Your skin is sensitive to weather conditions, feels tight, dry and may be flaking. It may seem like dry skin; however, similar symptoms can also be caused by dehydrated skin. So what are the differences between them? And how should you care for each type? Before reaching for a rich, heavy cream, check whether your skin actually needs it.
What characterises dry skin?
Dry skin is one of the main skin types, alongside oily, combination and normal skin. It most commonly appears after the age of 30 and is rare in younger individuals. It produces very little sebum, meaning it lacks lipids (which help prevent water loss from the epidermis), and therefore also struggles with maintaining proper hydration. The hydrolipid barrier is impaired, leaving the skin thin, less elastic and more fragile. It typically affects the entire body, which can be particularly noticeable after bathing. Dry skin often feels tight, may itch or sting after cleansing, and tends to prefer richer, oil-based textures.
How can you recognise dry skin?
- feels tight after cleansing,
- feels dry throughout the day,
- prefers rich textures that absorb quickly,
- skincare products provide only temporary relief,
- reacts poorly to weather changes such as sun, frost and wind, resulting in redness, flaking or irritation,
- often feels uncomfortable, tight, sensitive or itchy.
How to care for dry skin
This skin type benefits from formulations that not only provide hydration but also help lock it in for longer. It is also essential to use sun protection all year round. It is advisable to avoid cotton pads, mechanical exfoliation and rubbing the face when drying. High concentrations of exfoliating acids should also be limited. Additionally, drinking more water and maintaining a balanced diet is recommended.
Recommended ingredients: ceramides, oils, butters, allantoin, panthenol, betaine, prebiotics, trehalose, ectoin
What characterises dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition and most often occurs as a result of skincare mistakes, diet, health issues, stress, or unfavourable environmental conditions. It often looks dull and lacks radiance. It typically affects only the face and can occur even in oily or combination skin types. It prefers hydrating yet lightweight formulations.
How does it manifest in oily and combination skin?
If oily or combination skin is treated too aggressively, it may attempt to compensate by producing more sebum in order to prevent water loss from the epidermis, which can lead to excess oil production.
How to care for dehydrated skin
First and foremost, it is important to eliminate the factor causing dehydration. It is advisable to avoid all mattifying cosmetics (including foundation and powder), high concentrations of exfoliating acids, and strong chemical peels. Sun protection should be used all year round. It is also recommended to avoid cotton pads, mechanical exfoliation and rubbing the face when drying. Increasing water intake and maintaining a healthy diet is also beneficial.
Recommended ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, low concentrations of niacinamide, aloe vera, peptides, allantoin, panthenol, betaine, prebiotics, trehalose, ectoin
What are the differences between dry and dehydrated skin?
Dryness can be either genetic or acquired, for example due to improper skincare. The former refers to dry skin as a skin type, while the latter refers to dehydrated skin as a condition.
Dry skin relates to the condition of the hydrolipid barrier and a lack of lipids, whereas dehydrated skin refers to a lack of water within the skin.
Recommended lightweight creams for dehydrated skin:
1. Clochee - Hydro Active Sorbet (discontinued)
2. Ministerstwo - Hydromineral H2O Cream
3. Iossi PRO - Deep Hydration Prebiotic & Peptide (discontinued)
4. Resibo - FLOWER POWER Balancing Hydro Cream (discontinued)
5. Clochee - Lightweight Moisturising & Revitalising Cream (discontinued)
6. MIYA Cosmetics - mySKINbooster Hydrating Gel Booster with Peptides (discontinued)
Recommended creams for dry skin:
1. Make Me Bio - Hydrating Cream for Dry & Sensitive Skin - Garden Roses (discontinued)
2. Iossi PRO - Ultra-Rich Multivitamin Wrinkle-Smoothing Face Cream (discontinued)
3. Mokann - Smoothing Face Cream Fig
4. Alkmie - MOISTURE SYMPHONY Long-Lasting Hydrating Face Cream (discontinued)
5. Ministerstwo - Nourishing Face Cream – Rose Raspberry Jam
6. BasicLab - Moisturising Face Cream – Rich Texture
What are your experiences with dry or dehydrated skin? Which products work best for you?
