Dry or dehydrated skin: what are the differences?
Do you know the difference between having dry skin or dehydrated skin ? The confusion is very common. However, the causes are very different and it is interesting to differentiate them in order to create a treatment adapted to each condition and type of skin. Find in this article all the elements that will allow you to better recognize dehydrated skin from dry skin and determine how to choose your moisturizers and cosmetic products to take care of your skin.
How to differentiate them and what are the causes?
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is characterized by a lack of lipids (sebum) in the stratum corneum of your skin. It therefore does not secrete enough sebum to maintain an effective skin barrier against moisture loss. Dry skin is therefore, like combination and oily skin, a skin type and remains constant.
Dry skin can be caused by:
Skin conditions: eczema or psoriasis are often associated with dry skin.
Genetics: Some people are naturally predisposed to having dry skin due to their genetic makeup.
Aging: With age, the skin's production of sebum decreases and leads to dry skin.
Unsuitable cosmetic products: Using harsh soaps, creams or cleansers on your face can actually strip your skin of its natural oils.
What is dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin simply lacks water . Since the skin is made up of 72% water in adults, this shows the importance of hydrating it. When the skin lacks water, it will have a negative impact on the hydrolipidic film and the cells of the epidermis which will accelerate the evaporation of water and continue to accentuate skin dehydration. A real vicious circle! Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition, which can affect all skin types, including oily skin!
The causes of dehydrated skin can be varied:
Environmental factors: such as wind and cold in winter, UV rays from the sun, heating and air conditioning.
Poor hydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to general dehydration of the body including your skin.
Poor diet: If you don't eat enough fruits and vegetables, which are rich in water, it can impact your hydration, including that of your skin.
Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine: These drinks are known to be diuretics. They therefore increase urine production and contribute to dehydration.
Shaving and hair removal: This can alter the hydrolipidic film, the layer that protects your skin.
How to recognize dehydrated skin from dry skin?
The symptoms are similar but may vary slightly. If you look at your face, you will notice that the skin appears rough and dull with a more pronounced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles .
In the case of dry skin , it may feel tight and itchy, which can lead to burning when you get out of the shower. It also has flaking and redness .
When the skin is dehydrated it will also have a feeling of tightness but which is different from dry skin. A good test to check if your skin is dehydrated is to lightly pinch the skin on your cheek. If the skin quickly returns to its original shape, it is probably well hydrated. If it remains marked or takes time to return to its place, there is probably a lack of hydration!
What are the solutions to relieve your skin?
To take care of your skin effectively, it is crucial to choose cosmetic products that are adapted to your needs according to the condition or type of your skin, whether it is dry or dehydrated. Here are our tips to guarantee beautiful skin, depending on whether you have dry or dehydrated skin:
How to nourish your dry skin?
For dry skin , you will have understood, the problem comes from a lack of lipids . It is therefore important to nourish your skin well. To do this, you will need oily creams and serums rich in lipids to facilitate the restoration of your lipid barrier. Use treatments containing ingredients such as ceramides, shea butter and natural fats such as jojoba or argan oil. This type of ingredient will help nourish the epidermis of your skin . They must also be combined with good reflexes such as taking quick showers with lukewarm water and favoring mild soaps. It may also be interesting to get an air humidifier for both winter and summer.
How to hydrate your skin?
If you have dehydrated skin , it is imperative to improve your hydration ! This involves external and internal hydration. You will need a moisturizer adapted to your skin containing ingredients that retain water such as hyaluronic acid and glycine for example. We recommend that you avoid drying products such as those containing alcohol. You can also combine the use of a serum with a moisturizer to nourish your epidermis . It is also essential to hydrate yourself well from the inside! This is why drinking enough water every day is essential to maintain the hydration of your body, including your skin. We advise you to adopt a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, rich in water to provide the skin with the nutrients it needs. Finally, we recommend that you limit your consumption of alcohol , soda and caffeine which promote dehydration . You can also optimize your hydration with Hydratis . Use one tablet in 250ml of water, twice a day. But that's not all! The hydration solution also contains zinc, which is known to promote healthy skin. You can find all Hydratis products on hydratis.co and discover our ultra-hydrating range!
It is essential to distinguish between dry skin and dehydrated skin to choose the most suitable skincare. Dry skin lacks lipids , while dehydrated skin suffers from a lack of water . The two conditions require different skincare approaches, but simple actions such as using suitable cosmetic products, good hydration, and healthy habits can greatly improve the appearance and comfort of your skin. The key is really to take care of your skin by taking these differences into account to act and maintain healthy and radiant skin!
