Dry or dehydrated skin, What is the difference!
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When it comes to skincare, many people confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin, assuming they’re the same. Dehydrated skin and dry skin are actually different skin concerns. While dehydrated skin lacks water and is an actual skin condition, dry skin lacks natural oils and is a skin type.
If you want to learn the difference and learn how to find a solution to dry or dehydrated skin, this post will clear it up for you.
You can also check out this post in finding your own skin type.
What is dry skin
Dry skin is a skin type that lacks oils or sebum. People with dry skin normally have fewer oil producing glands, which means their skin struggles to maintain moisture. This can lead to rough, flaky, and even itchy skin. Dry skin can be genetic or aggravated by environmental factors like cold weather, hot showers, or harsh soaps. But is is also depending on genetics and aging (reduced oil production).
Your skin needs the oil to keep the moisture in your skin which in turn makes it soft and smooth. And for us with dry skin types our skin simply lacks the ability to keep moisture in (due to lack of oil).
When the skin doesn’t produce enough oil, it loses the capacity to hold moisture and dry skin is the result. The skin barrier is also more susceptible to sensitivity and damage without a sufficient layer of protective oils.
Signs of dry skin:
-Rough, flaky texture
-Itchiness or irritation
-Cracked or peeling skin, especially in severe cases (my skin before Kbeauty)
-Dull complexion
-Prone to inflammatory and excessively dry skin concerns like atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Common causes
-Genetics (inherited skin type)
-Aging (reduced oil production)
-Weather conditions (especially in winter)
-Over washing with harsh soaps
What is dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a skin condition, not a skin type. It results from a lack of water in the skin. This can happen to any skin type, including oily and combination skin, and is often a temporary condition caused by factors like diet, lifestyle, or environmental stressors.
Signs or symptoms of dehydrated skin
-Skin feeling tight or uncomfortable -even after moisturizing
-Dull and tired-looking skin
-Redness
-Increased sensitivity
-Fine lines that seem exaggerated
-Redness or inflammation in severe cases
Common Causes:
-Weather
-Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
-Exposure to sun or pollution
-Using skincare products with alcohol or harsh chemicals
-Not drinking enough water during the day
Identifying your skin type
If you struggle in finding your skin type or if you simply don’t know you can start by reading this post.
But shortly put, knowing if your skin is dry or dehydrated is important when choosing the right skincare routine. And by understanding your skin better you will only help in customizing your skincare routine for more effective results.
Key differences between dry and dehydrated skin
Dry Skin: A lack of oil, usually due to genetics or aging. It’s a permanent skin type that needs consistent moisture replenishment.
Dehydrated Skin: A lack of water, caused by external factors like diet or environment. It’s a temporary condition and can be fixed by addressing hydration levels.
| Dry skin | Dehydrated skin | |
| The cause | Lack of oil | Lack of water |
| Skin type or? | Yes | No, it is a condition |
| Symptoms | Flakiness, roughness | Tightness, dullness |
| Treatment Focus | Moisture retention | Hydration boost |
Treatments and ingredients to look for
Dry skin
Do
-Use oil-based moisturizers or creams
-Avoid hot showers, and opt for lukewarm water instead
-Apply products with ceramides, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid
-Use a humidifier during winter
Don’t use ingredients like
-Benzoyl peroxide
-Salicylic acid
-Alcohol
-Sodium lauryl sulfate
Table of ingredients to look for
| Type of ingredient | Ingredient | Why use it? |
| Hydrating | Hyaluronic acid | Attracts and retains moisture |
| Glycerin | Attracts moisture | |
| Aloe Vera | Soothing and hydrating | |
| Moisture sealing | Ceramides | Strengthen skins barrier |
| Squalane | Seal in moisture and improves skins elasticity | |
| Oil (Jojoba, Argan, Rosehip) | Protects and nourishes | |
| Petrolatum | Seals moisture | |
| Soothing and repairing | Oatmeal | Deep hydration, relieves irritation |
| Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5 | Moisturizing and supports skin healing | |
| Niacinamide | Improves moisture retention, strengthen the skins barrier | |
| Exfoliating ingredients | Lactic acid | Removes dead skin cells |
| Urea | Exfoliates and soften the skin | |
| Extra | Shea butter | Deeply nourishing and moisturizing |
| Honey | Soothes, hydrates and protects. |
Download the ingredient list for dry skin here
Dehydrated skin
Do
-Drink plenty of water throughout the day
-Use water-based or hydrating serums with ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera
-Avoid products with alcohol that can dry out the skin
-Incorporate a hydrating mask into your skincare routine
Don’t
-Use the same skincare routine despite of weather conditions
-Drink too much coffee, caffeine or alcohol
-Avoid using sun protection
-Use skincare products with alcohol
-Avoid drinking enough water
Table of ingredients to look for
| Type of ingredient | Ingredient | Why use it |
| Hydrating | Hyaluronic acid | Attracts and retains moisture |
| Glycerin | Attracts moisture | |
| Aloe Vera | Soothing and hydrating | |
| Sodium PCA | Helps maintain the skins moisture balance | |
| Moisture retaining | Ceramides | Strengthen the skins barrier |
| Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5 | Helps improve skins hydration levels and soothing | |
| Niacinamide | Enhance the skins moisture retention abilities | |
| Squalane | Lock in moisture | |
| Soothing | Beta-Glucan | Retain moisture and soothes |
| Urea | Hydrates and exfoliates | |
| Centella Asiatica (Cica) | Soothes and heals | |
| Barrier support | Tremella mushroom | Hydrates |
| Polyglutamic Acid | Hydrates | |
| Peptides | Support the skins barrier | |
| Exfoliating ingredients | Lactic Acid (AHA) | Gentle exfoliating |
| Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) | Mild exfoliant | |
| Extra | Coconut or cucumber extract | Hydrates |
Download the ingredient list for dehydrated skin here
Conclusion
While both dry and dehydrated skin require extra care, they need different approaches. If you have dry skin, focus on replenishing oil with rich, nourishing products. For dehydrated skin, hydration is key, so make sure you’re drinking enough water and using hydrating products. If you are like me, both dry and dehydrated you need to follow both of the recommendations. Pay attention to your skin’s signals and adjust your routine according to the season. Whether you’re dealing with dryness or dehydration, proper care can and will lead to smoother, softer, and more radiant skin.
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