We hear the terms dry skin and dehydrated skin all the time. So what’s the difference?

Let’s get to the bottom of the differences between dry and dehydrated skin once and for all.
Water is essential to the entire body; in fact, our bodies are made up of approximately 70% water. Keeping the body hydrated both internally & externally is a must when it comes to looking and feeling good. When our bodies become dehydrated, many things can happen and none of them are good. The first sign of dehydration is, we become thirsty. But we can also experience loss of energy, headaches, dry mouth, muscle cramping, and nausea. And our skin suffers too. But dehydrated skin and dry skin are two different things.

What is Dry Skin?

Dry skin is basically a skin type—like oily skin, normal skin, combination skin, etc. When your skin is dry, it has almost no oil present on the surface. Dry skin can get better or worse due to internal and external factors, including the weather, your skincare regime, illnesses, and so much more. People with dry skin usually have visible, flaky patches on the surface. They tend to be sensitive to temperature extremes and any fine lines and wrinkles are more noticeable. The good news is that people with dry skin tend to have fewer blemishes and breakouts than those with oily skin.

If you experience dry skin, you need a facial cleanser that’s formulated for dry skin to help replenish that much-needed moisture. You’ll want to use a facial serum coupled with daytime and nighttime moisturizer to help nourish your skin. And, of course, you want to keep your entire body hydrated with a nourishing body lotion, to be applied immediately after your bath or shower when the skin is still damp. The good thing about dry skin is that you can help alleviate the symptoms and keep your skin looking soft, smooth and more youthful.

“Hydration is the key to healthy skin”.

What is Dehydrated Skin?

Dehydrated skin is an actual condition that can affect any skin type, no matter what type you have. Everyone’s skin is prone to dehydration. It’s the direct result of the body needing moisture, inside and out. Most people need about 8–12 cups of fluid per day. But this varies a bit depending on your age, gender and level of activity. When it comes to dehydrated skin, there are some signs to look for.

  • Your skin will look dull, sallow and tired.
  • It may feel tight, sensitive and, in some cases, like it’s burning.
  • It can look red, irritated and have a rough, flaky-looking texture.
  • Fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable.

The signs of dehydrated skin are quite similar to those you get from a sunburn. Dehydrated skin can occur at any time throughout the year and is often aggravated by the weather, air conditioning, indoor heat, wind, baths or saunas and, our lifestyle choices. Things like smoking, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine and ingesting too much salt can all contribute to skin dehydration. We also need to be conscientious of what we’re putting on our skin. Using skincare products that contain a lot of harsh and irritating ingredients can further irritate the condition.

So, what can we do?

Be sure to keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Be conscientious about what you are putting in and on your body.
Be diligent with your skincare regimen.
Look for moisturizing ingredients, like CBD oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe Vera, to provide the skin with that much-needed moisture it lacks.
Choose facial and body cleansers that are free from sulfates, as they are gentler on the skin.
Be sure to apply your moisturizer from head to toe to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.
If you’re really suffering, you may want to consider a warm mist humidifier to increase the humidity in your home or office.

Keeping your body hydrated, inside & out, is the key to keeping your skin looking healthy and youthful. A healthy diet coupled with a daily skincare regimen is exactly what your skin needs. Remember, the healthiest skin is always the most beautiful.