We’ve all been there. With the colder winter months approaching, our skin gets tight and itchy, and we feel uncomfortable in our own skin. It is a very common occurrence, and it requires tailored skincare. But to be able to adjust it accurately, we should know whether we have dry or dehydrated skin.
The main difference between the two is that dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated lacks water.
Dry skin is considered a skin type, which means that you produce less oil or sebum due to genetics, and it’s always the same. On the other hand, dehydrated skin is a skin condition. It occurs as a result of improper care, too many drying ingredients but not enough moisture.
Dry skin
Dry skin lacks sebum because it produces less oil than average skin. But skin needs this sebum (oil) to retain moisture. Also, to build a powerful barrier to protect against external aggressors. If untreated, that can lead to increased sensitivity, redness, and scaly and flaky skin.
How to recognise dry skin
- Dry skin usually looks flaky, scaly and dull.
- Pores are not really noticeable, but fine lines are.
- It can feel tight, especially after cleansing and rough in places.
- It can also be itchy and show redness.
- Dry skin feels like hydrating creams are not enough, and that moisturiser only works for a few hours.
Treatment
Because this is a skin type rather than a condition, you can’t actually ‘fix’ it.
But you can help with the symptoms.
Always use a mild cleanser when washing (cleansing milk, lotions or micellar waters) and avoid foaming cleansers that will strip the skin.
As well as every other skin type, dry skin also needs exfoliation to remove dead skin cells. That should be 1-2 times a week. Use a mild exfoliant (some sort of an AHA acid like azelaic or lactic acid).
Lastly, you should nourish your dry skin with oil-based products and nourishing creams. Also, make sure you put your moisturiser on within a minute of washing your face. That will prevent the water in the skin from evaporating in the air.
Product recommendations for dry skin:
Cleansers:
Exfoliants:
Moisturisers:
Dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin can occur in any skin type. You can have oily, combination, dry or normal skin that is dehydrated.
It’s usually caused by harsh weather (wind and cold), diet (lack of fruit and vegetables), makeup, too many diuretics (caffeine and alcohol) and not enough water.
Because dehydrated skin lacks moisture, it starts to produce more sebum, and that can lead to more breakouts, irritation and rough patches.
How to recognise dehydrated skin
- Dehydrated skin usually looks dull.
- It has more exaggerated wrinkles.
- You can have more exaggerated dark circles beneath your eyes.
- It can show redness, congestion, and inflammation.
- Dehydrated skin feels tight.
- It can feel oily and dry at the same time.
- Moisturising creams are too heavy.
Treatment
Start by avoiding mattifying foundations because those will further dry out the skin.
As with treating dry skin, you should exfoliate at least once a week to remove dead skin cells. That will help with the absorption of your hydrating products.
Use a serum before moisturiser to hydrate your skin. A serum with hyaluronic acid is an excellent choice for dehydrated skin.
Use a rehydrating toner (or thermal water) before and after the serum. That will replenish the moisture in the skin. I use only thermal waters as I find them perfect for that purpose. Hydrating and calming – what more can I ask for?
Opt for a hydrating moisturiser rather than a nourishing one. It will be a bit lighter in texture which makes it perfect for dehydrated skins as it won’t be too heavy and clog the pores.
Lastly, hydrate from the inside. Drink plenty of water or herbal teas and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. No skincare can fix dehydrated skin from the inside.
Product recommendations for dehydrated skin:
Cleansers and exfoliants: same as for dry skin
Toners:
Serums:
Moisturisers:
Do you have dry skin or dehydrated? How do you treat it?
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