Dry Skin and Dehydration
Winter is here, and for many of us, that means dry skin. Whether your skin flakes, turns red, cracks, or a combination of all of these, dehydration is very likely playing a part. Let’s take a look at how dry skin and dehydration are linked.
The Dry Skin and Dehydration Link
Dehydration is the biggest cause of dry skin. A lack of moisture can cause the natural fluid in your skin to dry up, leading to itching, dry, or flaking skin.
While it seems like grabbing an extra glass of water could solve your woes, dry skin and dehydration is unfortunately not limited to how much water you drink. There are many external factors that can contribute to dry skin, such as:
- Household cleaners including laundry detergent, dish soap, fragrances, and more
- Cold air
- Dry air
- The type of hand soap you are using
- How frequently you wash your hands
Every cell in your body needs fluid to function normally. When you are dehydrated, your cells start to shrink and dry up. In turn, you’ll start to notice dryness or flaking skin. For some people, severely dry skin can contribute to cracking or red skin.
The extra demands of the winter season can accelerate how quickly your skin dries out. The air is cold and dry outside while indoors, the heater running makes the air hot and dry. On top of that, some people may find that they are not as thirsty during the colder months, making it easy to forget to drink water as regularly as usual.
For most of us, grabbing a glass of water goes a long way towards preventing flaking, cracking, dry skin. In conjunction with other at-home dry skin treatments, you’ll be able to maintain your soft and supple skin year-round.
Top Tips for Combating Dry Skin
Just like there are many possible causes of dry skin, there are also many potential solutions. Mix and match our top tips for combating dry skin based on your preferences and needs.
Lotions and Topical Creams
Lotions and topical creams can protect your skin from dry air whether you’re at the office, at home, or enjoying your favorite winter sport.
Choose travel-sized bottles for on-the-go dry skin relief. Opt for fragrance-free lotions if you have the choice, as many types of fragrances can contribute to dry skin.
Try a Humidifier for Your Home
Winter often means dry hair both indoors and out. A heater running indoors can dry out the air and contribute to dry skin, but a humidifier can restore a normal amount of humidity to the air.
Don’t have a humidifier? Try running the shower or boiling a pot of water on the stove to improve the amount of moisture in the air.
Take Note of Your Medications
Some medications can contribute to dry skin. Check the ‘side effects’ label on your medication. If your medicine contributes to dry skin, consider asking your doctor about an alternative type of medication.
Stay Hydrated
Adequate hydration is important for every aspect of your health. In addition to causing dry skin, dehydration can contribute to headaches, low energy and fatigue, and even slow down how quickly you can recover from an illness.
By staying hydrated, your cells can perform optimally and keep your entire body in top condition.
Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water throughout your day, and limit your alcohol intake. Eat regularly, as fruits and vegetables provide hydration too.
Consider a Dehydration IV
Sometimes, dehydration requires more than a glass of water to correct. That’s where IV hydration infusions can help.
IV hydration can help improve the symptoms of dry skin by restoring fluids quickly. This type of treatment bypasses your digestive system and is immediately available to your cells.
MedicoRx® delivers IV hydration infusion services to your door for fast, convenient, and thorough rehydration.
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