You know when your skin is dry — it won’t let you forget the fact. You may see dry patches on your face, your skin could even be peeling in places. And the causes of dry skin can vary and can include everything from genetics to new products you’ve been testing, such as moisturizers and serums that contain retinol. But having dry skin and being dehydrated aren’t always the same thing, though we sometimes use the words interchangeably. If you’re wondering whether your skin is dry and simply needs a creamier moisturizer or actually dehydrated and in need of a longer term hydration solution, Board-Certified Dr. Dray has answers to your burning questions.
Dr. Dray explains the difference between dry and dehydrated skin — and how to fix both issues for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
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What is Dry Skin?
Put simply, dry skin is a skin type — same as oily or combination skin. You’ll know you have dry skin if your skin doesn’t seem to product enough oils to keep your skin hydrated and protect it from environmental factors that can lead to it getting itchy, red, and sensitized easier than other skin types. While oily skin may have more acne and blackheads to contend with, your dry skin could be more prone to skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. You may notice peeling, flaking, a feeling of tightness, and rough texture.
Some people are born with the genes that give them dry skin — and there’s not a whole lot that can be done other than to add additional moisture to your skin to keep it smooth and soft. But dry skin can also be the result of spending time in a colder or dryer climate, or exposing your skin to wind. Harsh skincare products, certain medications, too much alcohol and smoking, and even aging can also make your skin dryer than it once was.
What Is Dehydrated Skin?
Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin can happen to anyone — regardless of your skin type. This happens when your skin loses water and doesn’t take in enough to replenish that loss. Signs of dehydrated skin include more prominent fine lines and wrinkles, a dull, tight texture and appearance, and even darker shadows under the eyes. Dehydration can happen at any time and is often spurred by lifestyle choices like excessive alcohol, smoking, and not drinking enough water.
Tips For Dry & Dehydrated Skin
There are similar ways to bring much-needed moisture to dry or dehydrated skin. For starters, it’s important to protect your skin barrier so that your skin stops peeling and feeling irritated. Search for moisturizers and serums that contain nourishing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oils.
Changing your lifestyle habits, including how you cleanse and care for your skin may also help here. If you’re using harsh ingredients, put the brakes on them. Instead, focus on cleansing your skin with an oil or cream-based cleanser and following up with serums and moisturizers that are designed for dry skin (this means avoiding ingredients like salicylic acid that can strip skin of moisture). Limit hot showers or baths to about 10 minutes and consider limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine, both of which are dehydrating. Increase your water consumption and add a humidifier to your bedroom at night to prevent dry air from drying out your skin even more.
All of these changes can bring immediate relief to dry or dehydrated skin. They aren’t one and the same, but they have similar solutions.
