This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. I will never recommend any products that I don't believe in. Please read my Disclosure for more info.

Do You Have Dry or Dehydrated Skin? Understand the Difference!

Dry skin, dehydrated skin, potatoes, patatoes. Is it just a play on words or is there really a difference between the two skin conditions? There actually is a difference but the two conditions tend to overlap and impact one another. How you treat your skin can make a huge difference on whether your skin suffers from either one of these traits.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is related to the amount of oil your skin produces. Skin that is predisposed to low oil production is much more likely to be tight and dry. The skin needs a healthy hydrolipid barrier, or film, in order to function optimally and ward off dryness. Stripping the skin with harsh cleansers and overly aggressive exfoliators wipe away this vital film and only lead to dryer skin which in turn leads to skin that looks prematurely aged.

This dryness is the leading cause of dehydration due to the fact that skin with little to no hydrolipid barrier is prone to water loss. Think of a luscious grape and how when the moisture and hydration is sucked out of it, it shrivels up and becomes a wrinkly raisin. Now think your skin minus moisture and hydration. Shhhllleeerp…….wrinkled and lined skin!

Dehydrated Skin

Skin that becomes dehydrated is related to water content within the layers of the skin. Well hydrated skin looks smooth, healthy, plump, and supple. Skin that is hydrated looks more youthful and bounces back more readily.

Dehydrated skin on the other hand may be indicated by crepiness and more pronounced lines. Dehydration can lead to deeper wrinkles as well as sagging skin. Ughh!

We visited the fact that dry skin without a healthy lipid film can lead to dehydration but other factors such as smoking, certain medications, illness, artificial indoor heat and air conditioning, as well as a poor diet can also cause this life sucking occurrence.

What can you do about it?

The two conditions seem to walk hand in hand and both result in a less than desirable complexion. You will need to keep both conditions in mind when treating one or the other.

Make sure you are using a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural barrier. Your skin shouldn’t feel tight after washing. It should feel clean and refreshed. Think nourishing and soothing rather than harsh and stripping.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Good hydration starts on the inside and works its way out. Well hydrated cells lead to well hydrated skin.

Eat more antioxidant loaded fruits and veggies. Avoid foods high in salt as well as stimulants such as coffee (sorry.)

Treatment Options

Oil Infusion

After gently cleansing the skin, apply a noncomedogenic oil such as argan, jojoba, or grapeseed oil to the skin. Place your face, with a towel over the head, over steaming water (should feel comfortable and not unbearably hot) for about 10-15 minutes.

Red LED Light Therapy

Red LED light therapy can help improve the barrier functions by increasing oil production naturally. This therapy has also been shown to improve cellular function in the layers of the skin, trigger repair processes, stimulate fibroblast activity which increases collagen and elastin production, and promotes new cell growth.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B-3 that has been shown to boost ceramides and fatty acids within the skin and have a positive influence on the lipid barrier.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful and well known skin-hydrating ingredient. It helps attract, hold, and retain moisture and hydration within the layers of the skin.

Taking extra care to ensure that your lipid barrier remains intact and making sure you are doing things to keep your skin hydrated will encourage a healthy and youthful complexion. Skin that retains moisture and hydration has a dewy glow, feels more comfortable, and functions more efficiently.