The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

So how to differentiate between these two?

Posted on

12 November 2017

| Last updated on 31 March 2019

The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

As it is perceived generally, ‘dry’ and ‘dehydrated’ seem like two words to describe the same thing. But in reality, they are completely different concerns with different underlying causes.

Dry skin is a skin type, but the dehydrated skin is a condition anyone can experience. Dry skin is more of a hereditary condition. It literally means your body doesn’t produce as much sebum—so it’s something you have from when you’re born, not something you get. Dry skin has a lack of oil, or lipids. With dehydrated skin, there’s a lack of water in the stratum corneum, which is the top layer of the skin.

It is wrongly perceived that only dry skin can get dehydrated. Oily and combination skin can be dehydrated as well.

So how to differentiate between these two?

Dry Skin Characteristics

Feels rough
Appears dry
Can be flaky

Dehydrated Skin Characteristics

Looks dull
Feels tight
Feels rough
Is sensitive
Shows fine lines
Shows accelerated signs of ageing, like sagging skin and deep wrinkles

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Key causes of dehydrated skin

Sun

When it comes to weather, in addition to wind, rain and cold, UVA in sunlight is the main factor to cause dehydrated skin.

UVA is the main factor that can affect our skin, increase the ageing process, dehydrate it and increase free oxygen radicals in the cells, damaging the skin.

Hard water, hot showers & baths

As far as living in Gulf regions is concerned, of course, all of us are daily exposed to hard water. Hard water contains limestone, which can remove water from the skin. It’s alright to have a shower every day, but make it a short shower, and stick to water that’s warm rather than hot. Hot showers and baths can make the skin more dehydrated.

Ageing

As our skin gets older, the moisture levels in the skin fall, leading to dehydration of skin as well as other skin issues. This is because we produce less oil as we get older. Sebaceous gland activity declines with age, so skin produces less sebum.

Dehydrated skin will have a rough-feeling texture, with fine lines becoming more prominent.

Air-conditioning & central heating

Air conditioning and central heating can affect the skin’s hydration. If someone spends a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms, or with the central heating turned up, these factors can contribute to loss of hydration of the skin.

The wrong skincare

If you’re using products that are not skin friendly, for example, some soaps and body washes are really harsh as most contain chemicals that strip skin of its natural sebum layer. Similarly, if you are not moisturizing the skin frequently, it may lead to dehydration of the skin. Over-exfoliating, applying too-harsh acne treatments, all of these can dehydrate the skin. And of course, not getting enough sleep could be taking its toll.

It’s important to get a very good moisturizer for the body, and another separate product for the face. It is prudent to always moisturize the skin after bath or washing hands.

What should you do if you have dehydrated skin?

Drink plenty of water.
Reduce stress and take a good night sleep
To frequently apply moisturizers on the body especially after a shower (When the skin is still wet).
To take shower with warm rather than hot water.
Use sunscreen with SPF 30
Eat a balanced diet
Use of hyaluronic acid creams on the face and around eyes. It’s naturally present in all human beings, and it helps prevent the effects of ageing. In dehydrated skin, it will help retain water in the skin. In fact, research shows that hyaluronic acid supplementation has a direct correlation with skin moisture and smoothness, and may even be one of the best supplements to increase suppleness in the skin

For more information or to book an appointment, please visit Medcare or press ‘Click to Contact’ to submit your inquiries.