It’s easy to confuse the difference between dry and dehydrated skin. After all, both imply that your skin’s thirsty and require an extra dose of moisture. There are key differences between the two, though, each with their own set of causes. Both dry and dehydrated skin also require a tailored treatment approach in order to achieve a plump, glowing, and healthy visage. We’re covering the differences between the two and sharing our recommended skincare routine for both.
What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin refers to a lack of lipids/oils. Key signs of dry skin include dullness, flaking, and a chapped or rough texture. With dry skin, your complexion tends to stay matte throughout the day, and oiliness isn’t something you typically contend with.
Some people are born with naturally dry skin, but it’s also something that can become more noticeable as we age (since our skin produces less sebum) or due to factors like seasonal changes, overcleansing, using very hot water, and not using the right skincare products, notes Sydney Eger, lead esthetician and director of education for KNESKO Skin. Essentially, anything that can strip lipids will lead to more noticeable dryness.
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How to Moisturize Dry Skin?
Because dry skin means there aren’t enough lipids, the best remedy is to give your skin a nice combination of different types of moisturizers and hydrators, including emollients (to soften and moisturize), occlusives (to lock in moisture), and humectants (to draw moisture to the skin). This is achieved by using water-based and oil-based products.
Best Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
An ideal skincare routine for dry skin types starts with a gentle face wash that imparts moisture, such as an oil-based cleanser, balm, or cream cleanser.
Afterward, Eger recommends applying a few drops of the luxurious Amethyst Hydrate Serum and/or Green Jade Calm Serum, followed by one of KNESKO’s premium collagen masks from either of these lines. “Both focus on intensive nourishing hydration with two different focuses to lock in moisture,” she explains. Finish your routine with your favorite oil-based moisturizer.
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What is Dehydrated Skin?
While dry skin refers to lack of lipids, dehydrated skin refers to a lack of water in the skin. Key signs of dehydrated skin include more noticeable fine lines, deeper expression lines, and a lack of “plumpness.” Anyone is prone to experiencing dehydrated skin—even those with oily skin.
- Dehydrated & Oily Skin Type: Those with oily and dehydrated skin might experience more visible expression lines paired with oiliness.
- Dehydrated & Dry Skin Type: This looks like a combination of dry skin (dullness, flaking, rough texture) and lack of plumpness paired with notable fine lines.
Dehydrated skin may be caused by not drinking enough water, dry climates or seasons, low humidity levels from indoor heating/cooling, and even certain medications (like diuretics). Also, if you strip your skin of lipids via over-cleansing, using hot water/taking long showers, or an aggressive skincare regimen, this can disrupt the skin barrier and increase trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), leading to a combination of both dehydration and dryness.
How to Hydrate Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin needs a boost of moisture, which means that prioritizing humectants (such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin) are going to help you achieve a plump and youthful glow. If your skin is also dry (due to stripped lipids), then it’s important to replenish the barrier through emollients and occlusives to help lock in that hydration.
Nano Gold Repair Collagen Face Mask
Best Skincare Routine for Dehydrated Skin
An ideal skincare routine for dehydrated skin includes using a gentle cleanser (according to your skin type), followed by a healthy serving of a hydrating serum, such as Amethyst Hydrate Serum or Green Jade Calm Serum. “I recommend using gemstone rollers to press the serum onto your skin so all of the skincare stays on the face and won't get absorbed into your palms and fingertips,” says Eger.
Follow up with a premium collagen mask, such as Nano Gold Repair Collagen Face Mask, then apply a thin layer of your favorite moisturizer. If you have oily or combination skin, stick to a gel-based moisturizer. If you have dry skin, apply an oil-based product instead.
The difference between dry and dehydrated skin may seem negligible, but each has a specific cause. By tailoring your treatment approach, you’re on your way to a healthy, and beautiful-looking complexion.
