Does your skin feel a bit thirsty? Both dry skin and dehydrated skin feel well...dry. Dry skin and dehydrated skin may sound, feel and appear similar. But in fact they are very different. But no worries, it’s easy to confuse since one may affect or enhance the other.
First task on the list is to help you decipher the difference between the two. Once you know what you’re dealing with. It will be that much easier to treat and improve the problem.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is a skin type. One good way to figure out if it’s your type is to read more in depth here. But if you need further clarification, consider the following. Dry skin types actually look dry on the surface. Think white flakes that look like they need to be exfoliated away. If you suffer from other dry skin issues such as eczema or psoriasis, you are likely to possess this skin type. You may have always had these traits, and they don’t necessarily come and go. For instance, having a sunburn that eventually scales off is an environmental factor, and is not defined as an actual skin type. Dry skin types in general experience more irritation and redness than others.
Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin appears lifeless and dull. Because it’s missing good ole fashion H2o from the inside out. Often, dehydrated skin has a gray tone to it. Dehydration also causes your skin to look older. When the skin lacks hydration, it shows fine lines and wrinkles as well as a lacklustre skin tone. Dehydrated skin also may feel tight, which is not the same as how dry skin appears.
How to Deal
You likely know where you stand at this point. The good news is, that both skin problems have simple solutions that often fix the problem without much effort.
Dry Skin requires more of an external approach by using a good moisturizer every day. Apply that moisturizer immediately after taking a shower or bath. You will notice a huge difference when doing this because it’ll lock in moisture. Dry skin also requires a gentle exfoliator that is natural and free of chemicals, and will remove dry, flaky skin without stripping what’s left of it. Consider your environment as well. If your home feels dry, or you live in a dry climate, consider adding a humidifier to your bedroom. This'll add an extra punch of moisture to the skin.
Dehydrated Skin comes from within. How many times have we been told to get our 8 glasses a day? If health benefits in general haven’t been enough for you to enforce this habit, maybe the effects you can visibly see on your skin will. The truth is, you should have your 8 glasses a day and then some. Water will plump the skin, improve color and give you a glow that you simply can’t get from anything else. Oh, and it’s FREE! Water also flushes the system and improves basically every system in the body. Which also reflects on the skin's appearance. As the seasons change, keep in mind that the sun dehydrates the skin. We love the vitamin-d we gain from the sunshine, but be careful not to go so far as to dehydrate, and more importantly not replenish what has been lost.
Dry and dehydrated skin are different. That being said, both benefit from what helps each one individually. Dry skin types will always benefit from more water, proper suncare and gentle products. Dehydrated skin will always benefit from a high quality moisturizer and occasional gentle exfoliation. So why is it important to know the difference you ask? Because when you know the root cause of an issue, you can discover results faster and finally get your best skin yet. So stay aware, stay alert, and stay natural.
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Fivesso Team
Be Natural. Feel Natural.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/dry-vs-dehydrated
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353891