intake.
• Drink frequently to avoid becoming dehydrated – especially if you are not a ‘thirsty’ person.
• Compensate water intake with water loss when doing manual labour or exercising that causes you to sweat.
• Use a humidifier or a water spritzer to keep moisture levels high in heating and air –conditioned places.
• Ensure the diet has adequate good fats such as avocado, flax seed and olive oil. Water is not the only answer to keeping our skin cells hydrated. We must have adequate good fat intake in order for our bodies to produce water for our skin cells.
• Use a moisturiser that provides the skin with long lasting hydration in order to reduce the water lost through the skin and keep the skin cells from drying out.

Dry Skin – When To See The Doctor

Dry skin is a common problem and in most cases, is easily treatable at home. An examination by a doctor is advisable if after making dietary, lifestyle and skincare regime changes, you still have chronic dry skin problems. It is then we might need to investigate whether there is an underlying health problem that needs to be resolved.

Dry skin can be part of a symptom picture for a number of underlying medical conditions, some of which can be quite serious. If you have dry skin that has cracked and bled, medical advice should also be sought. Some medications that you have been advised to take can have dry skin as an unwanted side effect.

Why the skin is so important?

Skin is the primary defence system of the body and is actually classified as the largest organ of the body. If the skin is damaged in any way or becomes drier and drier until cracking in the skin occurs, there is danger that microbes can enter the skin. These microbes can enter causing bacterial and fungal infections.

Untreated dry skin can lead to dermatitis – inflammation of the skin, causing itchiness, redness and swelling and again can become open to infection, especially if it is scratched due to the itchiness. So we can see it pays to look after our skin – if you are worried about your dry skin or it is making you miserable – see your doctor.

Medical Causes

• Hypothyroidism – a low thyroid condition that can cause dry skin by reducing the amount of oil produced by the body and other symptoms such as intolerance to cold and weight gain.

• Dehydration – dry skin associated with infrequent, dark urine, headaches.

• Underweight – especially if fats have been avoided in an effort to lose weight.

• Malnutrition – linked to low oil and fatty acid intake. A healthy body and healthy skin need some oils and essential fatty acids to maintain the lipid barrier and these are some of the body’s best natural moisturisers.

• Diabetes – fluctuations in glucose levels can lead to dehydration and this also will cause the skin to dry.

• Genetic Predisposition.

• Eczema and psoriasis – skin conditions that may be diagnosed.

Medications that can cause Dry Skin

There are a number of medications that can cause dry skin such as:

• High blood pressure medication – diuretic action

• Allergy treatment such as antihistamines

• Retinoids used in the treatment of acne

If you notice you develop dry skin after taking a new medication, speak to your doctor. Many cases of dry skin are easy to treat and are not a sign of more serious health conditions, but if in doubt – get it checked out.