Dry vs Dehydrated Skin: Differences & Treatments

Many people use the terms “dry skin” and “dehydrated skin” interchangeably, but these two characteristics present distinct signs, symptoms, and causes. If your basic moisturizer isn’t cutting it, have no fear! We’re here to tell you everything you need to know to identify and treat dry vs dehydrated skin.

What causes dry skin?

The primary culprit behind dry skin is a lack of sebum, the natural oil created by your skin, which can be influenced by several factors, including: 

Cold, dry weather

Cold temperatures can inhibit your sebaceous glands, so they generate less sebum. Cold air naturally retains less moisture than warm air, so exposure to chilly drafts causes a drying effect, seeping moisture from your skin and causing dryness, tightness, and flaking. 

Low humidity

Low humidity levels inside and outside can also make it harder for your skin to remain hydrated and retain natural oils. Whether it’s due to your local environment or indoor heating and air conditioning, low humidity is a leading cause of dry skin. 

Too much hot water

It might seem like hot water would infuse your skin with moisture, but steamy showers can actually have the opposite effect, stripping your skin of natural oils and weakening your moisture barrier. Ultimately, you’ll be more prone to dryness, sensitivity, and irritation. 

Sun damage

UV exposure damages your skin on a cellular level. A photodamaged face may generate less collagen and a compromised lipid barrier, leading to a dull complexion, uneven texture, and accelerated aging. Rough, bumpy skin, wrinkles, and dark spots can all indicate dry skin. 

Windy weather

Just like cold air and inadequate humidity, windy weather can pull moisture from the skin and reduce surface oils, leading to chapped lips, dehydrated cheeks, and a less-than-ideal look and feel throughout your face, body, and hands. 

Genetics

Some people simply produce less sebum than others. They may experience chronically dry, itchy skin despite hydrating elements in their skincare routine. Those with conditions like eczema may also be naturally prone to dry, flaky skin. 

Related: Your Guide to Hydrodermabrasion for Gentle Resurfacing

What makes skin dehydrated?

Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin lacks water, not oil. Even people with oily, normal, and combination skin can suffer from dehydration. Here are several common causes of skin dehydration:

Skincare habits

Diving into a skincare routine without considering the unique needs of your outer layer can have detrimental effects on your skin’s hydration. Here are some of the common skincare mistakes that lead to dehydrated skin:

• Harsh cleansers and over-cleansing: Washing your face too often or with the wrong cleanser can strip both water and natural oils from your skin, weakening your moisture barrier and inhibiting moisture retention.
  

• Not moisturizing: Some people with oily skin assume they don’t need moisturizer, mistaking sebum for hydration. This can lead to an overproduction of oil and congested pores.
  

• Over-exfoliating: Acids and physical exfoliators can damage your moisture barrier and encourage rapid water loss.
  

• Using alcohol-based products: Topical alcohols and astringents promote evaporation and dehydration.
  

• Skipping humectants: Products like hyaluronic acid and glycerine attract and retain moisture, so they’re necessary for many with dehydrated skin.

Lifestyle factors

Of course, proper hydration starts from the inside out. Not drinking enough water, consuming too much caffeine or alcohol, and failing to get adequate sleep on a regular basis can all cause skin to become dehydrated. 

Environmental factors

A dry climate, low humidity, and sun exposure are also culprits when it comes to dehydrated skin. Excessive heat, cold, and wind can all strip away moisture and dry out your skin. 

Understanding dry vs dehydrated skin and what to do about it

Still unsure which category you fall into? Try the pinch test! Choose a spot on your forehead, neck, or hand and gently pinch the skin between your fingers. Quickly bouncing back into place is a sign that your skin is well moisturized. If it stays tented or takes a few seconds to return, you need more water-based hydration. 

Skin type vs skin condition

Dry skin is a skin type that produces less oil than others. This lack of sebum can weaken the skin barrier and create a flaky, rough appearance with small pores. People with dry skin may be more prone to irritation and redness.

On the other hand, dehydrated skin is a temporary skin condition that may cause tightness, fine lines, patches of dead skin cells, and a dull complexion. 

Causes and risk factors

Dry skin may be genetic or appear due to age and environmental conditions. Sun damage and exposure to cold, dry air, and hot water may intensify symptoms. Dehydrated skin is typically caused by lifestyle factors, nutritional deficiencies, or inadequate care practices. 

Treatment options

While you can’t “cure” a skin type, you can incorporate certain habits into your skincare routine to mitigate the effects of dry skin. Using gentle cleansers, emollient-rich products, and layering occlusives can help support your lipid barrier.

If your skin is dehydrated, treatment should include drinking plenty of water, adding humidity to your indoor environment, and using hydrating serums to encourage moisture retention.

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