PSA: Drinking water won't hydrate your skin

Staying hydrated is essential to health, but you most likely won't notice the extra water intake in your skin. This is because you have a lot of internal organs the body will prioritize over your skin.

Dehydrated skin doesn't relate to water intake; it's environmental. You might be working in a hospital for 12-hour shifts with recycled air. You might jump in your chilly car and blast the heat in the morning. You may use a cleansing brush and hot water to wash your face. (this wears down your protective barrier, causing TEWL: water loss through the epidermis)

You will know if your skin is dehydrated when you give your forehead a gentle pinch and tiny crepy wrinkles appear. Dehydrated skin almost looks shiny. (see photo)

Chronically dehydrated skin will lead to premature aging. Your skin might become sensitized to products and treatments. You will also notice that dehydrated skin can become tight, flaky and uncomfortable.

The best way to hydrate your skin is topically! First, use a water-based serum like Hydrabalance or Soothe Essence.

Another option is Mist Me hydrating skin mist under your moisturizer.

Use a humidifier while you sleep.

Use a moisturizer to plump the top layer of the skin, giving you a more substantial barrier against the environment. Some options are Cran peptide, Hush Hydrate gel, or Clear Derma.

If you find there's not enough moisturizer or serum in the world to hydrate your skin. You need to exfoliate. See my post on exfoliation here.

With this said, please stay hydrated. But don't expect miracles in your skin, or you might be disappointed.