Do You Have Dry or Dehydrated Skin?
Sometimes, the terms “dry skin” and “dehydrated skin” are used interchangeably. But they are two different things. Skin that is dehydrated lacks water, whilst skin that is dry lacks natural oils. Additionally, dehydration is viewed as a condition, but dry skin is a skin type.
So how can you tell if your skin is dry or dehydrated? Continue reading for more information.
What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin type is defined as a lack of oil in the skin’s outer layer, also known as the stratum corneum. If you have a dry skin type, your skin produces less of its natural oil (sebum) than other skin types.
To perform at its best, your skin needs a healthy balance of sebum; oil helps the skin hold onto moisture and keep it silky and smooth.
Lack of oil production causes the skin to lose its ability to retain moisture, which leads to dry skin.
Without a thick enough layer of protective oils, the skin barrier is also more prone to sensitivity and irritation.
According to researchers, dry skin can run in families. A study* found that numerous skin disorders can be brought on by gene changes that control the production of the protein filaggrin, which aids in the formation and hydration of the skin barrier.
Dry skin indications include:
- Itchy or rough skin
- Coarse or flaky skin
- Feels tight
- Faint and fine wrinkling
- Thin and delicate skin
What is Dehydrated Skin?
Dehydrated skin lacks water rather than oil, and unlike dry skin (which is a skin type), dehydration is a temporary skin condition that can affect all skin types. Even the oily skin types.
Dehydrated skin is a condition that results in the skin becoming dry from a lack of water and happens when the body loses more water and fluids than it takes in. When there is less water available, the body must give the organs priority, diverting less water to the skin in order to maintain vital activities. As a result, the skin gets dry.
Dehydration can occur as a result of a variety of factors, including excessive sweating caused by exercise, losing fluids through diarrhoea, a fever, sunburn or heatstroke, health conditions such as diabetes and medications that cause fluid imbalances, such as antihistamines or laxatives.
Indications of a dehydrated skin consist of:
- Even after moisturizing, skin still feels tight and uncomfortable.
- Redness
- Having a shiny, oily look
- Inflammation
- More noticeable fine lines and wrinkles
How to treat dry skin?
Focusing on solutions that work to compensate for the skin’s natural deficiency in oil is essential for caring for dry skin. For people with dry skin types, oil-based skincare products are a great option.
The right plant oil combinations can significantly improve a dry, flaky complexion by replacing the sebum that your skin isn’t making.
If you’ve always had dry skin or it runs in your family, it’s critical that you moisturize every day.
The appropriate formula of a thick and intense replenishing moisturizer as well as a hydration serum will give your skin the nutrition and nourishment it needs to survive all year-round while also assisting in preventing water from leaving your skin.
How to treat dehydrated skin?
If your skin is dehydrated, you must actively replenish it with water. Look for a hydrating serum that contains hyaluronic acid or Carrageenan. Carrageenan possesses good solubility and water-binding properties. It works as a great humectant as it forms a thin moisture locking layer which helps keep the skin hydrated, soft and supple.
Also try to drink plenty of water and consume water-rich foods like watermelon, strawberries, and cucumber. These can help hydrate your skin and body, allowing it to look and feel its best.
