Dry skin is a skin type, but dehydrated skin is a condition anyone can have. Dry skin has a lack of oil, or lipids. With dehydrated skin, there’s a lack of water in the top layer of the skin. You can be dehydrated and have oily or combination skin.
DRY SKIN
- Lacks oil
- Skin type (developed at birth)
- Needs oil-rich products
- Dry everywhere (scalp, hands)
- Constant, especially in the winter
- Needs: ceramides, plant oils
DEHYDRATED SKIN
- Lacks water
- Skin condition (triggered by lifestyle, environment, diet)
- Needs water-rich products
- May feel both oily and dry
- Prone to breakouts
- Treatable
- Needs: water-rich products (hyaluronic acid, aloe)
Some causes of dehydrated skin
HOT SHOWERS & BATHS
Hot showers and baths can make the skin more dehydrated. Use lukewarm water instead.
AIR-CONDITIONING or HEATER
Air conditioning and heater can affect the skin’s hydration.
If you spend a lot of time in rooms with high air conditioning and heaters, your skin might be dehydrated. Try a humidifier to offset these conditions.
HARSH SKINCARE
Are you using too many acids too often?
SUN
UVA is the main factor that can affect our skin, increase the aging process, increase oxidants in the skin, dehydrate it and increase free radicals in the cells, damaging the skin. Sunscreen everyday (even if you spend your day inside) is essential.