Dry vs Dehydrated Skin: How to Know the Difference

Ever found yourself looking in the mirror and noticing flaky patches around your face? Perhaps skin feels extra tight and uncomfortable after washing? If so, you’re not alone. However, many folks have trouble spotting dry vs dehydrated skin (spoiler alert: they’re not the same!). If you’ve been asking yourself, ‘why is my skin so dry even when I moisturize?,’ then you might be approaching it the wrong way. It’s important to understand the differences, so you can know the best way to manage. 

What's the difference between dry vs dehydrated skin?

For starters, dry skin is a skin type. If you’re wondering what causes dry skin, it’s typically something you’re born with, but it can also be affected by external factors like cold weather. Dry skin produces less oil than normal, and it also tends to be thinner — thus, more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness.

Skincare tips for dry skin

If you have dry skin, your main focus should be adding hydration back into your skin. Here’s what your dry skincare routine should include.

• Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that won’t strip skin of its natural oils. You don’t want that post-wash, squeaky-clean feel! 
• Use hydrating products morning and night. The best moisturizer for dry skin should include ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera. 
• Avoid using hot water on your face, as it can also strip the skin of its natural oils.
• Consider adding a face oil or serum for that extra hydration boost.
• Limit your exposure to cold weather and harsh winds, which can dry your skin out even more.

Skincare tips for dehydrated skin

For those who want to learn how to fix dehydrated skin, your goal should be adding more water into your skin. What is a good skincare routine for dry skin? While quite similar to a dry skin routine, there are a few extra steps you can take to care for dehydrated skin.

• Up your water intake. You know the age-old adage: drink at least 8 glasses of water a day! This way, you can hydrate your skin from the inside. 
• Limit alcohol consumption, which can dehydrate the skin.
• Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that won’t strip skin of its natural oils.
• Use hydrating products morning and night. As we mentioned, dehydrated skin can be oily too. If that’s the case, the best moisturizer for dehydrated skin can be lightweight. Nonetheless, look for  ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera. 
• Consider using a face mist for added hydration throughout the day.