Dry Skin Versus Dehydrated Skin-What's The Difference?

You may be thinking, “wait, aren’t those terms- dry and dehydrated- basically the same thing?” Although we use the words dry and dehydrated interchangeably, and heck, they may even feel similar, they are not the same thing. 
Let’s explore the difference between dry and dehydrated skin, characteristics of each, and how to effectively treat and manage both. 

So...What Is The Difference?

In the simplest terms- Dry is a skin type, Dehydration is a skin condition. Skin type is what you’re born with (dry, oily, combination) and is classified as more permanent. Skin conditions can happen to anyone, can range from sticking around temporarily to more long-term, and can be caused by things such as environmental factors.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dry skin is caused by a lack of oil (or sebum) in the skin. This can be due to genetics, but can sometimes be aggravated due to internal and external factors. These factors that can contribute to dryness include things such as medical conditions, harsh skincare products, extreme temperatures, hormones, and the natural aging process. 
Some signs of dry skin can be a scaly or flaky appearance, redness, and irritation. This is because dryness occurs deep in the skin, but causes texture issues on the surface. People with dry skin may also find that their skin lacks suppleness and elasticity, which can lead to more prominent lines and wrinkles.

How Do I Take Care of Dry Skin?

Unfortunately, you can’t “fix” dry skin, but you can improve its appearance. 
You’ll want to select rich, oil-based formulas and ditch anything that may be too harsh or light in texture. A creamy, gentle, cleanser such as our Lavender Cleanser will help to remove makeup and debris, all while adding light hydration. As for a moisturizer, our Max Moisture Cream, loaded with shea and mango butters, will have your skin feeling nourished in no time.

 

A top priority for those with dry skin should be replenishing the oils that the skin is unable to make itself. Selecting a botanical oil such as Rosehip Seed Oil, or Argan Oil will help to replenish much needed vitamin E, and omegas, all while helping your skin get back a healthy glow. Also, don’t neglect the eye area! The eyes possess the most delicate skin on the face, so give them some TLC with our Jasmine Fine Line Cream for a more hydrated under-eye area.

For the ultimate nourishment for the face, check out our Dry Skin Kit For The Face. It has everything you need to care for your skin, from cleansing to masking. 

Taking Care Of Dryness on the Body

If you’re experiencing dry skin on your face, it’s likely that you may be experiencing dryness on the rest of your body as well. The remedy? Intensive hydration with pure all natural ingredients. We combine ingredients from the sea, like Algae, Dead Sea salts with freshwater Colloidal Silt, to offer a hydrated feel to dry skin.

For dry, irritated skin, reach for our Himalayan Bath Salts for a hydrating, soothing soak. Make sure your bath water isn't too hot, as that can further aggravate the skin. If you prefer to shower, our Silt Body Scrub is a gentle, calming exfoliant to give your body the glow it deserves, without harsh, stripping ingredients.  Finish your body care ritual with a winning combination of our Aromatic Algae Extract and our Nourishing Body Cream for all-over hydration. And for a serious treat, try our Lemongrass Mani Pedi Cream for dry hands and feet. 

For the convenience of a nourished body in a box, check out our Dry Skin Kit For The Body.

What Causes Dehydrated Skin?

On the flip side, dehydrated skin lacks water. Because of this, even oily and combination skins can experience dehydration. Dehydration can occur due to a change in the seasons, temperature, stress, and even lack of sleep. 
Some signs of dehydration that show up on the skin can be dullness, darker under-eyes, itchiness, and an increased appearance of fine lines on the skin. There’s a simple test you can perform at home to identify if your skin is dehydrated. Take a small portion of your skin around the cheek area and squeeze lightly. If you notice any wrinkling and if the skin doesn’t bounce back after you let go, then your skin may be experiencing dehydration. 

How Do I Take Care of Dehydrated Skin?

Dehydrated skin can be a little bit more challenging to treat, but not impossible. Many things you can do can actually be attributed to lifestyle changes. One of the most obvious things to improve dehydrated skin is to drink more water, or eat more water-rich foods. Getting enough sleep, exercise regularly, and replenishing necessary fluids after working out is crucial.  Additionally, cutting out smoking, caffeine, and alcohol will have a positive impact on hydration as well.
As far as products go, look for products that contain hyaluronic acid and other ingredients that support the body’s collagen production, such as our Prickly Pear Botanical Oil. Our Age Defying Day and Night Cream contains over 20 botanicals, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics, to help lock in hydration. For darkness under the eyes, our Cucumber Rose Eye Cream, combined with our Jade Roller will help to refresh tired under eyes. 
For more information on how to care for your skin this winter, check out our blog on caring for your winter skin here.