Dry or dehydrated

Even though dry skin and dehydrated skin are often interchanged in conversation, they are actually not the same.

Simply put, dry skin is a skin type, while dehydrated skin is a skin condition.
You are naturally born with your skin type. Your skin condition is what occurs to your skin based on a variety of factors, including dehydration, acne, and irritation. Skin conditions can happen to anyone, at any time.

Those with dry skin types will find that their skin lacks oil. Your skin produces less sebum than normal skin, which means it is without the lipids it needs to retain moisture. The dryness can occur all over your body, from your face and scalp to your hands and legs.

While you drench your skin with moisture and hydration, those moisturisers and lotions tend to sink in and be soaked up quickly. Dry skin can also be accompanied by flaking, cracking, sensitivity, itchiness, or skin conditions such as eczema.
Dehydrated skin means there is a lack of water in your skin. When your skin becomes dehydrated, it creates more oil to make up the difference and try to regain its lost water, which can lead to breakouts, irritation, and dry patches. Dehydration affects all skin types, including oily skin.

Treating dry skin – Experts recommend using a gentle cleanser, and avoiding harsh exfoliants. Use a rich, creamy moisturiser, and include a serum for added hydration.

Treating dehydrated skin – Hyaluronic acid products and drinking plenty of water will help hydrate skin. Talk to the experts about what products are specifically formulated for dehydrated skin.