Do you know the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin? The two are very often confused. However, the causes are very different, and it's helpful to differentiate them to provide appropriate care for each skin condition and type. This article will provide you with all the information you need to better recognize dehydrated skin from dry skin and determine how to choose your moisturizers and cosmetic products to care for your skin.
How to differentiate them and what are their causes?
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is characterized by a lack of lipids (sebum) in your skin's stratum corneum. It therefore doesn't secrete enough sebum to maintain an effective skin barrier against moisture loss. Dry skin is, like combination and oily skin, a skin type and remains constant.
Dry skin can be caused by:
Skin conditions: eczema or psoriasis are often associated with dry skin.
Genetics: some people are naturally predisposed to dry skin due to their genetic makeup.
Aging: with age, the skin's sebum production decreases, leading to skin dryness.
Unsuitable cosmetic products: using harsh soaps, creams, or cleansers on your face can indeed strip your skin of its natural oils.
What is dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin simply lacks water. Since skin is 72% water in adults, this shows the importance of its hydration. When skin lacks water, it negatively impacts the hydrolipidic film and epidermal cells, which accelerates water evaporation and further accentuates cutaneous dehydration. A real vicious circle! Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that can affect all skin types, including oily skin!
The causes of dehydrated skin can vary:
Environmental factors: such as wind and cold in winter, UV rays from the sun, heating, and air conditioning.
Poor hydration: not drinking enough water can lead to general body dehydration, including your skin.
Poor diet: if you don't consume enough fruits and vegetables, which are rich in water, this can impact your hydration, including that of your skin.
Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption: these beverages are known to be diuretics. They therefore increase urine production and contribute to dehydration.
Shaving and hair removal: these can alter the hydrolipidic film, the layer that protects your skin.
How to recognize dehydrated skin from dry skin?
The symptoms are similar but may show slight variations. If you examine your face, you will notice that the skin appears rough and dull with a more pronounced appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
In the case of dry skin, it may experience tightness and itching, which can escalate to burning sensations after showering. It also exhibits flaking and redness.
When the skin is dehydrated, it will also experience sensations of tightness, but these differ from dry skin. A good test to check if your skin is dehydrated is to gently pinch the skin on your cheek. If the skin quickly returns to its original shape, it is likely well hydrated. If it remains marked or takes time to return to its place, there is probably a lack of hydration!
What are the solutions to relieve your skin?
To effectively care for your skin, it is crucial to choose cosmetic products adapted to your needs, depending on whether your skin is dry or dehydrated. Here are our tips to ensure beautiful skin, whether you have dry or dehydrated skin:
How to nourish your dry skin?
For dry skin, as you will have understood, the problem stems from a lack of lipids. It is therefore important to properly nourish your skin. For this, you will need rich creams and serums rich in lipids to facilitate the restoration of your lipid barrier. Use products containing ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, and natural fats like jojoba or argan oil. This type of ingredient will help to nourish your skin's epidermis. You also need to combine these with good habits, such as taking quick showers with lukewarm water and prioritizing mild soaps. It can also be beneficial to get a humidifier for both winter and summer.
How to hydrate your skin?
If you have dehydrated skin, it is imperative to improve your hydration! This involves both external and internal hydration. You will thus need a moisturizer adapted to your skin containing water-retaining ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycine, for example. We recommend avoiding drying products such as those containing alcohol. You can also combine the use of a serum with a moisturizer to nourish your epidermis. It is also essential to hydrate well from the inside! This is why drinking enough water every day is essential to maintain hydration of your body, including your skin. We advise you to adopt a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are rich in water, to provide the skin with the nutrients it needs. Finally, we recommend limiting your alcohol, soda, and caffeine consumption, which promotes dehydration. You can also optimize your hydration with Hydratis. Use one tablet in 250ml of water, twice a day. But that's not all! The hydration solution also contains zinc, which is known to promote healthy skin. You can find all Hydratis products on hydratis.co and discover our ultra-hydrating range!
It is essential to distinguish between dry skin and dehydrated skin to choose the most suitable care. Dry skin lacks lipids, while dehydrated skin suffers from a lack of water. Both conditions require different care approaches, but simple actions such as using appropriate cosmetic products, good hydration, and healthy habits can greatly improve the appearance and comfort of your skin. The key is really to take care of your skin by considering these differences to act and maintain healthy, radiant skin!
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