Dehydrated Vs Dry Skin: The Facts | Skinceuticals Australia

Many people make the assumption that dehydrated and dry skin are one in the same. While there are similar visible effects to your face, and both can occur simultaneously, the causes are different. In this article we discuss the differences between dry skin and dehydrated skin, and how you can manage them with your skincare.

What’s The Difference Between Dry And Dehydrated Skin?

There are a few key differences between dry and dehydrated skin. The first difference is what causes it: dry skin is caused by insufficient sebum production, whereas dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water.

Dehydrated skin

Caused by a lack of water and hydration
Resembles onion skin
Tends to be a temporary skin concern that can happen to any skin type
Skin becomes noticeably more sensitive

Dry skin

Caused by a lack of oil production necessary for the skin moisture barrier
Resembles a more prune-like appearance and can lead to visible skin flakes
Tends to be caused by genetics and is lifelong
Skin may be itchy and have more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles

While the two are different, dry skin can be more prone to dehydration.

What Is Dehydrated Skin?

Dehydrated skin is very common, especially during colder winter months—and it can happen to all skin types, including dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin. It can easily be mistaken for dry skin, but the root cause is a lack of water in the skin, which can lead to a dull appearance as well as more prominent visible signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. To support its strength, structure, and function, the skin needs adequate hydration through water intake and moisture drawn from either the deeper layers of the skin or from the environment. Dehydrated skin is a temporary skin concern that can be improved with skincare that restores hydration.

What Causes Dehydrated Skin?

Dehydrated skin lacks water, a result of trans epidermal water loss (or TEWL). Skin dehydration can be caused by a variety of factors, including a compromised barrier, improper skincare use, low water intake, and environmental conditions such as cold, dry climates. Lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption or use of harsh cleansers can also contribute to dehydrated skin.

Signs Of Dehydrated Skin

When the skin is dehydrated it can appear on the face as:

More pronounced fine lines and wrinkles
Dull skin
Noticeable increase in skin sensitivity
Itching sensations
Loss of skin elasticity and sagging

How To Care For Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin needs to restore its moisture levels, so caring for dehydrated skin is about prioritising intense hydration, usually with occlusives and humectants:

Emollients and occlusives

Emollients work to deliver essential lipids to the skin to lock in moisture. Occlusive ingredients also support this as they help to create a moisture barrier to prevent water loss.

Humectants

Occlusives are quite thick so if you have dehydrated skin but a blemish-prone or oily skin type you should keep occlusives to a minimum, or focus on renewing the skin with lightweight humectant formulas. Humectants are a naturally occurring substance that draws in moisture.

They are usually more lightweight than occlusives, which is what makes them better for oily skin.

Antioxidants

Part of maintaining skin hydration is protecting it from environmental aggressors. Antioxidants, like vitamin C help to protect the skin from harmful free radicals to prevent the skin moisture barrier from being affected.

Recommended Products For Dehydrated Skin

Skincare products that focus on binding moisture are beneficial for dehydrated skin.

Hydrating B5 Hyaluronic Acid Facial Mask

Hydrating B5 Hyaluronic Acid Facial Mask: Formulated with hyaluronic acid to attract moisture to the skin along with barrier-strengthening vitamin B5, the Hydrating B5 Facial Mask delivers an intense surge of moisture as needed.

The SkinCeuticals Phyto family

Phyto Corrective Gel, Phyto Corrective Essence Hydrating Mist and the Phyto Corrective Hydrating Mask all feature a signature blend of soothing botanicals. This serum, moisturiser, and treatment mask provide dehydrated skin with the extra hydration it needs while reducing visible redness and skin sensitivity.

Triple Lipid Restore 242 Anti-Ageing Moisturiser

Triple Lipid Restore 242 Anti-Ageing Moisturiser: This lightweight moisturiser provides long-lasting hydration for all skin types. Formulated with vitamin E for sealing in moisture, this formula can restore lost moisture while helping to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

What Is Dry Skin?

Dry skin is a specific skin type that is generally dictated by genetics. Dry skin lacks oil, and if someone has dry skin, they will likely always have dry skin. However, skincare products specifically formulated for this skin type can help to keep skin hydrated and minimise the appearance of dry skin.

Although all skin types can experience dehydration, dry skin types may be more prone to dehydration since the oils produced naturally by the skin play a key role in minimising water loss and maintaining the skin moisture barrier.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dry skin is a skin type marked by insufficient production of sebum (oil) and lipids, which the skin needs for hydration and protection from environmental aggressors. Similar to dehydrated skin, dry skin can become more pronounced during cold, dry winter weather. Harsh skincare products that strip the skin of its natural oils, hormonal changes, lifestyle, and the natural ageing process can exacerbate dry skin,

Signs of dry skin include:

More pronounced fine lines and wrinkles
Dull skin
Tight skin
Visible flakes
Visible redness or irritation

How To Care For Dry Skin

Just like dehydrated skin, you want to restore the skin’s moisture barrier by providing ample skin hydration. Dry skin that produces less sebum can benefit from thicker moisturising formulas as well as anti-ageing products to minimise fine lines and wrinkles.

Look for moisture-rich products

Look for moisture-rich cleansers, hydrating serums and soothing moisturisers to soothe the skin. Hydrating products will contain humectants like hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture to supplement moisture loss.

Look for emollient and occlusive ingredients

Emollients can seal in moisture for up to 24-hour hydration. Because dry skin doesn’t produce less sebum (oil) than needed, occlusive emollients are a great substitute for the essential lipids and oils needed to maintain the skin's moisture barrier.

Turn to anti-ageing formulas

Dry skin can make visible signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles appear more pronounced. Products that target skin elasticity and sagging skin can help to visibly reduce the resulting fine lines for more even skin texture. Make sure to always balance the skin drying effects of anti-ageing formulas with hydrating formulas.

Skinceuticals Solutions For Dry Skin

Effective skincare for dry skin concentrates on emollient ingredients.

Gentle Cream Cleanser

Gentle Cream Cleanser: This mild cream-based cleanser gently removes impurities while allantoin, glycerin, and orange oil help soften and smooth the skin.

HA Intensifier Hyaluronic Acid Serum

HA Intensifier Hyaluronic Acid Serum This multi-functional serum helps to supplement the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid production to keep skin hydrated and looking plump.

C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum

C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum The daily vitamin C serum provides environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin brightness.

Resveratrol B E Antioxidant Night Serum

Resveratrol B E Antioxidant Night Serum: Formulated for overnight use, this potent antioxidant-rich gel-serum fights free-radical damage to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier while brightening the skin.