Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin – What’s the Difference and Easy Ways to Fix Both

Dry skin vs dehydrated skin.  Which is worse?  Neither, as both dry skin and dehydrated skin are two different skin conditions that are often confused with each other.  For example - many people think dehydrated skin means ‘dry’ skin.  Well?  Doesn't it?.......So, does that mean both are the same thing? No, weirdly enough they are quite different, and call for different strategies in order to fix.  

And because many men and women don't know the difference between the two, they are treating their skin with the wrong products and making lifestyle choices that are making their skin condition worse.

So, how to tell the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?  Stick around. By the end of this article, you will:

• Know how the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin, 
• Know if skin is dry or dehydrated simply by looking at it, and
• Learn the best personal strategies and treatments for dry and dehydrated skin.

 But first, let's start off with an easy way to understand and remember the difference between dry vs. dehydrated skin..

For dehydrated, think "HYDRO". The original definition of the Greek word "hydro" refers to water. So when you hear the term "dehydrated skin" that means water, your skin lacks water.

For dry skin, think  "dry as a desert" and "many deserts oil supply is being depleted".   When you put  the two phrases together, having dry skin means your skin is in desperate need of oil.   

What Is Dehydrated Skin?

Before we get to the strategies and treatments,  what exactly is ‘dehydrated’ skin? Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that can affect all skin types, including oily skin. It occurs when the skin is lacking water, not oil.

Dry vs Dehydrated skin  symptoms are many.  Dehydrated skin may appear dull, and fine lines may be more prominent. It may also feel tight, especially after cleansing. 

Also, when your skin is dehydrated, it might feel oily or slick rather than ‘dry’. You might have white flaky patches. Your pores might be smaller. The skin might feel taut or stretched. 

What Causes Dehydrated Skin?

There are lots of possible causes of skin dehydration but a leading one is the use of skin care products that aggravate your skin rather than treating it. Basically, any product that stimulates oil in the skin while drying it out on the surface can promote the odd oily/dry combination feeling.

Sometimes it is a combination of products you are using or just using something too often. Regardless, the best approach is: avoid products with astringents, alcohols or drying-out ingredients; don’t use skin treatment tools that can damage the skin; make sure the products you use are high in skin restoring and replenishing ingredients such as glycerin.

Lastly, dehydrated skin can be caused by a variety of factors, such as not drinking enough water, spending too much time in dry or cold environments, or using products that strip the skin of its natural oils. 

So, What About Dry Skin?

Dry skin is a skin type, meaning it is a characteristic of your skin that is generally consistent over time. It is caused by a lack of oil production in the skin and is characterized by flaky, rough, and tight skin. Dry skin is more prone to irritation and may feel itchy. It is also more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

What Causes Dry Skin?

There are lots of basic causes of dry skin.

In winter for example, most of us live in areas where the humidity in the air follows the temperatures down, and this promotes dry, itchy feeling red looking skin. This is compounded by indoor living in heated and sealed environments that exacerbate these effects.

Chlorination in swimming pools can really dry out the skin. And soaking in hot tubs or long hot baths, while feeling relaxing, can result in dried out and wrinkled skin.

Sitting in hot saunas can cause dry skin too.  

Obviously, using aggressive skin products that promote a negative reaction in the skin can cause dryness, as can the existence of a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema.

What to Do About Dry and Dehydrated Skin?

Well, of course, it depends. If you are exposing your skin to products causing damage, stop! If you have a medical condition, you know what to do, see your dermatologist asap! And if you are trapped in low humidity conditions, try a humidifier to improve the environment.

In all circumstances though, you can benefit from some simple strategies and treatments for dry and dehydrated skin:

• To treat dehydrated skin, you will need to increase your water intake and use products that help to hydrate and nourish the skin.   Applying hyaluronic acid to your skin will get the job done as hyaluronic acid holds 10,000 time it's weight in water.  I use and  recommend Asterwood Hyaluronic Acid.  It  can be found on Amazon.com.  Follow up with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream to lock in the hydration. 
• To treat dry skin, you may need to use an oil based moisturizer and other products that help to add oil back into the skin.  The one I like to use is Collagen Superfusion Face Oil from Charlotte Tillbury.  I especially like to use it in the winter or when I want to get that smooth glassy skin look.  For more oil based moisturizers, choose from the list of 10 oil moisturizers at Sephora and select the one you like best. 
• Try keeping you baths and showers brief.
• Protect your hands with gloves when cleaning up. (There is nothing worse than dry skin on hands.)
• Don’t use astringents or products that intentionally dry out the skin
• Use moisturizing treatments, frequently! Especially ones that are made with fats and lipids such as squalene, safflower oil, macadamia nut oil or shea butter.
• Use moisture binding ingredients such has hyaluronic acid and glycerin together.
• Take collagen supplements as they have incredible hydrating properties. One study showed that 2 months of collagen supplementation increased skin hydration by 91%. This shows us that taking collagen orally in high amounts almost DOUBLES your skins moisture content.
• Drink your water! This will benefit your entire body! Remember, your skin is the furthermost out organ of your body and the last to benefit from the nutrients and the water you drink. Drinking water will help balance your entire body including your skin!
• Eat collagen boosting skin glowing foods such as avocados, salmon, walnuts, sunflower and sesame seeds, olive and avocado oil.  Collagen is what keeps your skin healthy, smooth and looking and feeling good. 

To wrap this up, and before you start trying treatments for dry or dehydrated skin, look in the mirror and determine what skin type you have:  Is you skin dry, or is your skin dehydrated ?  Once you have, choose the appropriated treatments and strategies and start your personal journey of fixing your skin.  It is important to choose the right skincare products for your skin type and condition to effectively address any skin concerns you may have.  

Then start making these remedial treatments your daily self care skin habit. You will be happy you did!

Till Next Time,

Kellie
Growing Younger Everyday

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/