Dehydrated skin is deemed a condition, whereas dry skin is a skin type. Understanding these two differences can help you get the right skin treatment.
Skin types are normal, dry, combination, and oily. If you have dry skin, your skin produces less of its natural oil called sebum, which helps hold moisture into the skin and keep it soft and smooth. On the other hand, Dehydrated skin is a condition that occurs when the skin lacks water. Regardless of skin type, it can happen to anyone.
DRY SKIN: Due to a lack of oil, dry skin may look flaky or scaly. You will notice small fine wrinkles, and your skin will feel tight. Dry skin may also be more prone to conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Dry skin can occur due to your genetic disposition and ageing too. However, it can be triggered because of seasonal changes, diet, stress and harsh skincare routine. Hot showers in cooler months can also contribute to it. A combination of pressure and heat from hot showers can strip away important skin cells that protect the skin from losing moisture.
DEHYDRATED SKIN: If you have dehydrated skin, your skin feels tight, itchy, congested and dull. Your fine lines and wrinkles are more pronounced. Darker under-eye circles, sunken eyes and shadows around the face, especially around your eyes and nose, can usually be correlated to dehydrated skin. Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin is mainly caused by external factors such as not drinking enough water and lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking or too much alcohol. This condition can also be related to increased urination from caffeine or excessive sweating from exercise.
What to do?
It takes more than moisturizing and adding water to your diet for dry skin care. Caring for dry skin means focusing on oil-based products that help counteract the natural lack of oil on the surface. Hydrating the skin with products like vitamin C, hydrating serums, and moisturizers with ceramides can help.
Changes in lifestyle and diet can aid in Dehydrated skin. Increasing water intake is the first step in replenishing your hydration. If you have dehydrated skin, it is important to use products that rehydrate your skin. Applying your skin care products to damp skin will help you strengthen your skin barrier and be more effective.
Here are some additional tips to nourish both Dry and Dehydrated skin:
- → Use a humidifier for your room while you sleep at night.
- → Always ensure you’re drinking enough water, no matter your skin type.
- → Spritz facial mist on your skin throughout the day.
- → Apply moisturizer and serums to damp skin for optimal absorption. If you have dry skin, apply a moisturizer at the end of your routine to lock in the hydration.
- → Make sure to apply daily SPF!