A common skincare myth is that dry and dehydrated skin are one and the same. In actual fact, they’re completely different. Both skin types have different signs and should be treated differently.
What’s The Difference Between Dry And Dehydrated Skin?
Dry skin lacks oil, whilst dehydrated skin lacks water. Both hydration and moisture play different parts in the skin, meaning it’s essential to have a good balance of both. The purpose of hydration is to bind water to the skin, whilst moisturising aims to prevent water from leaving the skin.
Dry skin is classified as a skin type, whilst dehydration is considered a skin condition. Dryness is affected by your skins natural oil production and dehydration is caused by external elements, an unhealthy diet and general lifestyle choices.
With that basic difference in mind, you might already understand why you apply both a serum and a moisturiser. A serum tends to lock in hydration, whilst a moisturiser prevents your hydration from leaving.
Do You Have Dry Or Dehydrated Skin?
Dehydrated skin has a duller appearance, and tends to feel tight, no matter how much moisturiser you apply. If you gently pinch the skin on your cheek and it looks like you have fine lines, it’s possible you have dehydrated skin.
Dry skin tends to result in rough, flaky and irritated skin. It can vary in levels of severity, but for the most post, it’s nothing a moisturiser can’t combat. If your skin has a rough texture, chances are your skin is dry.
Once you’ve figured out whether you skin is dry, dehydrated, or even both, you can start figuring out the best way to combat it.
Top Tips For Dry Skin
- Use a face cream that is oil based, as this sinks deeper into your skin and moisturisers more effectively.
- Ensure your cleanser is alcohol free. Having a cleanser with alcohol in will strip oil from your skin, not ideal if you’re combatting dryness.
- Use a face mask once or twice a week. This will give your skin an additional moisture boost.
Top Tips For Dehydrated Skin
- Drink water! There’s no better way to combat dehydrated skin than by increasing your water consumption.
- Look out for water-retaining humectants in your skincare. These include Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Seaweed and Algae and will help your skin attract water.
- Take a break for fresh air. Being inside all day in the air-conditioning can draw hydration from your skin.
If you’ve got anymore questions regarding dry or dehydrated skin, feel free to ask us on Twitter.
