Is my skin dry or dehydrated?
Confusing dry skin with dehydration is a common mistake that even the most ardent skincare fanatics make at times. But what exactly is the difference between the two? Should they be treated differently? Do they require specific ingredients to combat the discomfort they can cause to the skin? Luckily for you, we’ve done some research and have the answers for you in today’s post on how do I know if my skin is dry or dehydrated.
So, let’s get started to learn more!
How do I know if my skin is dry or dehydrated?
To better understand these skin concerns, I’ll briefly explain the basic structure of the skin and what it needs to stay healthy. The outer layer of the skin, which comprises a protective barrier, can only function properly when the right amount of water and oil are naturally present on the skin. However, there are many factors that can affect this, such as damage from free radicals, pollution, central heating, climate and weather. There can also be skincare formulas and ingredients that reduce or disrupt water and oil levels, such as overuse of chemical peels, improper use of retinol, and more. Once the water and oil levels drop, your skin becomes dull, dry or dehydrated and can easily become damaged.
How to tell if you have dry skin
Dry skin is actually a skin type that is known to have fewer sebaceous glands, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin conditions.
If you have dry skin, your skin will start to feel tight and uncomfortable about 30 minutes after cleansing
Sometimes flaky, dry patches of skin will appear on your face
Dry skin often shows signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles
How to tell if your skin is dehydrated
Dehydrated skin lacks water, not oil
Dehydration is a skin condition, not a skin type, and all skin types can suffer from dehydration
Due to lack of water, fine lines will appear on the surface of the skin, and dehydrated skin will appear older
Dehydration is caused by external factors such as weather, environment, diet, etc.
If you are still a little confused and can’t figure out what exactly you have, you can do the cheek test. Place your fingers on your cheeks and press upward on the skin. If a wrinkled texture appears, it means that your skin cells are lacking water and your skin is dehydrated. You may also notice that dehydrated skin looks dull and has a lot of inflammation, congestion, and redness, unlike dry skin, which is usually more uncomfortable the drier it gets.
How to Treat Dry and Dehydrated Skin
As I mentioned before, dry and dehydrated skin are two very different things, but treating them is surprisingly similar.
Exfoliation
Since both skin types can look noticeably dull, adding exfoliation to your routine will improve the overall appearance of your skin. You can choose between physical or chemical exfoliation, as both help remove the buildup of dead skin cells that often form a barrier on the skin, preventing moisturizers or hydrating products from penetrating into the underlying layers of the skin.
Invest in a Hydrating Serum
Skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and others are great for hydrating the skin. They are all humectants that lock moisture into the skin, making the complexion look plumper, younger, and providing a full complexion.
Pay Attention to Weather and Seasonal Changes
As the winter months approach, you’ll find that dry skin requires extra care, and those who often suffer from dehydrated skin should pay close attention to how their skin looks and feels. Drops in temperature and changes in humidity can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it stressed, inflamed, itchy, prone to redness, and with less sebum production. Replacing your nighttime moisturizer with a product that’s rich in highly hydrating ingredients and has a thicker texture will help keep your skin healthy.
Don’t steam!
Skin moisturizers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason! By steaming your face, you can maximize hydration, restore your skin’s barrier, and give it its most amazing, healthy glow.
Keep it up!
To ensure you combat any signs of dryness or dehydration, you need to follow a good skincare routine that includes all the steps, tips, and ingredients I’ve shared with you. This means that the protective barrier is working properly and the oil-water balance is balanced.
Why do I have such dry skin despite moisturizing and drinking water?
You’ve probably already taken steps to ensure your skin is well hydrated and you’ve been drinking the right amount of water every day. So it’s no surprise that you’re frustrated when you find that your skin still looks and feels dry. Maybe even a little dehydrated. This has to do with the fact that the skin is the largest organ in the human body, but surprisingly it doesn’t absorb the most water. The benefits of the water you drink go directly to your vital organs like your heart, lungs, liver, etc. Unfortunately our skin comes last, which causes it to rely mostly on topically applied ingredients. It just takes longer for your skin to reap the benefits of these moisturizing formulas, and of course don’t forget to drink enough water throughout the day.
I hope today’s blog answered some of your questions about dry skin and dehydration. It might be a little confusing, but I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it! Don’t forget to visit us on Instagram!
