Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin: What You Need to Know

In skincare, the terms “dry” and “dehydrated” are often used interchangeably—when in reality, they hold two entirely different meanings. While sharing similar characteristics, they have distinct root causes and therefore require different ingredients and products to address the concerns individually. Keep reading to identify the differences between dry and dehydrated skin, and how to care for each accordingly.

What Is Dry Skin?

Dry skin is a skin type that’s included in the five primary skin types—normal, oily, combination, sensitive, and dry. Your skin type is determined by genetics, and in the case of dry skin, it indicates a lack of natural oil production (aka sebum). While you can’t change your skin type, you can prevent and address the feeling of dryness.

Signs Of Dry Skin

Due to a lack of oil that’s essential for skin health, dry skin can cause various concerns including:

• Rough texture
  
• Tightness
• Itchiness
• Scaling, peeling, flaking
• Cracking

Additionally, dry skin often becomes more susceptible to conditions like eczema and psoriasis when not cared for properly.

How To Care For Dry Skin

Incorporate Oil-based Products

Incorporating oil and oil-based products is a key pillar in caring for dry skin. Start with an oil-based cleanser and moisturizing cream, along with a face oil. Some skin-friendly oils we recommend incorporating into your skincare ritual are Camellia, Sandalwood, Jojoba, Avocado, Amla, and Bulgarian Rose.

Look For Emollients

Including emollients into the mix can help alleviate dryness by restoring your skin’s lipid barrier. Popular emollients include ceramide-rich Coconut Oil and Shea Butter which power our oil-based Softening Hydra-Whip.

Consider Skin Slugging

The viral method of “slugging” has become a popular remedy for dry skin. This method includes coating your skin with a layer of petroleum jelly at the end of your night routine, which acts as an occlusive that effectively locks in moisture.

What Is Dehydrated Skin?

Dehydration is a skin concern which means it’s temporary and treatable. When your skin is dehydrated it indicates a lack of water, and this loss of water can be caused by various factors like weather changes, harsh skincare products, inadequate sleep, and not drinking enough water. Since dehydration is a skin concern, it can affect any skin type—even oily skin.

Signs Of Dehydrated Skin

The loss of water often causes skin to feel tight and well, overall dry. Although dry and dehydrated skin can feel similar, dehydrated skin may also experience:

• Dullness
• Rough texture
• Acne
• Amplified appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Loss of elasticity

How To Care For Dehydrated Skin

Incorporate Water-based Products

Opting for water-based products can help replenish your skin with what it’s lacking. Water-based products span from cleansers to moisturizers, and often rely on moisture-attracting humectants to help maintain the presence of water.

Look For Humectants

Humectants draw and retain moisture to the surface of the skin helping it to remain hydrated, plump, and elastic. Hyaluronic Acid is a most-loved humectant that’s infused in our water-based Moisturizing Hydra-Cream. This lightweight, oil-free formula provides long-lasting hydration and can help achieve that sought after glass skin effect over time.

Use A Humidifier

Adding extra moisture to the air can help deliver the extra hydration that your skin needs, especially throughout the night. Your skin experiences drastic fluid loss while you sleep, so the addition of a humidifier can help prevent further dehydration while you snooze.

Can My Skin Be Both Dry And Dehydrated?

Yes, dry skin types can also experience dehydration—in which case, you’ll want a skincare ritual that includes both water-based and oil-based products. Keep it simple with a non-stripping cleanser, a hydrating serum, a moisturizer and or an oil.

Find The Right Products For You

Whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, or both, achieving your skin goals begins is only made better with the right products. Head to our Skin Quiz to get a personalized skincare ritual that suits your unique skin needs.