Most of us have experienced dry or dehydrated skin at some point in our lives, usually caused by environmental or genetic factors. But did you know that dehydrated and dry skin are quite different and require unique care routines?
This handy guide will help you discover the difference between dehydrated vs dry skin, how to know if your skin is dehydrated or dry, how to care for dehydrated or dry skin, whether dehydration can cause dry skin, and Bio-Oil® skincare’s recommended products to soothe dehydrated or dry skin.
Dehydrated vs Dry Skin: What’s the Difference?
With many people using the terms ‘dehydrated skin’ or ‘dry skin’ interchangeably, it’s easy to think they’re the same thing. But they’re not!
Dry skin refers to your skin type, which you’re genetically born with. Sometimes, your skin type may change over time, or you may develop dry skin from underlying health conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Dry skin is caused by your body failing to produce enough sebum (oil) to keep your skin moisturized and protected from environmental factors.
Dehydrated skin is a condition in which insufficient water is under the skin’s upper layers, often caused by environmental factors like weather, makeup, skincare routine or diet. People often find that when their skin is dehydrated, their body’s natural defense is to produce oil to replace the hydration loss, which can cause acne breakouts or dry patches.
Let’s explore further to discover if you’ve got naturally dry or dehydrated skin.
What Does Dehydrated Skin Look Like?
If you’re wondering what dehydrated skin looks like, here are the top telltale signs:
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Skin dullness (that may also be shiny)
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A feeling of tightness
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Fine lines or wrinkles appearing (known as dehydration lines)
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Darker than usual shadows under your eyes
According to Harvard Medical School, your skin’s top layer needs at least 10% water (ideally 20 – 35%) to feel ‘normal’, soft, and supple. Anything under this can lead to dehydrated skin, which can happen to anyone.
Signs of Dry Skin
Due to the lack of oil, dry skin often looks dull and feels dry and uncomfortable, usually all over the body. You may also be prone to sensitive skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Other signs of dry skin include:
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Rough skin texture, which may crack easily, scale, peel or flake
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Itchiness or sensitivity
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A feeling of tightness, especially after being in the water
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More pronounced fine lines
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Redness
How to Know if Your Skin is Dehydrated or Dry
Everyone is as unique as the skin they’re in! If you’re still trying to determine if you have dehydrated skin vs dry skin, here are some top tips:
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Do the pinch test – pinch the skin on your hand or cheek, and if it doesn’t snap back, it’s likely due to dehydration.
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Ask family members if they’re experiencing similar symptoms (if dry skin is your skin type, it’s likely other family members also have it).
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Try rehydrating by drinking lots of water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol – if your skin improves, it was likely dehydrated.
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Book an appointment with your doctor, dermatologist or skin specialist who can provide you with further insights into your skin’s condition.
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Dry skin can occur due to winter weather with indoor climate control systems, so monitor how your skin feels during different seasons.
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Harsh soaps and detergents can cause dry skin, so if you’re constantly washing your hands or doing a lot of cleaning, the products may be causing your skin to dry out.
How to Care for Dehydrated Skin
Environmental factors are often the cause of dehydrated skin. The great news is that there are simple things you can do to care for dehydrated skin and keep it looking soft and supple.
Here are some top tips:
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Increase your water intake, limiting caffeine and alcohol
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Add water-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet
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Use a humidifier when you sleep (or in your office) to keep moisture in the air
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Limit makeup and always remove it at night
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Choose moisture-enhancing skin care products and moisturizers, like the Bio-Oil moisturizing and dry skin bundles
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Keep a lightweight moisturizer on hand during the day to keep your skin feeling balanced in environments like air conditioning, sun exposure, etc. Bio-Oil Body Lotion, with its ultralight formulation and non-greasy finish, is perfect for on-the-go hydration, helping to lock in moisture without feeling heavy.
Moisturizer for Dehydrated Skin
The best moisturizers for dehydrated skin are gel-based, like Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel. Dehydrated skin tends to become oily, so you need a product that will restore moisture without clogging your pores and causing unsightly breakouts.
Hydrating Ingredients to Look For
When choosing a moisturizer for dehydrated skin, look for products that contain hydrating oils and humectants. Humectants draw moisture from the air and help retain moisture in the skin. You would have heard of humectants, more commonly called hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and aloe vera.
How to Care for Dry Skin
Moisturizing your skin and replacing lost oils is the best way to care for dry skin. Dry skin can often crack and become quite sensitive, so you’ll want to look for natural products like Bio-Oil dry skin range to soothe and repair your dry skin. The blend of mineral oils and vitamins will help reduce how quickly water is lost through your skin’s barrier, and the plant extracts will reduce irritation from dryness.
Here are some more tips to care for your dry skin:
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Use a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and apply a moisturizer regularly
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Limit your showers or baths to under 10 minutes, and only use warm water to prevent your skin from drying out further
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Use hypoallergic soaps and detergents that are gentler on your skin
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Avoid harsh material clothing (e.g. wool) and opt for cotton or silk to prevent rubbing on your dry skin
Does Dehydration Cause Dry Skin?
Although dry skin or dehydrated skin is different (as you’ve seen above), dehydration (e.g. not enough water) can lead to dry skin. If you don’t have enough water in your body, you may notice signs like rough, scaly or itchy skin, along with other symptoms of thirst, tiredness or dark-colored urine.
If you’re experiencing dehydration, the best thing to do is increase your water intake. You can do this by drinking more water or eating more water-based fruits and vegetables. To protect your skin and help seal in water, consider oil-based skincare products like Bio-Oil Skincare Oil.
Can You Have Both?
You can experience both dehydrated and dry skin at the same time. This often happens in dry climates or when the seasons change due to the weather outside and the climate-controlled conditions inside. To treat both, look for products suitable for dry skin and containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help retain your skin’s natural moisture.
Keeping Your Skin Hydrated and Moisturized
Once you’ve determined whether you have dry skin (flaky, patchy, inflamed skin due to a lack of oil) or dehydrated skin (dull, saggy-looking skin due to a lack of water), you can start changing your routine to care for it.
The clinically proven Bio-Oil range nourishes and restores moisture to dry skin. Packed with powerful plant oil and humectants, these products provide essential hydration while protecting your skin’s natural moisture barrier. They’re safe for all skin types, and you can use them on your face and body without clogging your pores and causing nasty breakouts.
If you’re still uncertain about your skin, learn more about common skin concerns and how Bio-Oil can help or talk to your dermatologist.
