Just as thirst isn't a helpful indicator of hydration (by the time you feel thirsty, chances are you’re already dehydrated), dry skin is not necessarily a helpful indicator of dehydrated skin. In other words, by the time your skin surface feels parched, there’s a good chance your skin cells are already desperate for hydration. To further complicate matters, your skin may never feel dry and still be dehydrated: You can have an oily complexion and still experience dehydration because skin needs both oil and water to be healthy. Okay, now you deserve some good news: dehydrated skin is highly avoidable and highly reversible.

How is dehydrated skin different from dry skin? 

Dry skin needs moisture and is usually considered a skin type. In fact, it is often hereditary. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is skin that needs water and can easily be remedied. The telltale signs of dehydrated skin are red patches, congestion, dark circles, and wrinkles. Dehydration is typically caused by environmental factors (seasonal changes), but it can also be brought on by using the wrong products or lifestyle changes.

How can I avoid dehydrated skin?

What you put in your body matters. The simplest way to avoid dehydrated skin is to make sure you are drinking water even when you are not thirsty. You’ve heard it before but it bears repeating: Aim for eight glasses a day. It’s also important to note that some liquids, mainly caffeine and alcohol, will sabotage your skin’s water content. If you drink either, offset the consumption with even more water. When it comes to diet, water-rich fruits and vegetables (cucumber, celery) and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, nuts and egg yolks) are a valuable source of hydration for your skin.

Also, mind your environment. If you spend a lot of time indoors, use a humidifier to offset the dryness and aggravation caused by dry indoor heating and central air conditioning. And do you best to avoid long, steamy baths: Prolonged exposure to hot water can cause your skin to dry out.