How to Know if Your Skin is Dry or Dehydrated

Ever stood in front of the mirror wondering why your skin feels so tight, dry, or flaky? It is an indication that your skin is either dry or dehydrated. The terms sound interchangeable, but they are completely different from each other. Knowing the difference is key to figuring out the right skincare routine for your face. So, let’s break it down and understand why your skin behaves the way it does. By the end of this blog, you will know exactly how to treat dry or dehydrated skin with the best face care products.

What is Dry Skin?

Dry skin occurs when your skin doesn’t have enough natural oils, leaving it rough and flaky. Infinite things, such as genetics or environmental causes, such as cold temperatures, can cause it. Dry skin will break the skin barrier by oil-depleting the skin, making your skin more susceptible to damage and irritation from it. If your skin is dry, you will need to use products that rebuild oils and make your skin stay moist.

What is Dehydrated Skin?

Dehydrated skin is when your skin lacks water, not oil. It can also occur if you have oily skin. Dehydration is usually caused by an environmental shift or because you do not consume enough water. Dehydrated skin can appear pale, feel tight, and even develop fine lines. The underlying problem is dryness, which will dry out your skin and cause irritation. Realising that dehydration is not dryness is the solution to solving it!

Difference between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated and dry skin might seem to be the same for everyone at first instance, but they are actually completely different from each other. Here is a brief comparison of the both of them:

Oil vs Water

Dry skin lacks oils, but dehydrated skin lacks water. Dry skin is rough and scaly because it lacks natural oils, while dehydrated skin is tight and pale because it lacks water.

Texture

Dry skin will be more evident with ageing lines, but otherwise, it will have a smooth texture to the touch. Dry skin will tend to be coarse textured but smooth textured. Dry skin will be extremely dry, flaky, while dehydrated skin will give obvious evidence of ageing.

External Reasons

Dry skin can also be caused either by genetic factors or excessive cold weather. Dehydration can also be caused due to several other factors such as insufficient nutrition, less water consumption, or excessive exposure to bright sunlight without the use of sunscreen or without covering your skin.

Treatment Method

Dry skin needs products, such as a face serum for dry skin or rich hydrating moisturiser, that help to restore oil and seal in moisture. Dehydrated skin requires face care products that provide moisture, such as a sunscreen cream for dry skin, to preserve moisture.

Frequency

Dehydration is typically short-term, though dry skin is a long-term problem. You should typically be fine rehydrating your skin again by simply drinking more water in a couple of days and locking the water in with products.

Causes of Dry Skin

There are just so many different reasons for dry skin, and it's such a relief to know what can cause dry skin:

·         Cold temperatures that take away your natural oils.

·         Overwashing or washing with very strong cleansers that dry out your skin.

·         Genetic susceptibility or the natural texture of your skin.

·         Showering or washing your face with warm water.

·         Certain medications or treatments that dry out your skin.

·         Not moisturising or over using moisturisers and other face care products that are not appropriate for your skin.

·         Ageing, as your skin gradually secretes less oil over time.

Causes of Dehydrated Skin

Dehydration may even happen to oily skin types, and the causes are the following:

·         Insufficient intake of water throughout the day.

·         Skin-drying products such as alcohol-based toners.

·         Environmental conditions such as dry heat or air conditioning.

·         A diet that is unbalanced with fewer foods containing high water content such as fruits and vegetables.

·         Overexposure to sunlight without proper protection.

·         Too much coffee or alcohol that dehydrates you.

·         Stress or sleep deprivation affecting the level of hydration in your body.

Maintaining Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Now that you understand the difference, let's discuss the best face care products for maintaining dry and dehydrated skin:

Lavister Niacinamide Face Serum

This face serum for dry skin is packed with Niacinamide face serum, Zinc PCA, and Tranexamic Acid to help improve skin texture and reduce dryness. It works wonders on rough skin that needs a boost of hydration. Plus, it brightens skin and evens out pigmentation, making it a must-have for dry skin. Just a few drops before moisturising, and you’re all set!

Lavister Gel Cream Sunscreen

This sunscreen cream for dry skin contains an SPF 60 PA+++ protectant, Pollushield, Kumkumadi Oil, Betaine, and Vitamin E. It protects your skin from the sun and moisturises it from within. It is non-greasy, light, and suitable for dry or dehydrated skin. Apply it every morning to keep your skin moisturised all day long.

Lavister Hyaluronic Gel Cream

Loaded with Polyglutamic Acid, Squalane, Ceramides, and Peptides, it is ideal for dry or dehydrated skin. It delivers ultimate hydration and holds water, making your skin ultra-soft and silky. It is very hydrating and moisturising but non-greasy. It is best to use it during the day and night. Prefer applying a face serum for dry skin after it for maximum hydrating.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between dry and dehydrated skin is the beginning of the journey towards healthier, better-hydrated skin. Both can be tackled with proper face care products which will help to recover your natural glow. If you are in search of the best skin care products for dry skin in India, visit Lavister, which has self-formulated face care products that give you visible results.  Invest in products which hydrate, care for, and protect your skin so that it always looks flawless, healthy and hydrated!