At a glance, dry skin and dehydrated skin often pass off as the same problem. The symptoms for each can look similar, and likewise it’s not uncommon for the skin to be both dry and dehydrated. But even though there is a connection, there’s also a distinct difference between the two, and knowing their respective causes will help you keep your skin in balance.

For starters, if you don’t already know your skin type: Take the Amazingy Skin Type Quiz

Hydration or moisturization?

The thing is, dry skin and dehydrated skin are tightly connected. If we take a look at the basics: when oil and water are placed in the same container, we see that oil sits on top. And it does the same in the skin – which means that in order to boost the water retention of dehydrated skin, it’s necessary to also have balanced oil production in the epidermis (outer layer of skin) to help contain moisture. So working to improve the conditions of your skin, so that it’s both less dry & less dehydrated, is where you’ll find the best results.

The main difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin: the former is caused by a lack in sebum (oil) production, while the latter is caused by a lack of moisture (water).

Addressing dry skin:

• The skin is ‘dry’ whenever the body isn’t producing enough oil.
• It is considered a skin type, but inappropriate product usage or hormonal changes (such as menopause) can also make it a temporary condition, or otherwise worsen its effects (as often occurs naturally as the skin matures).
• Having dry skin is also determined by a genetic predisposition (that is to say, it can run in the family).
• It won’t appear as plump, and existing wrinkles are exaggerated.
• Dry skin loves oil-rich skincare products.
• Note: no matter how much water you drink, dry skin will not see any change if the oil skin barrier isn’t balanced.
  
  

Addressing dehydrated skin:

• The skin is ‘dehydrated’ when the body is lacking water.
• Oily skin can still become dehydrated. Even if the skin is tight and appears dry, you may still get breakouts.
• Dehydrated skin will typically absorb moisture from foundations and other liquid makeup products, making it appear dry.
• It loves water-rich skin care products.
• Its effects are worsened by lifestyle factors (i.e. stress, smoking, caffeine, medication intake) and weather/climate properties (incl. central air conditioning systems).
• Dehydrated skin will often get worse during winter.
  

Related articles: What to do against dry and dehydrated skin: Advice from the experts

Skin problems can be cared for internally as well as externally

From within: Essential fatty acids (the “good fats”) help the skin by supporting the cellular membrane of each individual skin cell. Healthy fats are found abundantly in fatty fish and in plant-alternatives like nuts, seeds (including flax seed), olives and avocados. To feel the real benefits from these helpful fats, you have to integrate them regularly into your daily diet.

From the outside: Be gentle with your skin cleansing rituals, and most of all: don’t over do it. Whether you have dry skin or dehydrated skin, steer clear from harsh drying soaps, cleansers and exfoliators that strip away oil and damage the skin. Avoid irritating the skin with chemical & fragrance-enhanced products – and if your skin is sensitive, avoid washing it in extremely hot or cold water.

Related articles: Amazingy Guides: Starting with Exfoliation

Let’s recap:

The difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin is dry skin lacks sebum production, while dehydrated skin lacks water retention. In order to help you find the right products, we have compiled a simple skincare routine for you – one addressing dry skin and the other dehydrated skin.

Dry Skincare Routine

Dry skin needs oil-rich products that can help balance the skin’s sebum production —

We love a gently hybrid cleanser, like: Absolution’s La Crème Douce Démaquillante, Whamisa’s Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil, or Loïs Lee’s Soothing Cleansing Oil

A simple, gentle toner: Kimberly Sayer’s Pure Lavender Toner, Balm Balm’s Rose Flower Water or Gressa Skin’s Rejuvenating Mist

An oil rich serum for daytime: YÜLI Skincare’s ME Skin Fuel, Soapwalla’s Restorative Face Serum

Another possible facial oil for the evening, like: Dr. Alkaitis’s Nourishing Treatment Oil, or the Ami Iyök Ecosmetics’ Slow Liquid

Dehydrated Skincare Routine

Dehydrated skin needs water-based products. Products that use the word “hydrating” are usually targeted towards dehydrated skin —

A water-based cleanser, for example: Pai Skincare’s Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, or Abhati’s Shanta Rich Facial Cleanser

A hydrating toner, like: Josh Rosebrook’s Hydrating Accelerator, Therapi’s Nourishing Hydrating Facial Toner Rose Otto , or Absolution’s La Brume Systémique

Serums that help retain moisture, like: M Picaut’s Hydra Miracle Serum, Susanne Kaufmann’s Hyaluron Serum

A lightweight oil: Kahina Giving Beauty’s Organic Argan Oil, or May Lindstrom Skin’s The Youth Dew

Expert tip:

It’s important to keep the skin moisturized. My tip – what I do whenever my skin is leaning towards a dry spell – is that after cleansing, I’ll use a toner to hydrate the skin, apply a serum, then add a few drops of a light oil blend. This creates an oil onto water affect, mentioned above. Locking in moisture under the oil creating both a hydrating and moisturizing result. After doing so, I can instantly see and feel my dull, flaky skin becoming nourished & revitalized. Always patting it dry (as it’s gentler on the skin and helps the oil absorb).

As a final note, I want to express the importance (as with any body condition) of alleviating the root cause. Think first about what affects your skin in the immediate sense: skincare regime, weather, diet and lifestyle will all play their own role. Use products that support the skin’s natural ability to heal, and continue to make conscious choices to help it find balance and repair itself.

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Editor’s note: Originally published in January 2016 and updated in November 2018 for accuracy.

Sources:
1. International Dermal Institute
2. Skin, Inc.