Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin: Symptoms, Causes and Solutions
Are you the one who uses dry skin and dehydrated skin synonymously? If yes, then we’re here to burst your bubble. Dry skin is a skin type that occurs due to less oil content in your body. However, dehydrated skin can happen to anybody and occurs due to a lack of water in your body. Although they may exhibit similar symptoms, their underlying causes and treatments differ. In this blog post, let’s understand the difference and choose the right skincare on the basis of our skin type.
| Index |
| ● Introduction |
| ● Understanding Dehydrated Skin |
| ● Symptoms of Dehydrated skin |
| ● Causes of Dehydrated skin |
| ● Symptoms of Dry skin |
| ● Causes of Dry skin |
| ● Dehydrated Skin vs Dry Skin: Treatments |
| ● Conclusion |
| ● Products Mentioned in the Blog |
| ● FAQs |
Understanding Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin is a skin condition which occurs when there is a lack of water in your skin. Your skin is coated with a protective layer that traps in moisture and prevents loss of water. However, a number of factors like harsh chemicals, scrubbing and using the wrong skincare products majorly contribute to the eradication of your skin barrier. When this barrier gets damaged, your skin loses the moisture trapped by its protective layer. This may result in skin dehydration.
Drink enough water to tackle dehydration
This can happen to anyone, regardless of skin type — people with oily or combination skin can experience dehydration. Dehydrated skin typically looks dull and can show premature signs of aging, like surface wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
Symptoms of dehydrated skin
With dehydrated skin, you may notice -
● Premature signs of aging
● Darker under-eye circles
● Skin dullness and itchiness
● Fine lines and wrinkles
● Skin sensitivity
Another way of determining if you have dehydrated skin is running a ‘pinch test’. All you need to do is pinch a small area of your skin at the back of your hand, cheek, abdomen or chest. If your skin bounces back immediately, it is well-hydrated. If it takes a while to bounce back, you’re likely dehydrated.
Causes of dehydrated skin
The various causes of skin dehydration include -
● Sun exposure
Just as UV rays dehydrate your body, they dehydrate your skin as well. They majorly contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your skin.
● Hot showers
Most of us are quite adapted to bathing in hot water. However, hot water can strip away moisture from your skin, thereby making it feel dehydrated.
● Less water intake
When you consume very less water, your skin doesn’t receive the amount of hydration it deserves, thereby causing it to feel dehydrated.
● Air conditioning
Staying in air-conditioned rooms for too long can lead to a lack of moisture in your skin, making it dehydrated. This is due to the absence of moisture in the surrounding air.
Understanding Dry Skin
Dry skinis a skin health condition marked by scaling, itching, and cracking. It occurs when your skin loses water too quickly. It commonly affects the hands, arms, and legs. The sebaceous glands are located underneath the small pores of your skin. They produce an oil called sebum that is necessary for healthy and supple skin. If your sebaceous gland doesn’t produce enough oil, it will leave your skin dry and itchy.
Use appropriate skincare products to tackle dryness
Exposure to dry weather conditions, hot water, and certain chemicals can cause your skin to dry out. Dry skin can also result from underlying medical conditions. You might have naturally dry skin. But even if your skin tends to be oily, you can develop dry skin from time to time.
Symptoms of dry skin
If you have dry skin, you may experience -
● flaky or rough texture of the skin
● excessive itchiness
● infections
● skin burns or stings
● peeling skin
Causes of Dry Skin
The various causes of skin dryness include -
● Age
Your skin gradually produces less oil as you get older. This can cause your skin to get dry and feel rough.
● Medical Conditions
High cholesterol, high blood pressure, certain allergies and other conditions may contribute to a change in your skin type.
● Genetics
If your immediate family members have dry skin, you’re likely to have it too.
● Hot showers and wrong skincare products
Hot showers and harsh chemicals used in skin care products can strip away your skin’s natural oils, making it dry and irritated.
Dehydrated Skin vs Dry Skin: Treatments
Dehydrated skin and dry skin are two distinct conditions that require different approaches to treatment. Here's an overview of each condition and some recommended treatments:
How to treat dehydrated skin?
1. Hydration
Drink an adequate amount of water daily to hydrate your body from within. This helps improve skin hydration.
2. Moisturize
Use a moisturizing cream to retain the hydration of your face. The Sebamed Moisturizing Cream is a nourishing facial moisturizer that guards you against pollutants and dryness. It is light enough to be worn under makeup and effective enough to keep your face feeling soft, thereby making it thebest product for dehydrated skin.
A hydrating solution for your dehydrated skin
3. Use a gentle facial and body cleanser
The foundation of any effective skincare routine is a reliable cleanser. Sebamed's Hydrating Cleansing Bar has been carefully formulated to address the needs of normal to dry skin. Unlike traditional soap bars that may strip your skin of its natural moisture, this soap-free bar maintains a perfect balance between hydration and cleansing. Adding an extra layer of nourishment to your skincare regimen is essential for maintaining healthy and supple skin. Sebamed's Moisturizing Face and Body Wash with Pentavitin is designed to offer deep hydration for both your face and body. Enriched with Pentavitin, this unique formula ensures that your skin stays moisturized long after cleansing. Unlike ordinary cleansers that may leave your skin feeling parched, Sebamed's Face and Body Wash helps lock in essential moisture, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and glowing.
One of the best products for dehydrated skin
4. Apply sunscreen every day
Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen like the Sebamed Multi Protect Sun Lotion SPF 50 Plus which provides triple protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays. If your skin is dehydrated, a sun protect lotion helps to protect it from further dehydration.
A skincare essential your skin needs
How to treat dry skin?
1. Moisturize
Use a rich, emollient moisturizer that contains natural oils to replenish the skin's lipid barrier. The Sebamed Anti-Dry Hydrating Body Lotion is made with nourishing ingredients that intensely moisturize your skin, thereby protecting it from dryness.
One of the best skincare products for dry skin
2. Exfoliation
Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and allows better absorption of moisturizers. Choose a mild exfoliator like lactic acid or enzyme-based product and limit its use to once or twice a week.
3. Avoid hot showers
Hot water can further dry out the skin. Opt for shorter, lukewarm showers or baths and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing vigorously.
4. Gentle Cleansing
Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers that can strip the skin's natural oils.Sebamed Cleansing Bar for Normal to Dry skin will hydrate skin while gently cleansing it. It is a very good skincare product for dry skin. For Face and body, Sebamed Liquid Face and Body wash with Pentavitin Moisturizer is suitable.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between both these skin types is crucial for appropriate skincare. By identifying the correct condition and implementing the right treatments, you can effectively address your skin concerns.
Products Mentioned in the Blog
● Sebamed Multi-Protect Sun Lotion SPF 50 Plus
● Sebamed Anti-Dry Hydrating Body Lotion
FAQs
● Can dry skin and dehydrated skin occur together?
Yes, it's possible to have both conditions simultaneously. In such cases, addressing both issues with targeted treatments is recommended by most dermatologists.
● Are there any lifestyle changes that can help with dry or dehydrated skin?
Absolutely yes! The lifestyle changes include maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption and protecting the skin from extreme weather conditions.
● When should I consult a dermatologist?
It is advised to see a dermatologist if you have tried numerous skin care therapies without success, have extreme discomfort or persistent symptoms, or if your skin condition adversely impacts your quality of life.