DRY OR DEHYDRATED SKIN: How to Tell the Difference – and Why It Matters
At first glance, it can be difficult to understand the difference between dry and dehydrated skin. However, when choosing skin care products on your own, it is easy to make a mistake and choose products that can worsen the condition of the skin. Although there is a big difference between dry and dehydrated skin, which requires different care, they are connected by a common feeling of dryness. So, how to distinguish between dry and dehydrated skin?
What is the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?
Dry skin is one of the skin types that is characterized by an innate lower amount of sebum secretion.
Genetics is often the main cause of dry skin , but its condition can be worsened by various internal and external factors, such as cold, dry climates, too hot showers, certain medical procedures, and the natural aging process. It can be noted that with age, the skin tends to dry out because over time the skin begins to produce less sebum.
Dehydrated skin is not a skin type, but a condition that is related to a lack of water in the body. Healthy skin contains about 30% water, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity. When your skin starts to lack water, it starts to dry out.
Dehydrated skin can be solved by choosing moisturizers and taking care of your body from the inside, while dry skin is a natural skin condition, so it requires a long-term care routine that is balanced for dry skin.
So, if dry skin (a skin type) lacks oil, dehydrated skin (a skin condition) lacks water.
What are the signs of dry and dehydrated skin?
Signs of dry skin:
- Constant feeling of tension
- Itching
- Scaling
Signs of dehydrated skin:
- Graying of the skin
- Loss of natural skin glow
- Decreased skin elasticity
- Feeling of stretching
- These symptoms are variable (i.e. not a natural skin condition) and can occur in any skin type.
General tips for caring for both dehydrated and dry skin :
Gentle skin exfoliation. This removes dead skin cells and allows moisturizing products to be absorbed into the skin more effectively.
Additional skin hydration. It is important to realize that skin dehydration can also depend on the season. Cold and dry air takes moisture from the skin, dehydrating it, and skin dehydration in the cold season most strongly affects dry skin types, so in this case, additional skin hydration is very important.
Avoid washing your skin with hot water . Hot water dries out the skin, washing away the skin's natural oil layer, which maintains moisture balance and protects the skin.
It is essential to use SPF . Regardless of skin type and condition, Sun protection is essential to prevent sunburn, pigmentation, and premature signs of skin aging.
Don't forget to drink water . An adult needs to drink at least 2 liters of water per day so that the body can not only perform important vital functions, but also maintain the natural moisture of the skin.
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