Until very recently, I had no idea that there was a difference between dry and dehydrated skin, and it occurred to me that many of you may not have known either. It is especially relevant going into winter, so here is my guide to telling the difference and how to address each particular concern.
What is the difference?
Simply put, dry skin is the result of a lack of oil and dehydrated skin is the result of a lack of water. Dry skin is also normally a skin type whereas dehydrated skin is a skin condition.
How do I tell them apart?
Dry Skin
- Skin looks dull, may be flaky and lacks plumpness
- Small pores that don’t absorb product easily
- “Tight” feeling
- Skin can be sensitive and easily irritated
Dehydrated Skin
- Absorbs moisturisers quickly
- Make-up disappears and goes patchy throughout the day
- Complexion can be ashen
- Skin looks best right out of the shower
How to treat dry skin
- Upgrade your moisturiser to something richer and more nourishing, especially overnight
- Avoid foaming cleansers as the foaming agent, SLS, is very drying
- Try using balms, oils and serums during the day
- Avoid products containing mineral oils, silicones, lanolins and synthetic fragrance
- Omega oils (e.g. in supplements) will offer long-term improvement
- Argan oil, shea butter, avocado sterols, vitamin E and sunflower oil are all key ingredients in dry skin treatments
- Product recommendations: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance, REN Ultra Moisture Day Cream, Decléor Hydra Floral range, Balm Balm Face Balm, Balm Balm Little Miracle Rosehip Serum, L’Occitane Ultra Rich Face Cream, Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
How to treat dehydrated skin
- Look for moisturisers that are “hydrating” (as opposed to “nourishing”)
- Avoid foaming cleansers as the foaming agent, SLS, is very drying
- Try using milks, hydrating oils and treatments
- Avoid products containing mineral oils, silicones, lanolins and synthetic fragrance
- Omega oils (e.g. in supplements) will offer long-term improvement
- Look for hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, aloe vera and yucca in your lotions and cleansers
- Product recommendations: Hydraluron Moisture Booster, Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler range, Clarins HydraQuench range, Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturiser, REN Ultra Moisture Cleansing Milk, Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil
Resources
Caroline Hirons’ Dry or Dehydrated Cheat Sheet
Sali Hughes’ Dehydration Video
Sali Hughes’ Dry Skin Video
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