You may use the words ‘dry' and ‘dehydrated’ interchangeably—and assume that they mean the same. But we, of course, investigated.
Our quick notes
Dry skin is a skin type, so it exists naturally when the skin lacks oil (not water). It can be permanent and while it’s not something you can fix, you can do a lot to improve the appearance and feel of it.
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a skin condition. Any skin type can become dehydrated when there is loss of water. But the good news is dehydration is temporary and can be effectively reversed.
What is dry skin—and how is it caused?
Dry skin, i.e., skin that does not produce a normal amount of oil, is a unique skin type. When oil or sebum production is less than normal, dryness occurs. The causes can be different—genetics, extreme weather conditions and the use of harsh skincare products all contribute to the depletion of oil.
Signs of dry skin:
- Skin that feels tight or patchy
- Cracked skin
- Skin that itches and gets flaky
What is dehydrated skin—and how does it occur?
Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin is a result of the water content in the skin going down to unhealthy levels. Healthy, supple skin is made up of about 30 percent water, which is quite important for maintaining skin structure, strength, resilience and that pink rosiness that means everything is in good shape. When the skin barrier is damaged due to stress, makeup, harsh weather, lack of sleep and inadequate diet and water consumption, it temporarily loses its water content and becomes dehydrated.
Signs of dehydrated skin:
- Skin that looks dull and greyish
- Skin that looks rough or wrinkly
- Tight skin that feels sensitive
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How to care for dry and dehydrated skin
For dry skin, the idea is to add oils and lipids back to the skin. Use an oil-based cleanser, add oily and fatty supplements such as fish oil or omega 3s to your diet and use products with skincare ingredients like coconut oils and natural plant oils. Cleansing balms can be a gentle way to cleanse—along with oil-infused face wipes, facial oils and oil-based moisturisers applied as treatment.
For dehydrated skin, try to identify what’s causing the condition and then work towards correcting it. You’ll want to add water-rich foods like broccoli, avocado, yogurt, smoothies and salads to your diet. Drink a little more water, of course, with added electrolytes—the skin is the last organ that water reaches to, once consumed. You might also consider skipping caffeine.
Dehydrated skin needs a bit more care in the form of serums, lotions and creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and collagen. For the face, water-based moisturisers and hydrating face mists can be used to restore some of the skin’s vitality.
For both dry and dehydrated skin, it’s important to choose products like cleansers and actives carefully. You’re trying to infuse it with moisture, so try and educate yourself on the ingredients in your products and go easy on your skin while it repairs itself.
The bottom line
Self-care is key when you're dealing with skin concerns. Put yourself (and your skin) first and, for most cases, you should be able to treat your concerns successfully following the tips above. If your skin doesn't improve in two to three weeks, make sure you consult a certified dermatologist to help pinpoint the cause.
