Dry or Dehydrated skin? Need to know.

Dry Vs. Dehydrated Skin

Does your face feel tight, dull, rough, and sensitive? Do you feel like a raisin this winter? Chances are you might have dehydrated skin, not dry skin.

Dry Skin & What It Needs

Dry skin is a skin type so it is usually genetic. Those with dry skin naturally produces less oils and sebum. You might have dry skin if you are always dry, not matter the season, time of month, or weather. Dry skin often feels itchy and flaky all over your body. You can have dry and dehydrated skin.

Dry skin lacks that natural barrier of oil and sebum. It is mostly due to genetics. Dry skin is sensitive because it lacks those oils that protect it from the environment and keep moisture in.

To help dry skin, look for oils to replace and protect it - plant oils like marula, olive, sunflower oil, and other fatty acids and omega-9s. Also look for ingredients like sheabutter, ceramides, aloe, coconut oil and lanolin.

Dehydrated Skin & What It Needs

Dehydrated skin is skin condition that lacks moisture. Dehydrated skin feels like what’s described above - tight, dull, and rough. Wrinkles are more noticeable and you might have darker circles under your eyes. However, you might notice that your skin will change based on weather, stress and products.

Possible causes are over exfoliating, over cleansing, diet, lack of sleep, hot showers, and weather. More mature skin also has a harder time keeping moisture in. You can have oily and dehydrated skin at the same time. In fact, dehydration can lead to more oil production.

To help dehydrated skin, you want to look for added hydration before moisturizing. Hyaluronic acid, glycerine, pantheon B5 and AHA’s are ingredients that will help hydrate. Algae and cucumbers help as well. Moisturizers will help lock that hydration in.

Whether dry or dehydrated, everyone should drink plenty of water and eat a good amount of vegetables to hydrate from the inside out. Also recommended, is to exfoliate at least once a week, and lightly moisturize twice a day. For those dry winter months, avoid using powders and other over drying cosmetics. Instead try using a hydrating facial spray to lock in that moisture.