Dry Skin versus Dehydrated Skin - What's the Difference?

We’ve all heard about skin types: oily skin, sensitive skin, combination skin, mature skin, acne prone skin and dry skin – or is it dehydrated skin? Aren’t they the same thing? Well, no, not really. Whilst dry skin and dehydrated skin might sound like the same thing, there is a difference. One is a skin type and the other describes a skin’s condition. Let me elaborate:

Dry skin is a skin type. It refers to skin that is lacking in natural oil (sebum).

Dehydrated skin occurs when skin is lacking in water and that can actually happen to all skin types, even people with oily or combination skin.

So what’s the difference in terms of appearance?

Dry skin, because it produces little sebum, may look flaky or scaly. It can also have red patches, along with a dull, rough appearance. Dry skin may also be more prone to skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Dehydrated skin can result in a dull complexion, with an uneven tone. Fine lines may be more noticeable.

Image source: Canva

What about hydration versus moisturisation?

Good question! Just as the words dry and dehydrated are not synonymous, neither are the words hydration and moisturisation.

Hydration involves increasing the water content of skin cells. Examples of hydrating ingredients include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and glycerine. Hyaluronic Acid, in particular, has the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent ingredient for plumping up the skin. This is the hero ingredient in Mukti Hyaluronic Marine Serum, for example.

Moisturisation, on the other hand, involves adding oils to the skin to combat dryness. This is where dedicated skin moisturisers come into play. When applied to your skin, they work to strengthen its natural barrier to prevent moisture loss. Some excellent moisturising ingredients include things like coconut oil, cocoa butter and shea butter. Simple As That Moisturiser is a pharmacist-formulated product containing only three ingredients – shea butter, coconut oil and jojoba seed oil – an ideal moisturiser for dry skin.

Dry skin and dehydrated skin are not mutually exclusive

Because dehydration can happen to any skin type at any time, dry skin types can also be dehydrated. So while dry skin needs moisturisation and dehydrated skin needs hydration, skin that is both dry and dehydrated needs both. In terms of your skin care routine, it is recommended that you apply serums, spritzes and mists before you apply moisturisers. This allows these hydrating products, which typically have smaller molecules, to deliver water to the cells before the moisturisers, with their larger molecules, lock that moisture in. I love the fact that Clémence Organics Ultimate Face Crème contains both hydrating ingredients (aloe vera, glycerine and hyaluronic acid) and moisturising ingredients (shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil and macadamia oil) in the one product.

A final word about hydration

Another very important source of hydration for your skin is, of course, the water that you put into your body via your mouth – so don’t forget to drink up every day!

Note: Naturally Safe Cosmetics are not health professionals. Any information or advice in this communication is of a general nature only and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For medical advice regarding your own personal circumstances, we recommend you contact your GP or other healthcare professional.

Ref: Healthline.com