Did you know that dehydrated and dry skin are not the same?
Many people use the two interchangeably, but the causes are different, and so are the treatments. The key to improving dehydrated and dry skin (or both) is understanding which your skin is experiencing and taking the proper steps to restore skin to healthier state.
Dehydrated vs dry skin
Dehydrated skin is common during wintertime due to the cold weather and lower humidity stripping moisture off the skin. This is a temporary condition triggered by external factors such as weather, lifestyle choices and inadequate water intake. Any skin type can become dehydrated, leading to a dull appearance and a more prominent appearance of skin problems such as fine lines, dullness, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Our skin needs to contain about 30% of water to support its strength, structure and function, less than that leads to dehydrated skin.
Dry skin, on the other hand, is a skin type typically determined by genetics. It is a long-term skin type rather than a temporary condition nourishment and lipid-rich moisturizers to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Drinking water won’t help dry skin, which is where a healthy and tailored skincare routine becomes handy.
To differentiate between dehydrated skin and dry skin based on appearance, consider the following:
Dehydrated Skin
- Appears dull and lackluster, often looking tired.
- May show fine lines or crepey texture, especially when pinched.
- Can feel tight but still appear oily or combination.
- Often accompanied by temporary redness or sensitivity.
- Makeup may look patchy or settle into fine lines.
Dry Skin
- Has a rough or flaky texture, especially around the nose, cheeks, and forehead.
- Appears matte and lacks oil production.
- May feel itchy or irritated.
- Prone to cracks or peeling in extreme cases.
- Makeup may cling to dry patches, making them more visible.
Whether skin is dry or dehydrated, both types require moisture. The difference is how you care for each.
Since dehydrated skin refers to trans-epidermal water loss, which may occur due to a compromised barrier, improper skincare or lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, it’s important to treat skin regularly with products that provide a daily dose of moisture with a little something to improve the strength of your skin barrier to lock in hydration.
Caring for dehydrated skin doesn’t necessarily mandate the use of heavy emollients. Products like SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture combined with a serum like Hydrating B5 Serum will provide thirsty skin with the little boost of moisture it needs while reinforcing the strength and health of your skin’s barrier—but be mindful of increasing your water consumption, too!
Dry skin sufferers should opt for richer, more emollient skincare like SkinCeuticals. skincare with moisture-rich cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and masks can help soothe and improve the look and feel of the skin. Products formulated with hyaluronic acid enhance the skin’s ability to retain moisture, making them highly beneficial for those with dry skin.
If skin feels tight and itchy–if you’re seeing symptoms that include dullness, flaking, redness, a scaly appearance, or irritation, it may be time to visit our clinic where Dr. Kamani will put together a skincare routine that supports the health of your skin.
At Kitsilano Medical Aesthetics, we provide expert cosmetic treatments and skincare in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Our focus is providing safe, personalized treatments backed by science so you always feel confident in your skin.
Connect at 6042229998 or rozkamaniclinic@gmail.com to learn more about skincare in Vancouver.