We all know what it feels like to be thirsty, but what are the warning signs when your skin – the largest organ of your body – is lacking hydration?
Dehydration is a skin condition that happens to those with all different skin types and affects the skin’s elasticity. Can you have oily skin and be dehydrated? Yes, you can.
Keeping hydrated is key when it comes to beauty, affecting how we look on the outside as well as how we feel on the inside. It takes more than drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day to retain necessary moisture and water, however. Maintaining supple, hydrated skin requires lifestyle changes that are so simple to integrate, they might surprise you!
What causes dehydrated skin?
Diet and lifestyle habits tend to be the biggest contributors to skin dehydration – from lack of sleep to radiator heat to overindulging on caffeine. In order to find out what might be making your skin dehydrated, you may need to assess what you eat, drink, and put on your body.
You may want to make a list, asking yourself: how many cups of coffee or dark, caffeinated teas are you drinking per day? How many high-sugar content snacks do you treat yourself to after dinner? Ultimately, all of these things reflect back in your skin’s health and hydration.
Caffeine is a natural diuretic, making it difficult for your body to absorb and effectively store the water and hydrating fluids you consume throughout the day.
Not only does it mess with stress hormones such as cortisol, but caffeine is also one of the biggest culprits that negatively impact sleep cycles, leading to tired, dehydrated skin. Sleep is when your body renews itself and is, of course, the most effective and consistent ways to care for your body and mind.
How do you know if (and when) your skin is dehydrated?
Firstly, your skin will feel tight and dry to the touch. You may also have dry lips with papery thin skin. Dehydrated skin may also be reactive to different environments like extreme fluctuations in temperature (something especially prominent in the winter!). For instance, your skin may love the humidity experienced in a steam room but react negatively at home if you have central heating or a radiator.
Some of our favorite methods for tackling dehydrated skin head-on feature essential oils, common kitchen staples like chamomile and apple cider vinegar, and nourishing oils like macadamia nut. One method in particular, however, helps to exponentially lock in much-needed hydration for skin in need.
Hydrosols are produced during the steam distillation of flower petals and other plant material - simply, it’s the steam that drips off of the lid of a boiling pot. These naturally infused waters carry benefits similar to essential oils for a lasting, soothing hydration. Hydrosols are best misted onto a clean face and chest, then followed up with a suitable moisturizer, leaving skin feeling smooth, refreshed, and comfortable throughout your entire day.
Our Cucumber Rose Hydration Mist is a refreshing burst of soothing botanicals. Organic rose Damascena and cucumber hydrosols rehydrate and soothe, while palmarosa essential oil promotes balanced sebum production.
Keeping yourself and your skin hydrated is simple, accessible, and easy with the help of nourishing food, plenty of water, a good night's sleep, and a hydrating skincare ritual. Try this quick DIY hydration mist at home for a happy and delightful treat for yourself.
DIY Floral Facial Mist
Ingredients:
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8 tablespoons of your favorite hydrosol waters (rose, lavender, cucumber)
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3 tablespoons witch hazel (low or no-alcohol)
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OR
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2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (omit for sensitive skin)
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6 drops light plant oil, like macadamia or evening primrose oil
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6 drops essential oils (like peppermint or bergamot, or lavender for sensitive skin
Combine all ingredients into a sterilized glass bottle with a fine spray pump, shake before every use to combine ingredients. Mist over your face and neck. The mist with stay fresh longest using witch hazel, but about 2-3 weeks with apple cider vinegar.
Are you longing for refreshed, hydrated skin? Try our Hydrating Cucumber Rose Hydration Mist and feel the benefits for yourself.