Do you actually know the difference between dry and dehydrated skin? Turns out, many of us aren’t very aware. In fact, we often use the words dry and dehydrated skin interchangeably. As you dig deeper into the dry skin vs dehydrated skin comparison, you will realize they are two different skin conditions. Hence, you need to deal with them accordingly.
The skin becomes dry when there’s a decrease in sebum production. In simpler words, your skin doesn’t produce enough oil, leaving it itchy, red, and inflamed. Dehydrated skin, on the contrary, means that the outer layer of the skin doesn’t have enough moisture.
Let’s dig into the differences between these skin conditions and look into useful tips for dealing with these skin conditions.
Difference between Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, because of the limited production of the skin oil, your skin will look rough, wrinkly, and flaky. Dry skin often causes inflammation as well as sensitivity for the long term. The most uncomfortable areas include the skin around the eyebrows and corners of the mouth and nose.
In case your face tightens up when you wash it, that means you have dry skin and you need remedies for irritated skin. Though genetics has an obvious role to play but with some beauty tips for the face, it’s possible to overcome the dry skin condition. Let’s explore some:
Avoid Hot Water
Using hot water to wash your face and body is on everyone’s list in winter. This is absolutely damaging for your skin because it breaks down the protective lipid barriers of your skin. This decreases moisture. While it’s ok to wash your body with lukewarm water, but avoid using hot water to wash your face.
Use a Great Moisturizer
People with dry skin need an intense moisturizing cream or hydrating face oil to keep the skin moisturized.
Light Exfoliation
If your skin is already flaky and irritated, don’t exfoliate. On the other hand, when your skin allows, there’s no harm in light exfoliation to remove dead skin cells from your outer layer
Drink Lots of Water
Drinking 8 glasses of water daily is a remedy that can solve not just skin problems, but many health problems. It also makes your skin look more natural and glowing.
Dehydrated Skin
Skin dehydration is caused by external elements like air conditioning, soap, alcohol, medication, heaters, and even smoking. All these factors affect the skin’s protective layer, deplete the water content and your skin becomes dull, wrinkly, and extra sensitive. Worry not, with these skin and body care tips, the skin can restore moisture:
Use a Gentle Cleanser
Use a gentle foaming cleanser with lukewarm water for washing away all the impurities from your skin. Make sure you pick a cleanser that’s free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. These ingredients can strip away moisture from the skin.
Apply Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This is the best ingredient for replenishing skin and it’s in the buzz like the stiletto nail trend. It is a magnet for moisture. As you start applying it to your skin, your skin will feel hydrated, plump, and healthy. After applying the serum, do apply a moisturizer with Vitamin C for creating a seal.
Finish Off With an Anti-Aging Moisturizer
After treating your skin with hyaluronic acid, it’s best to apply an anti-aging moisturizer. It seals the hydrating benefits and protects your skin from the environmental stressors that lead to dry skin. It’s recommended to invest in such makeup products that are extra hydrated and have anti-aging properties. It’s easy to find a cream brush and lots of other products with these ingredients.
Limit the Consumption of Unhealthy Liquids
These include alcohol and caffeine that deplete water contents from the skin. They block the production of vasopressin, which is an essential rehydrating hormone.
Pay Attention to Seasons
So now that you are clear about dry skin vs dehydrated skin and the remedies to treat both conditions, it cannot be stressed enough to pay attention to the seasons.
Temperature and humidity changes can affect skin conditions. Especially winter is hard on the skin. Because the low humidity in the air causes the skin to dry. Also, the cold air tightens the pores and reduces the production of sebum. Spring and summer, on the other hand, provides an extra boost of water to the skin. However, direct sunlight can cause dehydration as well. Therefore, you must be extra vigilant and use the right type of sunscreen.
If you are taking vitamins for healthy hair, already, try some for your skin too. These are some ingredients that are best for treating dry and dehydrated skin include:
Ingredients | Best For |
Glycerin | Dehydrated |
Aloe Vera | Dehydrated |
Honey | Dehydrated |
Lactic acid | Dehydrated |
Lactic and citric acid | Dehydrated |
Hyaluronic acid | Combination (dry and dehydrated) |
Shea butter | Dry |
Plant oils (rose, tea tree, jojoba) | Dry |
Conclusion
Hopefully, this dry skin vs dehydrated skin comparison has explained everything you need to know about these skin conditions. It’s important to stick to them as you would stick to the makeup trends.
You may also follow these skincare tips during pregnancy. They are totally safe.