Has your skin been feeling dull, tight, flaky, itchy, red, or rough lately? You might have thought it’s just because of the way your skin is – dry. But there’s a clear difference between your skin being dry and dehydrated. If you’re confused and wondering, “Aren’t they the same skin condition?” No, these two skin conditions are very different, both in their symptoms and also in the type of condition. By understanding the differences, you can treat your skin the right way and make it better. If you’re curious to know the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin, keep reading this blog!
What Is Dry Skin?
Our skin, which has glands called sebaceous glands, naturally produces a wax and oil-like stuff which actually keeps your skin and hair protected with its moisture. This stuff is made up of lipids, and when your skin doesn’t haveenough moisture of these lipids or sebum (oil and wax substance), it can become dry and causes irritation, flakes,redness, scales, etc., which increases the chances of you having skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis.
Common Characteristics of Dry Skin:
- Rough skin
- Skin peeling off
- Skin tightness
- Scaling
- Itchiness
- Fine lines are more common
- Skin flaking
What Is Dehydrated Skin?
Dry skin doesn’t have enough oil and wax substances (sebum), and dehydrated skin is when your skin is not hydrated and needs water. This skin condition can affect anyone, regardless of their skin type (like oily, dry, sensitive,etc). There is a certain percentage of water (10-15%) that your skin has, and when this drops below this level,dehydration affects your skin. It can create an imbalance of moisture level in your skin, hence, it becomes wrinkled, like a drought-hit land.
Signs of Dehydrated Skin
- Dull-looking skin than usual
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Itchy skin
- Tired-looking skin
- Under-eye circles might look even darker
Key Differences at a Glance
| differences | Dry skin | Dehydrated Skin |
|---|---|---|
| Condition Type | From birth, more long-term | Short-term, temporary |
| Signs/Symptoms | Flaky skin, roughness, redness, itchiness, peeling, and scaly | Fine line, itchy, dull skin, dark under-eyes, tightness, and sensitive |
| Caused By | Hereditary and also happens due to hormones | Not drinking a sufficient amount of water, weather, skincare products, diet, etc |
| Triggers | Soaps with harsh chemicals, ageing, genetics,and low humidity | Alcohol, environmental factors, harsh exfoliation, more caffeine, poor diet |
| Treatment | Oil-based moisturisers, gel-based skincare products, rich and nourishing ingredients | Sufficient drinking of water, hydrating serums |
| Best Skincare Ingredients | Shea butter, squalane, ceramides, plant oils | Aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, panthenol |
| What Not to Do | Using too much hot water, using harsh products | Not drinking enough water or having less water than recommended per day, over-exfoliation |
| Tests for Skin Condition | Your water intake is as per the recommended amount, but your skin still feels dry | Pinch a part of your skin ( cheek, back of the hand, chest) for a 2-3 seconds. It’s still wrinkled? it’s dehydrated |
How to Care for Dry Skin
Limit Bath Time & Temperature:
Use lukewarm water during bath/showers and limit time to under 10 minutes to protect your skin from very hot water.
Hydrating Mask:
Include a hydrating sheet or a mask in your skincare routine (at least 2 times a week) for extra moisture.
Moisturizers:
Choose the right moisturizer, which contains cocoa or shea butter, glycerin, petroleum, etc., and can make your skin moisturized.
Right Type of Cleansers:
Use only gentle cleaners for your skin without any harsh chemicals or fragrances, to prevent irritation and dryness.
Natural Butters and Oils:
If you constantly have dry flakes, scales, and patches, apply natural butters and oils, like shea butter, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, etc.
How to Care for Dehydrated Skin
Drinking Enough Water:
Make sure you are hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day, especially in hot climates.
Gentle Skincare:
Do not use harsh scrubs, exfoliants, or skincare products that contain sulfates or alcohol, which can make your skin feel drier and dehydrated.
Enough Sleep:
Your skin repairs and hydrates itself when you get enough sleep in a day, so aim for at least 7-8 hours of undisturbed sleep.
Nighttime Skincare Routine:
Use a moisturizing sheet or a mask that covers your face, and apply a thicker moisturiser to prevent skin dehydration during nighttime.
Balanced Diet:
If you want your skin to be hydrated and healthy, include foods like vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, etc, in your diet.
Skin Care Ingredients You Need to Avoid for Dehydrated or Dry Skin Conditions
| Dry skin | Dehydrated Skin |
|---|---|
| Sodium lauryl sulphate | Synthetic fragrances and some essential oils |
| Salicylic and glycolic acid | Sulfates |
| Denatured alcohols | Retinoids |
| Fragrance | Parabens |
| Benzoyl peroxide | Glycolic and salicylic acid |
| Harsh scrubs like Apricot pits, Walnut shells | Astringents |
Why It Matters to Know the Difference
- You can avoid the wrong skin treatment
- Knowing the difference and using the right products can do wonders for your skin
- Better long-term skin health
- Using the products for dehydrated skin that are actually meant for dry skin can cause more harm than good
- You can manage the symptoms of dry skin and dehydrated skin by knowing the difference
Get Personalized Help at Dr. Health Clinic
If you have already tried treatments or home remedies for dry and dehydrated skin but have seen no improvement, it’s time to consult a professional. At Dr. Health Clinic, our best dermatologist in Bangalore specializes in treating various skin conditions, like dry and dehydrated skin. Our skin doctor provides natural and non-invasive treatments that are free from side effects. Book your appointment with us today and get your dehydrated or dry skin treated with the right care, made just for your skin, from our skin specialists.
Dr. Pranjal Shamsher is the first Skin Doctor in Bangalore to offer natural, non-surgical and non-invasive treatments for skin disorders. She is a Registered Medical Practitioner (Registration No A-6516) and a true pioneer in Skin-Friendly Treatments.
Dr. Pranjal Shamsher is the first Skin Doctor in Bangalore to offer natural, non-surgical and non-invasive treatments for skin disorders. She is a Registered Medical Practitioner (Registration No A-6516) and a true pioneer in Skin-Friendly Treatments.
