Dry Vs Dehydrated Skin: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments And More

Contrary to common belief, dry skin and dehydrated skin are not one and the same. In simple terms – dry skin is the lack of natural oils in the dermis that prevent TEWL. On the other hand, dehydration is a concern due to the absence of moisture molecules in your skin’s outermost layer. 

In this blog, we delve deeper into the textbook definitions of dryness and dehydration. Additionally, we discuss the symptoms, the causes and the treatments for the two at length. So, keep reading! 

What Is Dry Skin? 

For those unaware, the sebaceous glands in the dermis produce natural oils – responsible for your skin’s moisturization. This natural moisturization is indispensable to the taut, supple feel of the skin. Moreover, these innately occurring oils form a protective barrier on the skin, putting a sturdy lock on its water reservoir. Well, dryness occurs when your skin produces less than adequate natural oils. 

One of the four skin types (oily, sensitive and combination) – dry skin can happen due to genetics, temperamental weather conditions and harsh skincare products. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Dry Skin? 

Dry skin can look different for different people. Here are the most common symptoms of dry skin.

1. Flakiness

2. Scaly texture

3. Inflamed skin

4. Irritation or itching

So, What Is The Solution For Dry Skin? 

To maintain this skin type, you need to adhere to a solid skin care for dry skin with a focus on moisturization. That’s right! Dry skin is characterized by the absence of ample natural oils, therefore demanding regular and deep-level moisturization. 

A potent moisturizer contains emollients, occlusives and humectants that create a protective layer on the dermis, preventing signs of flakiness, scales and redness. 

The Best Moisturizer For Dry Skin 

Scouting the web for the best dry skin moisturizers? We have got you covered.

Hydrating Moisturizer With Ceramides: The moisturizer features super ingredient Ceramide in the forefront that upholds the barrier to prevent TEWL. Moreover, Olive Oil and Squalane in the formula ensure long-lasting moisturization for smooth, soft skin. You can also use the Hydrating Moisturizer for dehydrated skin (more on that later). 

What Is Dehydration? 

Dehydration is a concern (not skin type) that can occur across different skin types. It is defined as the absence of adequate water content in your skin’s outermost layer. 

Dehydration of the skin can lead to other short and long-term concerns. For example, perpetually dehydrated skin is more prone to early signs of skin ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, laugh creases, crow’s feet and more. But that’s not all, dehydrated skin can also hamper barrier health and functionality. Plus, the big under-eye bags or dark circles can also become glaringly visible when your skin is criminally dehydrated.     

What Are The Symptoms Of Dehydrated Skin? 

 Wondering if your skin’s moisture reservoir is running low? Examine it for the following symptoms- 

1, Pale skin

2. Conspicuous dark circles

3. Dullness

4. Itchiness (in some cases)

How To Treat Dehydrated Skin? 

Once you have recognized that your skin, is in fact, dehydrated. How should you treat it? 

This is where humectants come into the picture. For the unversed, humectants found in several hydrating skin products hold water molecules to the skin. Think of a humectant as a tall glass of water that quenches your skin’s thirst for sustained hydration. 

One of the most potent humectants, Hyaluronic Acid, can hold water molecules – approximately X 1000 its weight to the skin. Other examples of humectants include Glycerine, Lactic Acid, Honey and more. 

The Best Hyaluronic Acid Products On Foxtale 

Humectant Hyaluronic Acid can be employed in your skincare in different forms. Having said that, HA is most effective in its serum format. Due to its thin consistency and high concentration of the active, the serum travels into the deepest layers of the skin – working its magic. 

Ahead, we take a look at the best-selling Foxtale products with Hyaluronic Acid as the star ingredient. You can read the list at leisure and shop!

1. Hydrating Face Wash

Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash removes dirt, grime, and impurities from the skin while ensuring a balanced microbiome. It contains Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) and Red Algae Extracts that deeply hydrate the skin. Additionally, Vitamin B5 fades acne, marks and spots with use.

2. Hydrating Serum

With Hyaluronic Acid and 5 other hydrators, this serum is the perfect match for dehydrated skin. It instantly plumps up the skin, softens lines or wrinkles and offsets episodes of inflammation. If you struggle with dehydration and sensitivities, this product should be on your shopping list.

3. Hydrating Moisturizer

To reverse extreme dehydration, try the Hydrating Moisturizer. Other than Olive Oil and Squalane which help with long-lasting moisturization, it contains Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer – a form of Hyaluronic Acid. This ingredient expertly binds water molecules to the skin for long-lasting and multi-level hydration. 

Conclusion -

Dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same. To reiterate, dry skin is a skin type (along with oily, combination and sensitive). It occurs due to the lack of natural oils in the dermis, leading to symptoms like white flakiness, scaly texture and redness. On the other hand, dehydration is a prevalent concern characterized by a lack of ample water content in the outermost layer of the skin. Dehydration can lead to other woes like dullness, conspicuous dark circles, an impaired lipid barrier and more. 

 FAQs 

1. How to know if my skin is dehydrated?

The pinch test is the fastest way to determine skin dehydration. Pinch the skin at the lack of your hand. If it bounces back within 3 seconds, your skin is hydrated. If not, reach out for humectant-based formulas to replenish your skin’s moisture content.

2. Does dehydrated skin need a moisturizer?

Definitely! Moisturizer is non-negotiable regardless of the concern. Pick a humectant-infused moisturizer for dehydration that replenishes your skin moisture content and then seals it.

3. What are the best ingredients for dehydrated skin?

Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine, Lactic Acid and more bode well for dehydrated skin.