Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin: What’s the Difference?

Many people suffer from dry skin, or so they think!  It makes sense to believe that you might have dry skin if your skin feels dry, but it’s possible that your skin is actually dehydrated. You may have heard people interchange the term "dry" and "dehydrated" but there is actually a difference.

Dry vs. Dehydrated:

Dehydration means your skin is lacking water, while dry skin means your skin lacks oil.

Dehydration:

How does your skin get water/hydration? You might think it's only from drinking water, but it actually gets most of its hydration from the environment. Have you ever noticed that after a day in the snow or a hot summer day at the beach, that your skin feels very dry? This is the environment stealing some of the water in your skin. This is another reason your acid mantle is so important – it helps you keep the water that is already in your skin.

Dry Skin:

Dry skin, in general, is actually a skin type. “Dry skin” has to do with how much oil is produced in your skin, which depends on a lot of factors –race, hormone changes, genetics, age, medication etc…

Check Your Products

Want to improve your dry skin? Moisturize. Don't use harsh soaps or shampoos that strip away the oils from your skin. Skincare products that contain alcohol or harsh chemicals are harmful  to your skin’s pH balance. Make sure you are using products that have quality, natural ingredients that nurture your skin.

Over-washing your skin can cause it to become dehydrated.  Even the type of water used in your home’s water system could be dehydrating your skin. I recommend using a hydrating mist, rose water, or toner to help correct the pH balance of your skin and restore its hydration.

If you still aren’t sure if your skin is dry or dehydrated, talk to one of our skincare experts at Botanica. We’ll help your skin get back its youthful, radiance!

Love,

Gen