Often times, people confuse dry and dehydrated skin. Many people believe the terms are interchangeable and that there isn’t really a difference between the two. Others know that they are different but have no idea what the difference is, and that is okay! Everything is a learning experience and it is true that dry and dehydrated skin are different.

To start off, dry skin is a skin type but dehydrated skin is a condition that anyone can experience. When you have dry skin, this means that your skin has a lack of oil while dehydrated skin means you have a lack of water. All skin types --- dry, oily, or combination --- can experience dehydrated skin. It means your skin may not have the water it needs. And with dry skin , what it means to lack oil is that your skin is producing less sebum than normal skin. And when you lack sebum, the skin is without the lipids it needs to retain moisture and to build a strong barrier to protect against external aggressors.

dry skin or dehydrated skin To determine if you have , there are a few things to look for. If you have dry skin, typically, your skin will feel rough, appear dry and your skin can look flaky. Oftentimes, it can be uncomfortable and itchy. If you have dehydrated skin, your skin will look dull, feel tight, feel rough, be sensitive, show fine lines, or show accelerated signs of aging, like sagging skin and deep wrinkles.

If you have dry skin, you want to make sure that your skin does not get dryer. When taking showers or baths, try not to use steaming hot water. Instead, use warm water and make sure to not shower or bathe for too long. When cleaning your face, make sure to use a gentle cleanser and immediately use moisturizer after. Dry skin can easily become irritated so it is important to use gentle products on your skin. Most importantly, avoid products that contain alcohol, fragrance, retinoids, or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), as these ingredients can cause your skin to become dryer. Also, try to add a humidifier to your room so that there’s moisture in the air surrounding you.

According to Dr Haus As for dehydrated skin, one of the biggest causes is the sun. If you have to be out in the sun all day, remember to wear a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin. Hot steaming showers can cause your skin to dehydrate as well, so try to shower in warm or cooler temperature water. Another cause for dehydrated skin is air-conditioning and central heating. Of course, they may be hard to avoid, but it’s recommended to have water with you at all times or an accessible place to get water. Last but not least, skincare products can also help with dehydrated skin. , a dermatologist at the Dermatology Clinic in central London, it is best to use moisturizers or serums that contain fragmented hyaluronic acid; this helps with keeping water in the skin.

Dry skin is a skin type while dehydrated skin is a condition. Whether you have dry skin or dehydrated skin, it can be treated with the right steps and tools. Be sure to use the information and links above to determine what skin type or condition you may have, and then follow the steps to help it!