Dry Skin – Drinking Water Issues (Part I) by Samantha Oram (Licensed Esthetician)

At the Know Your H20 Portal, we have many users asking if there is a connection between their dry skin and in some cases psoriasis and the water they are using or drinking.   We decided to ask the in-house aesthetician for some feedback and we decided to ask Chat GPT some questions. This article was compiled by Samantha Oram (Licensed Esthetician) for the Know Your H20 Program. 

Question 1:  What are some of the causes for Dry Skin?

If you're experiencing dry skin despite drinking plenty of water, there could be several factors at play. While staying hydrated is important for overall skin health, dry skin can be caused by a range of other factors that water alone might not address. Here are some potential reasons:

Low Humidity: In dry or cold weather, or in air-conditioned or heated environments, the moisture in the air can drop significantly, leading to dry skin. Even if you're drinking enough water, the lack of moisture in the environment can cause your skin to lose its natural hydration. (Humidifier Suggestion)

Harsh Soaps or Skincare Products:  Some soaps, cleansers, or skincare products can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Look for products that are hydrating and free from harsh chemicals like sulfates or alcohol (Soap Suggestion).

Over-Washing: Washing your face or body too frequently can remove the skin’s natural oils, which can lead to dryness. Try to reduce the frequency of washing and use lukewarm water, as hot water can also dry out your skin.

Underlying Skin Conditions:  Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis can cause dry skin, even if you're drinking enough water. These conditions often require targeted treatments such as topical ointments or medications.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Even if you're drinking enough water, your skin might still be dry due to a lack of essential fatty acids, vitamins (like vitamin E), or minerals (like zinc). Eating a well-balanced diet with healthy fats, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and possibly supplements can help improve skin hydration (Vitamin Suggestion).

Age: As we age, the skin produces less natural oils and moisture, which can result in dry skin. This is a normal part of the aging process, but using moisturizing products that help lock in moisture can be beneficial.

Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics, antihistamines, or acne treatments, can contribute to dry skin. If you're on any medication, it's worth checking if dry skin is a known side effect.

Hot Showers or Baths: Spending a lot of time in hot water can strip your skin of moisture, leaving it feeling dry. If you enjoy hot showers, try to limit their duration and temperature.

Drinking Water Alone Isn't Enough: While drinking water is essential, it's not the only factor in skin hydration. Your skin also needs to be moisturized externally. Use a good moisturizer after washing or showering to lock in hydration. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help to attract and retain moisture. (Suggestion - Washing / Hydration of Skin)

If the dryness persists despite making these changes, or if you notice other symptoms, it may be a good idea to consult a dermatologist to rule out any underlying skin conditions.

Some extra information - you may not have dry skin, you may have dehydrated skin. Some individuals naturally have dry skin, but dehydrated skin is not a type, but a condition.   If dry skin, you may be lacking naturally occurring oils in the skin that helps the skin to retain water with dehydrated skin you have a lack of water (H20).   Also, it is critical to get your drinking water properly tested and in many cases it would be advisable to use a Point-of-Use Water Treatment System.

Article II - Dry Skin Psoriasis  (Go to Part II)

Other Related Articles

Proper Hydration and Health

General Health and Wellness Topics

Products

Your Pet Hydration System (Cat  / Dog)  and Drinking Water Quality