How To Tell If You Have Dry or Dehydrated Skin
Although you may assume the two things are the same, there is, in fact, a difference between dry and dehydrated skin. As Georgie Cleeve, founder of Oskia, explains, “dry skin is characterised by hereditary small pores which produce less protective sebum, causing dryness and poor barrier function.”
Dehydrated skin is a condition that can affect every skin type, resulting from a lack of water in the top layer of your skin, rather than a lack of oil. So now you know the difference, how to tell which one you have? Here’s a quick guide to the key characteristics.
What Are The Signs Of Dehydrated Skin?
- Skin is dull or looks ashy
- Pores can be any size
- Skin absorbs products ultra-fast
- Makeup can go patchy throughout the day
- Skin feels dry and tight – sometimes all over or in patches
- Fine lines are more visible
What Causes Dehydrated Skin?
Dehydrated skin is usually caused by environmental factors such as excessive sun exposure, wind, or fluctuating temperatures. Lifestyle can also play a role - for example, if your diet lacks essential fatty acids, or if you drink too much alcohol or too little water.
As Georgie explains, “You can check for signs of dehydration yourself - use your index and middle fingers to gently push up your cheek. If you notice very fine horizontal lines appearing above your fingers, your skin is dehydrated.”
How To Treat Dehydrated Skin
Once you've determined that your skin is dehydrated, there’s plenty you can do to improve it. First, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, as this can instantly plump up your skin. Try to avoid washing with hot water, which can strip away natural moisture.
“Eating foods high in water and micronutrients, such as watermelon, and reducing caffeine and alcohol will rehydrate your skin and make a huge difference,” says Georgie.
When it comes to products, look for hyaluronic acid - a powerhouse ingredient that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water and provides deep hydration.
Adding two to three drops of the Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster to your usual moisturiser gives your skin an extra boost of hydration. Another favourite is Dr Dennis Gross’ Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion. Its lightweight gel texture sinks in within seconds, cooling and hydrating the skin.
Oils can also be very beneficial for dehydrated skin, though overly rich formulas may overwhelm some skin types. Georgie recommends light oils high in linoleic acid, which help balance healthy sebum production.
What Are The Signs Of Dry Skin?
- Skin feels tight, itchy, dry or flaky all year-round
- Pores are small
- Skin lacks plumpness
- Products are not absorbed quickly
- Skin is very reactive
- Skin looks and feels rough and dry
What Causes Dry Skin?
Dry skin is caused by insufficient production of natural oils (sebum), which compromises your skin barrier function and allows moisture to escape.
How To Treat Dehydrated Skin
Those with dry skin should look for products rich in ceramides and vitamin E. Sunday Riley’s ICE Ceramide Moisturizing Cream is excellent for quenching very dry skin and provides long-lasting hydration throughout the day. At night, try Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream for a richer, creamier texture. On particularly dry patches, press on an extra layer of this cream—you’ll notice your skin feels softer and more bouncy by morning.
Oils and balms are also ideal for dry skin, so opt for these textures when choosing cleansers. They help prevent moisture loss while cleansing. Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm not only feels incredibly luxurious but also nourishes and deeply hydrates. Votary’s Cleansing Oils soothe and comfort dry skin, leaving it feeling fresh rather than stripped or squeaky clean.
