Do you know the difference between dry and dehydrated skin? Interestingly enough, these two terms are not actually synonymous. So, what is the difference? In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the causes of dehydrated skin, compare hydrating vs moisturizing, and answer this common question: how do I know if my skin is dry or dehydrated?

What Is Dehydrated Skin?

Dehydrated skin lacks the normal amounts of water required for optimal elasticity and glow. Some of the causes of dehydrated skin are general dehydration in the body, not drinking enough clear fluids, and drinking diuretics like alcohol. If you have dehydrated skin, the solution is to hydrate both your skin and your whole body.

What Is Dry Skin?

Dry skin is different in that it may be hydrated, but it is still dry. Dryness refers to the amount of natural oil or sebum in the skin. Dry skin can be caused by a number of factors, as well. If you over-cleanse, cleanse with harsh products, or otherwise expose your skin to extreme conditions and products, you are more likely to have dry skin. This can be combated by eliminating the cause and moisturizing your skin properly.

Why Is Dry Skin A “Skin Type?”

People with the dry skin type tend to struggle with dry skin on a regular basis. Just as oily skin is a skin type, so is dry skin. People with dry skin may have difficulty developing a routine that works for their skin type to keep their skin looking healthy, elastic, and beautiful. These people will need to develop a moisturizing regimen carefully, as some skincare ingredients are harsh and can strip the skin of its natural oils.

How Do I Know If My Skin Is Dry Or Dehydrated?

You can do something called “the pinch test” to determine if you have dry or dehydrated skin. This method isn’t one hundred percent accurate, but it can help you get an idea of how hydrated your skin might be. To do the pinch test, go to pinch some skin on your cheek, chest, or the back of your hand for a few seconds. If your skin doesn’t immediately snap back into its normal position, you might have dehydrated skin. If it does, but feel flaky or itchy, you probably have dry skin.

Hydrating vs Moisturizing: What’s The Difference?

Hydrating is the solution to dehydrated skin. This involves drinking more water and even supplying your skin with external hydration through cool mist humidifiers or sprays. On the other hand, dry skin requires moisturization. Moisturization can be accomplished with cleansers, toners, creams, lotions, and more. The important thing is that your moisturizer is in a form that your skin can absorb and use. Otherwise, it’s a waste. People with dry skin also find that using a barrier cream on top of a moisturizer helps lock in moisture.

How Do I Select The Best Moisturizer For My Skin?

In general, great moisturizers use ingredients like nut and seed oils (sunflower, hemp, aloe), shea butter, lanolin, and ceramides. Many essential oils (plant extracts) are beneficial, as well. Selecting a high-quality moisturizer that is best for your skin type will go a long way to help you manage your dry skin. Here at Rejuvaskin, we use only the best, most high-quality ingredients in our skincare products. Take a look through our products for skincare solutions to your skin’s problems!