Dry and dehydrated skin might seem like the same thing at first glance but they aren’t really. Instead, think of them like different sides of the same coin.
Dry skin is a skin type but dehydration is a skin condition. Dry skin means that there are fewer oil-producing glands on the face and body than there is on normal or oily skins. While dehydrated skin is simply a lack of water on the top layer of the skin, and this can affect ALL skin types. In other words, your skin can be oily and dehydrated at the same time.
So how do you tell which one you have?
Dry skin looks very dry, flaky and can feel rough especially around the corners of the nose and mouth. On the body, areas like the arms, legs and thighs often appear ashy and scaly.
Dehydrated skin looks dull and can also feel rough. It often feels tight and can be really sensitive. Also, you may notice fine lines or wrinkles in places where there wasn’t before.
Another difference between dry and dehydrated skin is that dry skin is genetic while dehydrated skin is caused by other factors such as the following:
1. Ageing
The ageing process makes the body more dehydrated as this affects the skin as well. As the skin ages, it doesn’t produce as much oil as it used to and doesn’t retain moisture as well as it used to. And the more dehydrated the skin is, the older it’ll look as wrinkles and fine lines will become more apparent.
(Photo: Pinterest via Sandra Onyenaucheya)
2. Sun
The UVA rays from the sun can increase free radicals in the cells, increase oxidants in the skin all of which will contribute to dehydrate the skin.
3. The weather/environment
Changes in the weather can also cause a drop in the moisture level of the skin. For example, the low humidity air in harmattan can irritate and dry out the skin. Also, cold air tightens the pores and reduces sebum production so oily skin will actually become less oily. It might be best to avoid taking hot showers at this time as it would further dehydrate the skin.
(Photo: V10Plus.co)
4. Harsh cosmetics
The use of certain skin care products which contain ingredients like sulfates can dry out your skin. Especially, if you’re not adequately moisturizing.
We’re sure by now you’ve figured out if your skin is dry or dehydrated. And your question now is what to do if your skin is dehydrated. Don’t worry, we’ll let you know in a subsequent post.
In the meantime, find out here if drinking water can hydrate your skin.
(Featured image: Allure.com)