Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin: What’s The Difference?

At first look, the terms “dry” and “dehydrated” appear to mean the same thing. However, they are entirely different concerns when it comes to skincare. Dry skin lacks natural oils and is a skin type. Whereas dehydrated skin lacks water and is a temporary skin condition.

Continue reading to learn more about the distinctions between dry and dehydrated skin, as well as how to treat each one.

What is Dry Skin?

Dry skin lacks oil. It is not a temporary skin condition, but rather considered a skin type. Lack of oil production causes the skin to lose its ability to retain moisture. That is why lotions and moisturisers absorb very quickly when you apply them, which keeps the skin dry. 

Without a thick enough layer of protective oils, the skin barrier is more sensitive to irritation and harm. For that reason, you may also frequently suffer issues like eczema, flaking, redness, cracking, or sensitivity.

Dry skin symptoms can include:

• Rough skin
• Itching and redness
• Wrinkling
• Delicate skin
• Can be Flaky

How to take care of Dry Skin?

Caring for dry skin requires products that help counteract the natural lack of oil on the skin’s surface. For people with dry skin types, oil-based skin care is a fantastic option.

For dry skin we recommend Franchine Young Ireland Oils

One of our best sellers and an excellent moisturiser for dry skin, Organic Pure Argan Oil addresses wrinkles, fine lines, dehydration, ageing, and dryness. It has potent levels of Vitamin E and other antioxidant fatty acids including Omega 3 and Omega 9. Organic argan nuts are hand harvested and cold pressed to capture nutrients and leave skin luminous.

Also, the Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil can significantly improve a dry, flaky complexion by replacing the sebum that your skin isn’t making. Derived from the cactus plant, this oil has been used for centuries to treat conditions from burns to illness, it penetrates quickly leaving skin ultra-hydrated.

What is Dehydrated Skin?

Opposed to dry skin, which is a skin type, Dehydrated skin lacks water and is a transitory skin condition that can affect all skin types. even oily ones. Characterics of dehydrated skin include:

• Even after moisturising, skin still feels tight and uncomfortable
• Redness
• Congestion
• Having a glossy, oily complexion
• Inflammation

PS: Dehydration can be caused by lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or not drinking enough water, as well as environmental variables like the weather.

How to Look After Dehydrated Skin?

The key to take care of dehydrated skin is to use cosmetics that replace the skin’s water content. Using serums and moisturisers are the best options as they are quickly and deeply absorbed into the skin.

For dehydrated skin we recommend Wonder Balm Organic Moisturiser & Cleanser

Wonder Balm is a miracle worker. It acts as a cleanser and/or moisturiser depending on the skin’s condition. It works to repair and restore, leaving the complexion softer, hydrated and with a radiant healthy glow. Formulated to plump, improve elasticity and lock in moisture.

What else can you do?

Using the appropriate dehydrated skin products is only one aspect of combating dehydration. You might also need to alter your way of living for the best outcome. For instance, consume more foods that are high in water and less foods that are salty (salt dries out the skin).

The top 5 lifestyle suggestions for dry/dehydrated skin include:

1. Use sun protection
2. Drink plenty of water
3. Avoid smoking
4. Avoid drinking alcohol
5. Have a healthy and balanced diet

I hope this has helped you understand the differences between dry and dehydrated skin. If you’d like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you! Also, should you be looking for a skincare solution for your particular complexion, please jump over to this article about the best organic facial products for your skin type.