Skincare Tips & Advice

Dry Skin Tips: Is My Skin Dry or Dehydrated?

Dry skin is a skin type that doesn't produce enough oils to keep your skin moisturized naturally and protect it from the environment, while dehydrated skin simply doesn't have enough water in the uppermost layer of the skin.¹ Both can lead to rough skin, but there are some differences that can help you understand whether your skin is dry or dehydrated.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Dry skin is a skin type that doesn't produce enough oils to keep your skin moisturized naturally and protect it from the environment, while dehydrated skin simply doesn't have enough water in the uppermost layer of the skin¹. Both can lead to rough skin, but there are some differences that can help you understand whether your skin is dry or dehydrated.

Dehydrated & Dry Skin Tips

Dry skin and dehydrated skin may have different root causes, but choosing skincare products containing Ceramides to help restore the skin's barrier, Hyaluronic Acid to help retain the skin’s natural moisture, and Niacinamide to help calm the skin can benefit both conditions.

Symptoms of Dry Skin

Dry skin is a skin type that produces less sebum than normal or oily skin. Because of this, it may appear flaky, feel dry all over—from head to toe—may be prone to cracking and may be susceptible to sensitivities like eczema.¹.

How to Tell If Your Skin is Dehydrated

Dehydrated skin is a temporary state of the skin that is caused by losing more water than the body, or in this case, less than the skin is taking in. It may come and go depending on activities, the season or even a cosmetic or skincare product. Often, dehydrated skin looks dull, feels tight, and may feel both oily and dry at the same time.

Dry & Dehydrated Skin Tips

Although dry skin and dehydrated skin are different—each with their own unique needs and concerns—there are some steps you can take to address both conditions.

If you have dehydrated skin, experts recommend avoiding or limiting caffeine and alcohol—and increasing your water intake—which can help prevent the body, and therefore the skin, from becoming dehydrated.²

For those with dry skin, taking warm, not hot, baths or showers and using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser can help reduce the drying effects of everyday bathing. Afterward, pat the skin dry and immediately apply moisturizer. When dressing, choose clothing made from soft fabrics and add a silk or cotton layer when wearing wool or other rough fabrics. And when washing your clothes, choose a hypoallergenic detergent to help prevent irritating your dry skin.

Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you need additional help. They can recommend over-the-counter products, prescription solutions, dry skin tips and advice to reduce the occurrence of dehydrated skin so you can achieve skin that's soft, moisturized and comfortable.