WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRY AND DEHYDRATED SKIN?
Aren't Dry and Dehydrated Skin the Same?
Although they might seem like the same beauty issue at first glance, they are not. They differ significantly in their needs and are the number one skin ageing problem! For an even and long-lasting healthy glow, it's important to know the difference. We'll tell you what distinguishes them, how to recognise them, and how to prevent them.
DRY SKIN
Dry skin describes a specific skin type. In this case, sebum production in the deeper layers of the skin is permanently at a minimum: not enough lipids and oils are produced to keep the skin supple. It is mostly genetic, but as we age, sebum production decreases due to a destabilised skin barrier, leading to moisture loss.
Good to know: It is possible for "true" dry skin to produce too little sebum but still have a normal moisture level. In this case, the skin is dry but not dehydrated.
How to Recognise Dry Skin
It flakes, cracks, feels rough, and is prone to redness and irritation, causing an uncomfortable tightness every day, all year round. You may experience dryness not only on your face but also on areas like your elbows or shins. The skin is also somewhat thinner and often appears dull and pale. However, dry skin has one clear advantage: it has finer pores and little to no oily shine.
How to Care for Dry Skin
Dry skin needs one thing above all: fats! Daily use of rich creams with a high fat and oil content is essential. These creams are replenishing and protect the natural lipid film. For additional care, intensive concentrates, serum-in-oil textures, or ampoules are suitable. When it comes to cleansing, the gentler, the better! Gentle cleansing oils and tonics, or a cleansing milk, are better than foaming gels. You don't have to skip exfoliation, but limit it to 1-2 times a week and opt for gentle enzymatic formulations to avoid further stressing dry skin.
DEHYDRATED SKIN
Dehydrated skin describes the condition of your skin. What it lacks is water. Too much of it evaporates, leading to a constant moisture deficit. Simply put: dehydrated skin is extremely thirsty! It needs hydration. The cause lies in a variety of external factors, the most common being diet, caffeine consumption, climate, insufficient fluid intake, and hormonal fluctuations.
Good to know: Any skin type can develop this dehydrated condition. Even oily skin can be dehydrated! In this case, it produces more sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture
How to Recognise Dehydrated Skin
The characteristics of dehydrated skin can be quite varied. Its lack of water can manifest as tight, dry, rough, or peeling skin. Common signs include a dull, tired, sagging complexion, fine lines that are not age-related, dryness lines, and dark circles under the eyes. Redness, inflammation, and sensitivity can also be indicators. If your skin feels dry under an oily, shiny layer, you most likely have dehydrated skin.
How to Care for Dehydrated Skin
Unfortunately, an extra glass of water and a long bath won't solve the problem. But the good news is that dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that can be remedied with the right skincare routine. It thrives on hydrating products that help the skin retain water. However, it also needs ingredients that strengthen the skin's lipid barrier to prevent water from evaporating and causing moisture loss again. Hyaluronic acid is the key beauty tip here, as it intensely hydrates thirsty cells.
SECRET TIP: ELECTROLYTES
Dry skin needs fats, while dehydrated skin craves moisture. The solution is a skincare routine that addresses both needs and provides long-lasting satisfaction. A real insider tip is using electrolytes in skincare. They act like an energy boost and moisture kick for dry and dehydrated skin! Always remember: well-hydrated skin is healthy skin and the best beauty investment for the future.
