Are you suffering from dry skin or dehydrated skin? Do you know the difference?

Many of us either suffer from dry skin or dehydrated skin. But to get to the root of the problem, we need to identify whether the skin is actually dry or dehydrated.

DO YOU HAVE DRY SKIN OR DEHYDRATED SKIN?

Because many people use the words dry and dehydrated interchangeably, the confusion arises. But they are not the same. One is a skin type while the other is a skin condition. Each problem requires a different approach and different products for treatment. It’s important to know what each means properly before trying to tackle it. So let us try to dissect the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin.

VIDEO:

Watch this short video on Dehydrated vs Dry skin to learn the basics in just 4 mins.

To learn more about skin types vs skin conditions, go here.

WHAT IS DRY SKIN?

In simple words, dry skin actually refers to a skin type in which it produces less oil compared to normal or oily skin. Like the way some people have oily skin and combination skin, others can have dry skin.

You are either born with dry skin or your skin can turn dry due to external factors. Harsh weather conditions, poor nutrition, pollution, and aging can all contribute to less secretion of oil, leading to dry skin. If you have oily skin and use too much of oil-control products, it can also cause you to have dry skin.

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SIGNS AND REMEDIES FOR DRY SKIN

If you are not sure whether you have dry skin or dehydrated skin, look out for these signs.

Dry skin appears flaky, skin becomes red or irritated, and scaly. You may suffer from eczema if you have excessive dryness.

To keep the dryness at bay, you must indulge your skin in deep moisturization. Moisturizing helps your skin to retain more moisture, helping your skin to look better. Indulge in moisturizing products that help to lock in moisture overnight. With proper care, you can keep your skin well hydrated and healthy.

 WHAT IS DEHYDRATED SKIN?

When we talk of hydration, we think of water. So, when we talk of dehydrated skin, it means the skin is lacking in water and is unable to retain the moisture the skin needs. A healthy skin barrier can retain water efficiently. The outer skin layer must retain 10 to 15 percent of water; when the water level goes below 10 percent, the skin becomes dehydrated.

Many external factors like the environment and weather conditions also play a role in reducing your skin’s water level.

While dry skin is a skin type, dehydrated skin is a skin condition that can also occur in other skin types like oily, normal, or combination skin.One of the best ways to identify if you have dehydrated skin is by doing the pinch test.Pinch a bunch of skin on your face and hold for a moment. If your skin springs back, your skin is not dehydrated. But if it takes some time to spring back, your skin may be dehydrated.

SIGNS AND REMEDIES FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN

If your skin is dehydrated, the skin looks dull and may start showing signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. You may also experience under-eye circles, itchiness, redness, and inflammation.

One of the best remedies for dehydrated skin is by drinking plenty of water. You can also incorporate plenty of water-soluble food into your diet. Go for water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumber, watermelon, celery, etc.

Also, use humectant-rich hydration that will improve your skin’s moisture level.

Whatever your skin problem is – whether it is dry or dehydrated, if you know how to care for it, you will enjoy soft, supple, and healthy skin.