Dry Vs Dehydrated Skin: What’s The Difference?

Your skin q’s answered!

Does anyone really know their ‘skin type’ or are we all just taking a guess?

Dry skin, dehydrated skin; it’s all the same at the end of the day isn’t it?

The world and its mother use both terms interchangeably which has created an abundance of confusion surrounding what exactly you should be doing for you and your skin.

While we might think they’re one and the same, it turns out they’re not at all and actually require totally different treatments.

Dry skin is in fact a skin type that doesn’t produce enough oil to naturally keep the skin moisturised and supple, while also providing an extra barrier between your skin and the outside world protecting it from environmental nasties.

Dehydrated skin however, is skin that hasn’t gotten enough water in the top layer of skin also known as the epidermis for all of the science gals. 

So for all you girls and guys who have itchy, dry or tight skin but are prone to spots here and there, chances are your skin isn’t dry at all but severely dehydrated. In fact everybody and their skin is susceptible to dehydration particularly when you’re not drinking enough water as well as not taking care of your skin – they really mean it when they say water is the best medicine!

Do I have Dry Skin?

There are five main skin types: dry, oily, normal, combination and sensitive. The main characteristic of dry skin is the lack of sebum (a fancy word for oil), a trait commonly associated with oily and normal skin types.

Now, it seems you can start blaming your mams and dads for your dry skin. Unfortunately it tends to be a genetic component that causes dry skin, although there are a number of internal and external factors that contribute too or even exacerbate an already dry complexion.

These other elements can include cold or dry climates, medical treatments, boiling hot showers, drying face products and even, if you can believe it, the natural ageing process. Yes, life really is against us from the get go!

What do I look out for?

Dry skin as we’ve previously said is as a result of too little oil being produced so it can leave your skin looking a little lacklustre and just feeling all around dry and uncomfortable.

The skin can sometimes even crack (yes, it is just as painful as it sounds). It’s a skin type that needs to be taken care of carefully as it can develop into seriously painful skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Keep your eyes peeled for other signs of dry skin that if caught quickly won’t lead to a worsened condition. These include rough texture, itchiness, tightness, pronounced fine lines and scaling, peeling or flaking.

Do I have Dehydrated Skin?

Dehydrated skin while similar to dry skin is actually a temporary condition where the amount of water in the top layer of your skin isn’t enough. Our skin contains 30% water, an element that is essential to keeping our skin’s elasticity and plumpness.

So the less water absorbed by your skin the more likely your skin is to be dehydrated. Typically we associate dehydrated skin with extreme weather conditions (usually cold and dry), and a lack of drinking water throughout the day.

We all tend to be aware of the negative effects dehydration has on our overall health. But, you would be surprised at the lack of awareness of its potential to cause havoc with your skin.

What do I look out for?

Signs of dehydrated skin are very similar to that of dry skin. It can leave you with a dull appearance and even give your skin a rough feel. Because dehydrated skin is temporary you can have a mix of oiliness and dryness on your face (you’re not imagining it, don’t worry).

Premature lines and wrinkles can also be seen due to lack of hydration constituting for the large number of premature skin diagnosis’. A particular feature of the condition is a dull appearance and tired eyes.

And just like the seasons, our skincare needs change just as regularly.

 

Some top Skincare tips and products to try

Use a gentle hydrating cleanser

Skin Formulas Oat and Milk Hydrating Cleanser, €32

Cera Ve Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid, €13.45

Dermalogica Oil To Foam Total Cleanser, €65

 

Exfoliate once a week

Pestle & Mortar NMF Lactic Acid Toner, €32

The Inkey List PHA Toner, €15.45

Alpha-H Liquid Gold  Exfoliating Treatment with 5% Glycolic Acid, €49

 

Add a serum to your routine

Ella & Jo Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, €42

BYOMA Hydrating Serum, €15

Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum, €64

 

Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise

Sculpted By Aimee Cloud Cream Nourishing Ceramide Moistuiser, €30

Bondi Sands Daydream Hydrating Whipped Moisturiser, €12.99

NEOSTRATA PHA Daily Moisturiser, €49.95

Tags:

• Beauty
• Dehydrated skin
• Dryskin
• health
• skin
• skincare