Is Your Skin Dry or Dehydrated??

There seems to be some confusion between dry skin and dehydrated skin. The difference is pretty simple - dry skin is lacking oil and dehydrated skin is lacking water – but they both leave the skin feeling tight, uncomfortable and sensitive.

As mentioned, dry skin is lacking oil. The pores are usually small and barely seen over most of the face. Due to this lack of oil, dry skin can become more sensitive because the acid mantle and barrier function are not as healthy due to this lack of sebum (the mantle is created by sebum, sweat and dead skin cells)

Dry skin is a skin type and is inherited through genetics but can also be caused by underlying health conditions such as hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalances.

The texture of dry skin is often slightly rough and feels tight. To correct dry skin occlusive products should be used. Occlusive products create a barrier on the skin that will hold in moisture, reduce water loss thereby protecting and correcting the acid mantle and barrier function of the skin (Donna J Skincare products are wonderful for this! 😊)

Dehydrated skin on the other hand is a condition that is caused by the lack of water and can happen with all skin types, even oily skin.

Dehydrated skin will look thin or flaky, dull and your overall tone and complexion may appear uneven with fine lines being more noticeable. In extreme cases dehydration can cause sunken eyes, dark under-eye circles and “shadows” around the face. Skin will feel tight and dry and will absorb products much more quickly.

Dehydration is caused by internal and external factors such as medications, sun exposure, over-exfoliation and harsh products with a pH below or above the skin’s natural 4.5 - 5.5 pH.

Alcohol and caffeine are the two worst culprits for dehydrated skin as they are both diuretics that dehydrate the body and the skin.

You can easily tell if your skin is dehydrated. Gently lift the skin along the jawbone, if you see a tangle of lines your skin is dehydrated.

To correct dehydrated skin water is essential, both by drinking it as well as applying it through your skincare products. Up to 60% of the adult human body is water and skin cells, just like every other cell in the body, are composed of over 70% water. Also, keeping the water in your skin is essential. Do this by applying an occlusive. As mentioned above occlusive products create a barrier to hold in moisture (again DJS to the rescue 😉)

Other ways to reverse dehydration is to forego exfoliation, sun exposure (always us a broad-spectrum SPF even during casual sun exposure), use products that have a pH of 5.5, and cut back on caffeine and alcohol consumption.

Is your skin dry or dehydrated?

P.S. Check out our occlusive products that will keep moisture in your skin whether your skin is dry or dehydrated