Do you feel DRY or DEHYDRATED (Or both!)? Both dry and dehydrated skin have similar characteristics but differing underlying causes.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is a normal skin type, but in some cases it can also be temporary and it can be treated.

How to understand that your skin is dry?

1. Lack of oil on the skin
2. Small pores
3. Feeling tight
4. Flaky
5. Blackheads, spots and milia may still be present
6. Skin doesn’t look bright
7. Skin is not plump
8. It doesn’t absorb products easily
9. More likely to be irritated by products
10. Poor skincare can worsen the problem

Dehydrated skin

Dehydration can affect any type of skin, even oily skin.

1. Caused by a lack of water in your skin (not a lack of water taken orally!)
2. Pores can be small or large.
3. Although skin can feel tight and dry, it can also sometimes appear oily or have breakouts.
4. Moisturizers are absorbed quickly
5. Blackheads and spots can still be seen
6. As your skin absorbs any water from your foundation, makeup can disappear and become patchy throughout the day.
7. Skin appears ‘ashen’
8. Lifestyle circumstances can make it more common to suffer from headaches.

70% of skin is water. Around 20-30% of this is found in the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. Your hydrolipidic layer acts as a regulator, barrier and protector – it retains moisture and protects against germs. The epidermis’ moisture can evaporate too fast, causing a compromised normal, healthy skin state. Most of us are at least partially dehydrated at some point in our lives. You can get dehydrated from any of these things:

1. Environment – Wind, cold, dry, too much sunlight, central heating, air conditioning
2. The wrong diet – Too much water, too many calories, too much caffeine, and not enough water
3. Lifestyle – Stress, poor skincare, improper medication, bad skin routines, smoking, and birth control
4. Genetics – Monthly cycle, pregnancy, hormones

It’s quite common for someone to be both dry or dehydrated. However, if you’re unsure whether you’re one or the other, these do’s & don’ts may help.

Do and Don’t:

• If you recognize the signs, upgrade your moisturizers so it is suitable for dry skin. Look for products that contain the word ‘nourishing’.
• If you feel dehydrated, you can change the label on your moisturizer so it says ‘hydra’.
• In any case, adding a bit of hyaluronic acids to your daily routine would be a good idea.
• You should not use products that are too harsh, too stripping.
• Avoid foaming and bubbling.
• Use oils, balms and serums.
• Use milks and other treatments to hydrate.

One word about supplements: Omega oils found in flax and fish oil supplements can help dry and dehydrated skins. However, it will take at least 3 months for your skin to notice the results.