Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin: Tips to Identify and Manage Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Many people often confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin, assuming they are the same - but they’re not. Understanding the key differences is essential for providing your skin with the right care. In this blog, our skincare experts will guide you through identifying these distinctions and offer practical tips to help you manage and nourish your skin according to its specific needs.

Understanding Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin

In simple terms, dry skin is a skin type characterised by a lack of lipids and ceramides, leading to insufficient sebum production. This means your skin is missing the essential oils needed to stay moisturised and protected from environmental stressors. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, refers to a lack of water, which can affect any skin type.

It’s entirely possible to experience both conditions at the same time, your skin can be both dry (lacking oil) and dehydrated (lacking water). Alternatively, you might have oily skin and still suffer from dehydration. To help clarify the differences, signs, and the best ways to treat each, we’ve consulted our skin specialists for expert advice.

What is Dry Skin?

 As our skincare expert Niamh Casey has outlined, dry skin is a genetic skin type, meaning it’s determined by your DNA - you are born with it. Unlike dehydrated skin, which is a condition, dry skin lacks natural oils due to inadequate sebum production. Because of this lack of oil, dry skin requires constant moisture and is more susceptible to premature ageing.

Characteristics of dry skin include:

• Dull, patchy, or flaky appearance
• Excessive build-up or visible scaling of the skin
• Rough texture, redness, and irritation
• Itchiness and sensitivity, often leading to cracked skin

Factors that worsen dry skin:

• Harsh weather conditions, such as cold temperatures, wind, and low humidity, which strip the skin of its natural moisture
• Hot water exposure, like long showers or baths, that can deplete essential oils
• Irritating skincare products containing harsh ingredients, such as alcohol or strong detergents, which can further dry out the skin
• Ageing, which naturally reduces the skin’s ability to produce sebum, leading to increased dryness over time
• Certain medications, such as those prescribed for acne or blood pressure, that may have drying side effects

“For those suffering with dry skin, it's essential to prioritise using moisture-rich products to keep the skin nourished and prevent further sensitivity.” - Niamh Casey, SKINICIAN skincare expert.

What is Dehydrated Skin?

According to Niamh, dehydrated skin is a common but temporary concern, influenced by external factors rather than being a permanent skin type. It occurs when your skin is unable to retain moisture, resulting in a lack of hydration that affects its overall appearance and feel.

Characteristics of dehydrated skin include:

• A tight, uncomfortable sensation
• A dull, lackluster appearance
• Reduced elasticity and firmness
• More noticeable fine lines and wrinkles
• Cracked or dry lips, along with dark under-eye circles
• In some cases, skin may feel oily yet still be dehydrated

Causes of dehydrated skin include:

• Environmental factors such as cold weather, wind, and air conditioning, which deplete the skin’s hydration levels
• Hormonal changes that disrupt the skin’s ability to hold water
• Medications that may cause dehydration as a side effect
• Lifestyle choices such as insufficient water intake, poor diet, and high stress levels
• Harsh treatments like over-exfoliation or using products that strip the skin of moisture

Niamh also notes that dehydrated skin can often become prone to breakouts, as the lack of water can lead to overproduction of oil in an attempt to compensate for the moisture imbalance.

How to Identify Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin

Identifying Dry Skin

Signs and Symptoms of dry skin:

Texture: Dry skin typically feels rough or flaky to the touch. The surface may appear patchy, and you may notice visible scaling.

Appearance: Skin may look dull and lifeless, lacking the natural glow associated with well-hydrated skin.

Tightness: Individuals with dry skin often experience a tight sensation, especially after cleansing, which indicates a lack of moisture.

Sensitivity: Dry skin can be more prone to irritation, redness, and itchiness. You might also notice cracks in the skin, especially in harsher weather conditions.

How to Identify Dry Skin:

Texture Test: Run your fingers over the skin's surface. Dry skin usually feels rough and may have a sandpaper-like texture.

Visual Check: Look for flaky patches, scaling, or redness, which are common indicators of dryness.

Tightness After Cleansing: If your skin feels tight after washing, this is a strong sign of dry skin rather than dehydration.

 

Identifying Dehydrated Skin

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydrated Skin:

Texture: Dehydrated skin may feel smooth to the touch but appears dull and lacks radiance. It can also feel rough due to the lack of water in the skin.

Fine Lines: Dehydrated skin often shows fine lines, especially when the skin is pulled or stretched. These lines may appear more prominent when you smile or frown.

Tightness: While dehydrated skin can also feel tight, the sensation often stems from an overall lack of water rather than a lack of oil.

Breakouts: Interestingly, dehydrated skin can sometimes lead to breakouts, as the skin may overcompensate for the lack of hydration by producing excess oil.

 How to Identify Dehydrated Skin:

Pinch Test: Gently pinch the skin on your cheek or the back of your hand. If you see fine lines or wrinkles appear as you release the pinch, your skin may be dehydrated.

Surface Check: Dehydrated skin may show signs of flakiness but lacks the rough texture characteristic of dry skin. It may appear shiny in areas but feel tight overall.

Hydration Levels: Consider whether you are consuming enough water and using hydrating products. Dehydrated skin can often improve quickly with proper hydration.

 

Click here to Download the Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin Cheat Sheet

 

Managing Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Treating Dry Skin

To effectively combat dry skin, here are the top three must-dos, along with expert advice from leading nutritionist, oncologist, and skin specialist Niamh Casey:  

Tip 1 - Choose Oil or Cream-Based Products

Opt for oil or cream-based products rich in emollient oils that boost moisture and nourishment. Look for ingredients such as avocado oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter, which help replenish the skin’s lipid barrier and keep it hydrated.

Tip 2 - Stay Hydrated Internally

Tip 3 - Exfoliate Gently for Better Absorption

Implement a gentle exfoliation routine to remove dead skin cells and allow moisture to penetrate more effectively.

Use enzyme peels or mild alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to exfoliate without causing irritation. Regular exfoliation, 1-2 times a week, will help your hydrating products work more effectively and improve the overall appearance of your skin.

Niamh also emphasises the benefits of including retinol in your routine, which can aid in skin renewal and enhance moisture retention, helping to combat dryness.

Treating Dehydrated Skin

To effectively combat dehydrated skin, here are the top three must-dos outlined by expert Niamh Casey:

Top Tip 1 - Incorporate Hydrating Ingredients

Choose products containing hydrating and water-soluble humectants that attract moisture to the skin. Look for plant-based ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vegetable collagen, glycerin, and aloe vera. These ingredients not only hydrate but also help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.

Top Tip from Niamh: Add serums or moisturisers with chamomile, pro vitamin B5, and zinc PCA to enhance hydration and soothe the skin. Ensure you apply these products to damp skin to maximise moisture retention.

Top Tip 2 - Stay Hydrated Internally

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support overall skin hydration. Additionally, consume foods rich in fatty acids and those high in water content to nourish your skin from within.

Niamh's Top Tip: Include hydrating foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and leafy greens in your diet. These not only hydrate your body but also support skin health.

Top Tip 3 - Exfoliate for Enhanced Absorption

Implement a gentle exfoliation routine to remove dead skin cells that can hinder moisture absorption and leave your skin looking dull.

Top Tip from skincare expert Lisa Padmore: Opt for AHAs and enzyme peels to gently exfoliate without causing irritation. Regular exfoliation, 1-2 times a week, will help your hydrating products penetrate deeper, improving their effectiveness.

Lisa also highlights the benefits of including ingredients like retinol and vitamins A, C, and E, which can further enhance hydration and support skin health.

 

Additional tips for managing dry versus dehydrated skin

#1 Hydration

Best for: Both dry and dehydrated skin
Drinking adequate water throughout the day is essential for maintaining skin hydration. It helps to keep your skin plump and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily, and consider herbal teas or infused water for variety. To further boost hydration, apply a hyaluronic acid serum both morning and night. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping to lock in moisture, replenish water loss, and keep skin hydrated and plump around the clock.

#2 Moisturise Frequently

Best for: Both dry and dehydrated skin
Applying a moisturiser regularly, especially after cleansing, helps to lock in moisture. Look for products with emollients and humectants to provide lasting hydration and nourishment throughout the day.

#3 Avoid Putting the Heating On

Best for: Both dry and dehydrated skin
Central heating can significantly reduce humidity levels, leading to increased skin dryness. Whenever possible, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, or keep your home well-ventilated to help prevent skin from becoming overly dry.

#4 Use Gentle Cleansers

Best for: Both dry and dehydrated skin
Opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers that do not strip the skin barrier. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers, which can exacerbate dryness and irritation.

#5 Incorporate an Overnight Mask

Best for: Both dry and dehydrated skin
For an extra boost of hydration, apply the Revitalising Repair Mask overnight two times per week. This intensive treatment helps to replenish moisture and repair the skin barrier while you sleep. The nourishing formula soothes dry and dehydrated skin, leaving you with a radiant complexion by morning.

#6 Gentle Exfoliation

Best for: Both dry and dehydrated skin
Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, allowing for optimal product absorption. However, it’s essential to use gentle exfoliants like enzymes or mild AHAs to avoid irritation and further drying out the skin.

#7 Sun Protection

Best for: Both dry and dehydrated skin
Protecting your skin from UV damage is crucial, as sun exposure can lead to increased dryness and dehydration. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens with hydrating properties to safeguard your skin while maintaining moisture.

#8 Opt for Oil-Based Products

Best for: Dry skin
Incorporating oil-based products, such as the cleansing balm, can be particularly beneficial for dry skin types. These products provide essential fatty acids that help replenish the skin’s lipid barrier and improve moisture retention.

 

For more articles on dry skin, read:

• Winter Skin SOS: Top Tips and a Winter Skincare Routine for a Healthy Glow
• All you need to know about your skin barrier & how to look after it
• Carol’s Dry Skin Journey to Happy, Healthy Skin
• Qurtulaine’s Dull Skin Journey to Happy, Healthy Skin