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Dehydrated skin and dry skin, though often used interchangeably, have some distinctions. Dehydrated skin is thirsty, craving water, while dry skin yearns for oil.
Although they share symptoms, knowing how they look and the treatment they require is crucial.
Dry skin’s oil deficiency may also coincide with dehydration, hinting at a dual issue. Therefore, differentiating between the two involves understanding your symptoms and specific signs.
Dermatologists often suggest that you should only use products based on your skin type and issues. Whether your skin needs oil or hydration is based upon many factors such as if it’s dry or dehydrated.
Read on to learn the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin and how to ensure good skin health.
What Is the Difference Between Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin?
| Dry Skin | Dehydrated Skin |
|---|---|
| Lacks oil | Lacks water |
| Feels rough or tight | Appears dull and tired |
| Often a skin type | Can be a temporary condition |
| Needs richer, oil-based products | Requires hydrating, water-based products |
| Related to insufficient sebum production | Linked to a lack of moisture in the skin |
| Can be influenced by genetics, age, or climate | Often caused by factors such as weather, diet, and skin care habits |
| May show signs of redness or irritation | May display more fine lines and wrinkles |
| Benefits from regular moisturizing | Benefits from increased water intake and hydrating products |
Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin is almost like a plant that’s left uncared for. It occurs when your skin lacks essential water.
Imagine your skin as a garden that needs proper watering. When you don’t drink enough fluids, your body redirects water away from the skin to the vital organs, leaving it parched. (1)
What causes dehydrated skin?
Various factors contribute to this condition. Exercise-induced sweating; health conditions such as hyperhidrosis (a medical condition where a person is prone to sweating a lot), diarrhea, fever, sunburn, and heat stroke; and even certain medications (such as antihistamines or laxatives) can lead to moisture loss. (1)
Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common skin type many people have. Medically, dry skin is termed as xeroderma.
This condition is due to the lack of natural oils or hydrolipids in the skin, a deficiency of which causes symptoms such as roughness and flakiness.
The main culprit behind dry skin is an ineffective skin barrier.
A healthy and natural skin barrier has 15-20 layers of skin cells and fats that are responsible for ensuring your skin remains protected. This barrier is made stronger by cells called filaggrins, which are found in the inner layers of the skin. (2)
However, when water is lost from these layers due to age or low humidity, the skin barrier becomes weaker and weaker. This makes your skin susceptible to infections and transdermal water loss, which cause skin dryness.
Also, your skin shelters natural moisturizing factors such as lactic acids and amino acids. Dry skin also occurs if there is any imbalance or alteration in these compounds.
The symptoms of dry skin include (2):
- Dullness
- Roughness
- Scaling
- Itchiness
- Tightness
What causes skin dryness?
Common causes of skin dryness include harsh soaps, long hot showers, cold weather, low humidity, and exposure to irritants such as chemicals. Jobs involving contact with such agents, such as in hairdressing, can contribute too.
Internally, skin diseases (such as eczema and psoriasis) and infections (such as scabies) also play roles.
Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid issues, and inflammatory diseases, as well as psychiatric factors, such as obsessive-compulsive disorders, can also trigger dry skin. (2)
How Do You Know If Your Skin Is Dry or Dehydrated?
Determining if your skin is dehydrated can be done with a simple pinch test at home. Gently pinch a section of skin on your hand or cheek; if it bounces back within 3 seconds, your skin is likely well hydrated. If not, it may be dehydrated.
Professional tests, such as the Corneometer, provide more accurate results.
During harsh winters, the cold air and indoor heating strip away the skin’s natural oils. So in such weather, it is probably dry skin that you might struggle with more often. (2)
Also, there are some signs you can look out for to confirm if your skin is dry or dehydrated.
After a shower, if your skin feels tight or itchy, it’s a sign of lost natural oils and moisture, meaning dry skin. On the other hand, dehydrated skin tends to be dull and itchy.
If you notice fine lines and wrinkles, it may also indicate dehydration as dehydrated skin lacks plumpness. (3)(4)
How to Treat Dry and Dehydrated Skin?
Effective treatment for dehydrated skin involves internal and external care.
Ensuring adequate water intake is crucial, so hydrate from within. Electrolytes can also boost hydration levels.
Externally, opt for water-based moisturizers to provide relief. You can look for hydrating agents such as (5)(6):
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Aloe vera
- Ceramide
For dry skin, focus on moisturizing and using emollients. Various products are available both in stores and online.
Squalane, derived from squalene, a natural skin component, is a great moisturizer. It combats dry skin very well. (7)
Also, ceramides, the major lipid players, create a protective barrier, helping treat dry skin. While natural ceramides are expensive, there are affordable pseudo-ceramides that do the job well.
The fatty acids from palm oil, coconut oil, and wool fat also positively influence skin health. (7)
Most-Asked Questions
Can weather affect dry or dehydrated skin?
Yes, cold and dry weather can strip the skin’s natural oils, contributing to dry skin.
Is dehydration a temporary condition?
Yes, dehydration is often temporary.
Final Word
Dry skin and dehydrated skin differ: dry lacks oil and feels rough, while dehydrated lacks water and looks dull.
For dehydrated skin, enhance internal hydration with adequate water intake and use water-based moisturizers containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. For dry skin, use emollients, ceramides, and squalane to create a protective barrier.
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