Have you ever wondered whether your skin is dry or dehydrated? Although the terms sound similar, the difference between the two is important, both for identifying the cause of your discomfort and for choosing the right treatment.
How can you tell if your skin is dry or dehydrated?
First, it is important to understand that dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same thing. Both can cause discomfort, such as tightness or dullness, but their causes and the care they require are different.
If you know how to recognise the difference, you can choose the right products and avoid further damage to your skin. Dry skin is a chronic condition, while dehydrated skin is temporary and usually occurs when the skin loses water. Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these conditions to help you tell them apart.
The common confusion between dry skin and dehydrated skin
People often confuse these two terms because both conditions can make the skin feel tight, rough or even irritated. The cause of this discomfort is very different. Dry skin is characterised by a decrease in the amount of lipids, which affects its ability to retain water.
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, although it can also feel tight, has a lower concentration of water, not lipids. Knowing this makes all the difference when it comes to choosing products and treatments. Dry skin needs nourishment, while dehydrated skin needs water.
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is characterised by a lack of lipids, natural oils that form a protective barrier on the epidermis. This barrier helps to maintain moisture within the skin and protect it from external factors. When the skin does not have enough sebum, it becomes vulnerable to water loss, causing a feeling of tightness and a dull appearance. Unlike dehydrated skin, dry skin is a more permanent condition.
Causes and characteristics of dry skin
The main cause of dry skin is a lack of sebum production, which is related to genetic and hormonal factors. People with dry skin tend to have a thinner lipid barrier, making it difficult for them to retain moisture in their skin. Some of the characteristics of dry skin include:
- Rough texture: it often feels rough to the touch, even after cleansing.
- Visible flakes: dry skin tends to flake, especially in more sensitive areas such as the cheeks or around the eyes.
- Redness or irritation: dry skin is more susceptible to irritation from external factors such as cold weather or the use of harsh products.
- Loss of radiance: the lack of natural oils makes the skin look dull and tired.
If you have dry skin, it is important to restore the skin’s lipid barrier with products that provide nutrients and essential oils. Products such as those in our selection for dry skin are formulated to provide the nutrition your skin needs.
Aggravating factors
Cold or hot weather, very dry environments (such as those found in places with air conditioning or heating) and the use of harsh products can worsen dry skin. Therefore, it is crucial to use products that restore both the lipid barrier and hydration to prevent further water loss.
What is dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin, unlike dry skin, is a condition that occurs when the skin loses water, causing a feeling of tightness. Sometimes, dehydrated skin can be accompanied by fine lines or a rough texture, but its main cause is a lack of water, not lipids. All skin types can suffer from dehydration. The good news is that dehydrated skin is temporary and can be treated by restoring lost moisture.
Causes and symptoms of dehydrated skin
The most common causes of dehydrated skin are environmental factors such as exposure to the sun, wind or pollution, as well as the use of overly harsh cleansing products. Dehydration can also be caused by a lack of water intake. Typical symptoms of dehydrated skin include:
- Tightness: the skin feels uncomfortable and stretched, especially after cleansing.
- Appearance of fine lines: expression lines become more visible when the skin is dehydrated.
- Dull skin: lack of water prevents the skin from looking radiant and healthy.
To treat dehydrated skin, it is crucial to focus on restoring the skin’s water level. Using products containing hyaluronic acid is a very good option, as this ingredient is capable of retaining up to 1000 times its weight in water.
In addition, sunscreens are one of the best options available to combat dehydrated skin, protecting our skin from the sun’s rays.
What is the pinch test and how to differentiate between dry skin and dehydrated skin
A simple way to find out if your skin is dry or dehydrated is to perform the ‘pinch test’. It involves gently pinching a small area of your skin, such as your cheek, and observing how it responds:
- If the skin quickly returns to its place: you probably have dry skin.
- If the skin takes time to return to its place: this may be a sign that your skin is dehydrated.
This simple test will help you get a clearer idea of what kind of care your skin needs.
Want to know which sunscreen is good for your face? We explain it to you so that your skin is better protected.
Recommended care for dry skin
If you have dry skin, it is essential to restore the lipid barrier and prevent excessive water loss. Some recommendations include:
- Use gentle cleansers: avoid products containing alcohol or harsh detergents that can strip your skin of its natural oils.
- Incorporate creams rich in ceramides and oils: products that nourish and repair the lipid barrier are essential. Sesderma’s UREMOL is ideal for moisturising and nourishing dry skin.
- Use moisturising serums: serums with hyaluronic acid are an excellent option for keeping your skin well hydrated.
Recommended care for dehydrated skin
If you have dehydrated skin, the most important thing is to replenish lost water. To do this, we suggest:
- Use gentle cleansers: opt for alcohol-free cleansers with moisturising ingredients that won’t dry out your skin even more.
- Apply moisturising serums and creams: serums with hyaluronic acid, such as HYDRADERM HYAL by Sesderma, are perfect for restoring the skin’s water balance.
- Avoid sun exposure: always use sunscreen to protect dehydrated skin from sun damage.
What if I have both dry and dehydrated skin?
It is possible to have both conditions at the same time. If this is the case, you need a combined approach. Use products that restore both lipids and water.
The Sesderma HIDRADERM HYAL line is perfect for deeply moisturising and nourishing dry skin, helping to maintain the skin’s balance.
What is the correct order: serum or cream first?
The order of application is important: first apply the serum, which contains concentrated active ingredients that penetrate deeper into the skin. Then use a cream to seal in moisture and protect the skin barrier.
Can I exfoliate if I have dry or dehydrated skin?
Exfoliation is useful, but it should be done with caution. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, opt for gentle exfoliants and do not exfoliate more than once a week to avoid irritating the skin. Remember that after exfoliating, you must moisturise and protect your skin well.
