Aesthetics Treatments, Waltham Abbey, Essex
Hey dolls! Let’s talk about something I get asked all the time - “Is my skin dry or just dehydrated?” Trust me girls, they’re not the same! A lot of us confuse the two, but figuring out which one you’re dealing with is key to fixing it.
What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin is all about your skin type. It’s something you're born with, just like some people have oily or combination skin. Dry skin means your skin naturally produces less oil (sebum), which leaves it feeling rough, flaky, and even a bit tight. No amount of water will fix dry skin because it’s lacking oils. You’ll need rich creams, nourishing oils, and hydrating ingredients to keep it happy!
Signs of Dry Skin:
Rough texture
Flakiness
Tightness, especially after cleansing
Redness or irritation
Fine lines may appear more visible
What is Dehydrated Skin?
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is all about your skin’s condition. It’s caused by a lack of water in your skin rather than oil. So, even if you have oily or combination skin, your skin can still get dehydrated! Yep, that post-latte afternoon dullness or tight feeling is probably dehydration at work. This is usually caused by external factors like weather, diet, or not drinking enough water.
Signs of Dehydrated Skin:
Dullness or lack of glow
Tightness (even with oily skin)
More visible fine lines, especially when smiling
Dark circles under the eyes
You may even experience some sensitivity or breakouts
How to Tell the Difference?
Here’s the fun part: pinch test! Gently pinch the skin on your cheek or forehead. If it forms fine lines and wrinkles when pinched, your skin is likely dehydrated. If it feels rough and flaky, it’s more likely dry.
But here’s the real tea - your skin can be both dry AND dehydrated, which is why layering your skincare is essential.
How to Treat Dry and Dehydrated Skin
If you're dealing with dry skin, focus on restoring oils:
Moisturisers with oils and ceramides. I like ZO Skin Health's Recovery Creme.
Gentle cleansers that won’t strip your natural oils. I like ZO Skin Health's Hydrating Cleanser.
Hydrating oils like jojoba or rosehip to lock in moisture.
For dehydrated skin, it’s all about upping the hydration:
Hyaluronic acid serums to draw water into the skin. I like PCA Skin’s Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum.
Lightweight moisturisers that hydrate without clogging pores. I like PCA Skin's Rebalance.
Avoid alcohol-based toners and drink plenty of water. I like PCA Skin's Hydrating Toner.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’ve got dry skin, dehydrated skin, or both, the goal is to balance things out and keeping your skin happy means giving it the right kind of love. Don't forget dry and dehydrated skin can also cause wrinkles and fine lines to become more pronounced.
If you’re still unsure whether your skin is dry or dehydrated, or want some tailored product recommendations, book a consultation with me today! We can chat all things skin and I’ll help you create a skincare routine that’s perfect for your needs. Let’s get you glowing!
Ready to start? Click here to schedule your appointment.
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