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Have you ever wondered if your skin is dehydrated or dry? Since they both share the same characteristics, it is hard to tell the difference. A lot of people will tell you to simply drink water and your skin will look glamorous. When your skin is dry or dehydrated, it is more than just drinking water.
Although, it is quite hot in my part of the world. But if the winter is upon you, you will notice your skin feeling dry, stretchy and you are forced to change your skincare routine. Before changing your skincare routine, it is important to understand what your skin is going through due to changes in weather conditions. Is your skin actually dry or dehydrated? Here is how to tell plus the best approach to treat your skin.
What Is Dry Skin?
Dry skin is the skin you are born with. It is a skin type that is hereditary which happens because the skin lacks sebum (oil) genetically leading to dry, dull, tight, wrinkled, flaky skin all over the body not just on the face.
Dry skin is a skin type characterized by a lack of oil or sebum. It’s a condition that is often genetic and can be influenced by environmental factors. Dry skin can feel tight, rough, and sometimes flaky, especially in colder weather. Unlike dehydrated skin, which is a temporary condition, dry skin is usually a consistent characteristic of your skin.
Signs of Dry Skin:
- Tightness or discomfort, especially after cleansing
- Flaky or rough patches, often on the cheeks and around the nose
- Dull or ashy complexion
- Visible lines and a lack of elasticity
What Is Dehydrated Skin?
When your skin is dehydrated, it means your skin lacks moisture or water content. It can happen to anyone, regardless of skin type—yes, even oily skin can be dehydrated. Dehydrated skin is often the result of external factors like weather, diet, or harsh skincare products. Unlike dry skin, which lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water.
Signs of dehydrated skin:
- Dullness and lack of radiance
- Fine lines that appear more prominent
- A feeling of tightness or discomfort that fluctuates throughout the day
- Increased sensitivity and redness
- An oily surface with dry patches underneath
How to Determine If Your Skin Is Dry or Dehydrated
It can be tricky to differentiate between dry and dehydrated skin because some of the symptoms overlap. Here are a few ways to tell the difference:
1. Pinch test
The pinch test is a popular test that determines whether you have dry or dehydrated skin. Pinch the skin on your cheeks, if your skin takes time to come back to its normal state, then your skin is dehydrated. If you see your skin become tight or wrinkled after carrying out the pinch test, then your skin is dry.
2. Observe Your Skin After Cleansing
If your skin feels tight and uncomfortable right after washing, it could be dry. If your skin feels tight but then becomes oily or shiny within a few hours, it might be dehydrated.
3. Consider Your Skincare Routine
If you’ve recently switched products or have been using harsh cleansers, your skin might be dehydrated due to stripping of its natural moisture.
If you’ve always had issues with tightness and flakiness, regardless of what products you use, your skin might be inherently dry.
How to Treat Dry Skin
If you determine that your skin is dry, focus on hydrating and nourishing it with oil-rich products that help restore the skin barrier.
Skincare Tips for Dry Skin:
- Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
- Apply a rich moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to lock in moisture.
- Consider using facial oils that can help replenish the skin’s natural barrier.
- Avoid hot showers and harsh soaps that can exacerbate dryness.
How to treat dehydrated skin
1. Rehydrate
Dehydrated skin lacks water so why not drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to make those skin cells happy? You can be creative with water if you don’t like drinking water alone. Add lemons and mint to it. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables containing essential fatty acids such as cucumber, spinach, watermelon and celery.
2. Get a humidifier in your room
By keeping a humidifier in your room, your skin does not release moisture as it would have when the air is dry. Use a humidifier together with your fan or Air conditioner to keep the temperature comfortable. My all-time favourite humidifier is the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier. It is stylish, quiet, diffuses moist air into the air and is easy to fill.
3. Exfoliate your skin
When dead skin cells build up on your skin, the skin loses moisture and becomes dry. Make sure you regularly exfoliate your skin at least once or twice weekly to refresh and rejuvenate your skin.
4. Moisturize after shower
Use a moisturizer when your skin is still damp after showering, this way the moisturizer is well absorbed into the skin. When travelling, keep a hydrating mist and spray whenever your skin feels dry. Use moisturizers that contain skin-friendly ingredients which help restore plumpness for dehydrated skin. After moisturizing your skin, use natural oils to seal in the moisture.
5. Wear sunscreen
Do not forget to wear sunscreens whether you are indoors or outdoor. If you don’t know how to get started with sunscreens or having trouble with what sunscreen to buy for your skin type, then read this post about sunscreens.
Conclusion
Understanding whether your skin is dry or dehydrated is key to addressing your skincare needs effectively. Dry skin needs more nourishment and oil, while dehydrated skin needs hydration and water. By tailoring your skincare routine to your specific skin condition, you can improve your skin’s health, appearance, and overall comfort.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who might be struggling with their skincare routine. And don’t forget to leave a comment below with your own tips for managing dry or dehydrated skin!
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I have never heard of the pinch test before, but I have often felt my skin is dry around this time of year, so I am looking forward to knowing for sure! Love the idea of using a humidifier to keep a dry room’s moisture levels up, as well as adjusting my skincare routine to take into account a higher dryness level than in the summer and spring.
Thanks for sharing!
Such good info here—my skin is both dry and dehydrated, but I know it’s water I need the most!!
This was such a great post! I always struggle to find the difference between dehydrated and dry skin, I will definitely be using the pinch test next time! X
I unfortunately did not know the difference. I always thought they were the same things. I currently have oily skin but I do have a friend who has dry skin. I will totally pass on this to them.
I love the Murad cleanser, it’s such a brilliant product. I’m just about to use my second tube!
Such an informative post.
I do struggle with my skin and will definitely try the pinch test. Thank you for the recommendations for resolving the issue.
So true! These are the signs for dry skin. I’m also aware of these signs. Because dry skin is a no no no for me.
This is great information and very helpful especially in these upcoming winter months. Thanks for sharing.
This is so helpful! I always thought dry and dehydrated skin were the same thing.
Great post! I also live in a hot country, but actually have found that the AC indoors is making my skin really dry. Thanks for sharing these tips on keeping my skin hydrated!
This was very very helpful! I have a combination skin- dry cheeks oily T-zone so it was good to learn about the difference between a dry and dehydrated skin!! -Penny/ whatdidshetype.blogspot.com
Liked the information you explained there. There’s a lot of confusion as to skin types and concerns still. And I liked the products you listed too such as LA Roche posay. Helpful post. Xx
Isa A. Blogger
https://www.lifestyleprism.com/
This is a really helpful post to know what your skin is and how you can give your skin what it needs. Thank you for sharing this post.
Lauren
Such an informative post! I think my skin is dehydrated based on this, not dry.
Very informative post. Thank you.
Thank you for this post. I hadn’t really thought about the difference between dry and dehydrated skin. Now I know how to tell the difference and what to do.
Glad you do now, thanks for reading