Skin SOS: Decoding Dehydration Vs Dryness In Your Skin

When talking about skincare, the terms ‘dehydrated’ and ‘dry’ are often used interchangeably, but they actually have two different meanings and, more importantly, distinct needs to restore healthy-looking skin. These two conditions typically share many symptoms, such as itchy, irritated, and reddish skin, so how do you tell them apart? Before treating the issue, read on to learn the key differences between dehydrated and dry skin.

What is dehydrated skin?

Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin is just a temporary condition wherein there is not enough water in the uppermost layer of the skin. This water insufficiency disrupts the skin’s protective function, leading to uncomfortable skin that feels dry and itchy¹.

Healthy skin consists of 30% water that contributes to its elasticity, plumpness, and strength², so losing more water than your skin takes in will make it dehydrated. Damage to the skin’s protective barrier is what usually causes dehydrated skin. Still, other external factors can also bring about this skin issue, such as extremely cold or dry weather and inadequate water intake.

How to tell if your skin is dehydrated

As mentioned, dehydrated skin and dry skin often share similar symptoms. However, since the former is a temporary condition, it is possible to have dehydrated areas of skin feel both dry and oily simultaneously. Dehydrated skin also causes more pronounced wrinkles and lines, which is why it is often confused with premature skin ageing¹.

Another way to tell if you have dry skin is by seeing if you have a haggard-looking appearance combined with other features like darker under-eye circles. Dehydrated skin can also come and go depending on factors like weather, current activity, lifestyle changes, or when using a different skincare or cosmetic product.

Symptoms of dehydrated skin

Poor skin elasticity is the biggest tell-tale sign of dehydrated skin, but it can also include other symptoms such as³:

Itchiness
Fine lines
Dry mucus membranes (like in the nose)
Dry lips and/or mouth
Cracked lips

What is dry skin?

Skin is categorised into five unique types: normal, oily, sensitive, combination and dry. Those with the dry skin type have a complexion that lacks lipids or oils¹ and produces less sebum than oily or normal, which means the skin is less moisturised and more vulnerable to harsh environments. Genetics is the leading cause of dry skin, but many other internal and external factors can also worsen it, including certain medications, cold or dry climates, drying skincare products, excessively hot showers, and the natural ageing process².

Skin dryness is a common condition that most people will experience at some point in their lifetime, especially upon reaching their 40s when the skin’s sebum production declines.

Signs of dry skin

Because of the dry skin type’s low sebum production, it appears dry and dull, feels uncomfortable all over, and is prone to cracking. Without proper maintenance, it may be more susceptible to eczema, psoriasis, and other sensitivities¹. Other signs of dry skin may include³:

Dehydration
Itchiness
Loose skin
Rough or cracked texture
More pronounced fine lines
Flaking, peeling, and scaling

Preventing dehydrated skin and managing dry skin

Preventing dehydrated skin focuses more on maintaining internal factors of the body while managing dry skin is more concerned about external factors.

To treat dehydrated skin, apply water-based skincare products like moisturisers and get additional hydration via electrolytes since this skin issue stems from a lack of water. Prevention involves staying hydrated at all times as well as adopting the following habits to reduce the chances of dehydrated skin³:

Eating moisture-rich foods
Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
Following a healthy sleep schedule

When it comes to dry skin, applying moisturiser several times a day is key to improving skin condition along with other skincare products. After bathing or washing your hands is the ideal time to do this to seal in as much moisture as possible. Furthermore, avoid skincare products that contain gritty scrubs and harsh soaps since dry skin can often be sensitive.

Lastly, be aware that not all alcohols in skincare products are the same. For instance, fatty alcohols such as stearyl and cetyl alcohol will not irritate dry skin and can even be beneficial to it.

Conclusion

People often mistake dry and dehydrated skin as being the same. However, the latter is a temporary skin condition resulting from insufficient body fluids, whereas the former is a skin type that can arise from various causes.

If you need help dealing with either skin issue, visit us at Angeline Yong Dermatology today and let our esteemed Dr Yong take a closer look at your condition. We understand that each patient is unique, so we thoroughly review your concerns and needs to provide you with a personalised treatment regimen specifically tailored to your skin. Feel free to contact us today to book an appointment at our dermatology clinic or learn more about our extensive range of services, including acne treatments, chemical peels, and pigmentation removal via both the picoway and picosure lasers in Singapore.

References

Debara, D. (2019, March 14). Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated: How to Tell the Difference — And Why It Matters. Healthline. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/dry-vs-dehydrated

Popkin, B. M., D’Anci, K. E., & Rosenberg, I. H. (2010). Water, hydration, and health. Nutrition reviews, 68(8), 439–458. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x

Millar, N (2022, April 29). Dehydrated vs. dry skin: What to know. Medical News Today. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dehydrated-vs-dry-skin

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Skin SOS: Decoding Dehydration Vs Dryness In Your Skin