Dry or Dehydrated Skin? Expert Answered

As a licensed aesthetician, I'm here to share the key differences between dry and dehydrated skin. I’ll also share some expert advice on how to care for and restore moisture to the skin. With a few simple changes to your skincare routine and the right moisturising techniques, you achieve that rejuvenated and radiant complexion. 

What’s the Difference Between Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin? 

Dry skin and dehydration are two distinct conditions, although they can sometimes coexist or share similar symptoms. Understanding the difference between the two is crucial for proper skin care and treatment:

Dry Skin: 

Dry skin is characterised by a lack of oil production. People with dry skin typically have fewer oil glands, which leads to inadequate oil secretion and a compromised skin barrier. Dry skin can be a chronic condition that requires consistent care to maintain moisture levels.

What Does Dry Skin Look Like? 

1. Lack of oil production: Dry skin lacks sebum, the skin's natural oils, making it prone to tightness, roughness, and flakiness.
2. Skin texture: Dry skin often has a dull, rough texture due to the accumulation of dead skin cells. 
3. Sensitivity: Dry skin tends to be more sensitive and reactive to external irritants.
4. Fine lines and wrinkles: Dry skin may exhibit more visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Dehydrated Skin:

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a temporary skin condition that occurs when the skin lacks water or moisture. It can affect any skin type, including oily and combination skin. Dehydration is a result of external factors, lifestyle choices, and/or environmental conditions and can be rectified with proper hydration and skin care practices.

What Does Dehydrated Skin Look Like?

1. Lack of water content: Dehydrated skin lacks water, leading to tightness, dullness, and a lack of skin elasticity.
2. Temporary condition: Dehydration is not a permanent skin type but rather a temporary state that can be resolved with proper hydration.
3. Fluctuating symptoms: Dehydrated skin may exhibit oily patches, acne breakouts, or increased sensitivity in certain areas.
4. Rapid changes: Dehydration can occur due to factors like weather, excessive sun exposure, air conditioning, heating, or lifestyle choices such as a poor diet or alcohol consumption.

Treating Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin

To address dry skin, it's essential to focus on optimising the skin barrier first, followed by nourishing and replenishing the skin's lipids by applying moisturisers rich in cholesterol & ceramides which are hydrating ingredients that lock in moisture. Dry skin benefits from a range of emollients and occlusives that help seal in hydration. Alongside skincare, consuming a whole foods diet, rich in omegas, and healthy fats will strengthen the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated for longer. 

For dehydrated skin, the primary goal is to restore moisture levels by increasing water content in the skin. This involves using hydrating products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, &  B5 panthenol. Additionally, drinking an adequate amount of water and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact hydration levels.

Remember, if you're unsure about your skin type or condition, consulting with a Renude aesthetician is always recommended. They can provide personalised guidance and recommend appropriate products and treatments for your specific needs. Take our skin quiz to get started! 

Top Tips for Moisturising Dry and Dehydrated Skin

• Hydrating Cleansers: Start your skincare routine with a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn't strip away the skin's natural oils. Look for cleansers with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and PHAs, as they are also humectants which retain moisture and restore the skin's natural balance.

Renude Recommends: Q+A Oat Milk Cream Cleanser or Neostrata Restore PHA Cleanser 

• Exfoliation, but with caution: Exfoliating can be beneficial for dehydrated skin, but it's crucial to choose the right method and frequency. Opt for gentle exfoliators that won't cause further dryness or irritation. Chemical exfoliants with ingredients like AHAs or PHAs are excellent choices as they remove dead skin cells without disrupting the skin's moisture barrier.

Renude Recommends: Medik8 Press & Glow or Cosrx AHA 7 Power Liquid 

• Top up your hydration with Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a moisture-binding powerhouse that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Look for serums &  moisturisers containing this hydrating ingredient to provide an extra boost of moisture to your skin. 

Tip: Apply hyaluronic acid-based products to damp skin for maximum absorption. They are what we call humectants and these ingredients love water, working it's best in damp environments i.e when the skin is wet However, don't forget to seal this in with a moisturiser as it can have the adverse effect of transepidermal water loss which is pulling more water from the skin. YIKES!

Renude Recommends: Cosrx The Hyaluronic Acid 3 serum or Garden Of Wisdom Hyaluronic Serum 

• Layer Moisturisers: For dehydrated skin, layering moisturisers can work wonders. Begin with a lightweight, water-based serum to provide an initial burst of hydration. Follow it up with a thicker, creamier moisturiser to seal in the serum and protect your skin throughout the day.

Renude Recommends:  PSA The most super nutrient hydration serum with iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm 

• Facial Mists: Applied as part of your skincare routine and kept on your desk or in your bag for quick pick-me-ups throughout the day. Spritz your face whenever you feel your skin needs a little boost of hydration or to soothe and calm irritation. Look for mists that contain soothing ingredients like rosewater, chamomile or spring water. 

Renude Recommends: Avene Thermal Spring water or Dear Klairs Fundamental Ampule Mist 

• Overnight Hydration: Before bedtime, treat your skin to an overnight hydration ritual. Apply a generous layer of your favourite nourishing face mask or night cream to help your skin replenish its moisture levels while you sleep. Wake up to a refreshed and rejuvenated complexion.

Renude Recommends: Avene Soothing Radiance Mask or Allies of Skin Peptides and Antioxidants firming daily treatment

• Hydrate from Within: Remember that healthy skin starts from within. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Include water and lipid-rich foods like cucumbers, melon, avocados, olive oil, walnuts and oily fish such as salmon in your diet to support overall skin health.
  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of skincare products out there and would like to help figure out what your skin needs, we’re here to help. Take our skin quiz, followed by a complimentary skin consultation with me or one of our licensed aestheticians to start your Renude skin journey today.