Understanding the Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

It is getting warmer hurray! That translates into sandals, less bundling up and generally beautiful weather. It is also that time you go out and feel embarrassed when you look down your thighs, your hands, and especially your feet and they look ashy and crusty. You are probably confused about that because you remember applying some lotion, right your skin is most likely dehydrated and not dry. So you ask what’s the difference?

We tend to use the terms dry and dehydrated interchangeably which are different situations and should not be interchanged.

Dry in simple terms is the lack of or insufficient oil production on the skin. Dehydrated on the other hand simply means lack of or insufficient moisture/water.

  First and foremost dry skin is a skin type. Meaning that is what nature has presented you with. Dry skin will present a rough and tight texture and could be crusty and ashy. This means the sebaceous glands that would produce oil for the skin are not producing enough oil.

To know if your skin is dry, right after a shower without applying any products, your skin feels tight and sometimes ashy. Also to identify this skin type, your pores are smaller.

Dehydrated skin on the other hand is more of a temporary condition. This means the barrier protecting your skin from losing moisture is compromised thus exacerbating Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL). TEWL is the process wherein water from the innermost layer of the skin passes out through evaporation and diffusion to the outermost layer of the skin to the environment. This barrier can be compromised by using harsh products, not using sufficient hydrating products, diet, and lifestyle. This can result in symptoms like tightness, dull skin, and increased sensitivity. It could also be triggered by environmental factors (such as heaters during winter, sun exposure, and dry air), lifestyle choices such as poor diet, and not consuming enough water.

How then can we take care of this skin type and condition?

For dry skin

1 Use gentle cleansers that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils

2 Avoid harsh products that contain alcohol, and other irritating ingredients. Use acids and exfoliants with caution.

3 Use humidifiers at home, especially during winter

4 It is important to keep your skin hydrated as well so incorporate moisturizers rich in emollients, humectants, and occlusives to lock in moisture.

For dehydrated skin

1. Incorporate a humectant, emollient,  that will attract moisture from the environment, bind it to the skin, and restore the skin barrier.

2. Opt for hydrating products: water-based moisturizers, and hydrating serums such as hyaluronic acid,  glycerin, niacinamide, aloe vera.

Most importantly you always want to protect your skin with sunscreen.  With the right regimen, you can restore, rejuvenate, and maintain the natural balance and vitality of your skin. Therefore be sure to use the right products, be consistent, and diligent. Trying to attain hydrated, plump healthy-looking skin send us an email.

                Let’s keep it simple, let’s keep it healthy for you