Dehydrated Versus Dry Skin

If you have dry or dehydrated skin, you can use products that improve the condition of your skin.

Dry skin lacks oil (sebum) while dehydrated skin lacks moisture. When you have dry skin, your sebaceous glands don’t produce enough natural oils. Dry skin is a skin type, along with oily and combination skin types.

Dehydrated skin is not a skin type. It is a condition that you can treat. Dehydrated skin can affect all skin types. This means that while you may have oily skin, you can also have dehydrated skin. Also, when skin gets dehydrated, it creates more oil to compensate for the missing water. This can cause breakouts, irritation and dry patches. Skin can even feel oily and dry at the same time.

How to determine if your skin is dry or dehydrated

Pinch a small amount of skin on your cheek, abdomen, chest, or the back of your hand and hold for a few seconds. If your skin snaps back, it is unlikely that your skin is dehydrated. If it takes a few moments to bounce back, then it is likely you have dehydrated skin.

Signs of dry skin

• Rough
• Itchy
• Flaky
• Scaly
• Feels tight
• Slight to severe flaking skin. This can be the reason behind the ashy look that can affect dry brown and black skin
• Thin, fragile skin
• Peeling
• Fine lines or cracks
• Deep cracks
• Redness and irritation
• Small, fine wrinkles

Causes of dry skin

• Harsh soaps, detergents and skincare products. These may strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture
• Climate, the environment. Dry air also contributes to skin dryness.
• Heat- heaters and fireplaces reduce humidity in the air which can lead to skin getting dry
• Aging-as we get older the skin produces less oil and gets drier.
• Medical conditions. Skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema can make your skin more prone to dryness.
• Skincare products- retinol speeds cell turnover, causing dryness.
• Genetics

What you can do about dry skin

• Wash your face with warm, cool water and not hot water.
• Pat your skin after washing.
• Apply moisturizer after washing your face for better skin penetration.
• Take short showers or baths
• Avoid harsh face washes and skincare products.
• Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.
• Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion. Ointments and creams are more effective and less irritating than lotions.
• Choose moisturizers with emollients. They generally contain oils to smooth and soften the skin.
• Also, look for products with and oclusives in them which create a barrier to prevent water loss.

Ingredients to look for that help dry skin

• Jojoba oil
• Dimethicone
• Glycerin
• Glucono delta-lactone
• Hyaluronic acid
• Lactic acid
• Lanolin
• Mineral oil
• Petrolatum
• Shea butter

Signs of dehydrated skin

• Dry
• Itchy
• Dull looking
• Darker under-eye circles
• Sunken eyes
• “Shadows” around the face (especially under the eyes and around your nose)
• Appearance of fine lines and surface wrinkles
• Increased sensitivity

Causes of dehydrated skin

• Hormonal conditions
• External factors such as weather and the seasons
• Unhealthy diet
• Poor lifestyle choices, consuming alcohol or caffeine.

What you can do about your dehydrated skin

• Hydrate by drinking lots of water.
• Eat water-rich veggies and fruits such as celery, watermelon, cucumber.
• Try not to consume alcohol.
• Reduce your intake of caffeine.
• Stop smoking.
• Exercise two to three times a week or more.
• Get enough sleep
• Eat more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
• Try using a humidifier
• Do not use harsh face scrubs

Ingredients for dehydrated skin

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Aloe Vera
• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Ceramides
• Lactic acid
• Mandelic acid
• Sorbitol
• Honey
• Allantoin
• Propylene glycol.

Takeaways

If you want great looking skin, you have to keep your skin hydrated. It leads to brighter skin, an even skin tone and plumps up skin to iron out fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, other skin care products get absorbed better.

References

https://www.esmiskin.com/blogs/the-difference-between-dry-and-dehydrated-skin#:~:text=While%20dry%20skin%20lacks%20 oil,happen%20to%20all%20skin%20types.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20353885

https://www.healthline.com/health/dehydrated-skin