What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?

If you're suddenly feeling as though your rich moisturiser isn't quite quenching your skin like it used to then it’s likely that your skin is dehydrated rather than dry.

When referring to dry skin, we are talking about the skin type in the same way that oily or combination skin is a skin type. On the other hand, when talking about dehydrated skin, we are referring to the condition of your skin and this condition can be present in all skin types. This is a common confusion but as soon as you can identify your skin as dehydrated, dry or both, you can tweak your skin care routine and understand how to bring your skin back into balance and how to treat the condition of your skin.

The first step is to identify some key signs of dehydrated or dry skin.

Signs of dry skin:
• Skin feeling ‘tight’, especially after cleansing
• Rough texture
• Lack of volume
• Dullness
• Scaling, peeling or flaking

Signs of dehydrated skin:
• Skin feels tight
• Could appear to have more pronounced expression lines
• Could look a little lack-lustre and dull
• Will absorb moisture very quickly, still leaving skin feeling parched.
• An easy telltale of dehydrated skin is the longevity of makeup throughout the day; your makeup may go patchy as your skin absorbs any moisture it can from your base.

Dry skin is the result of a lack of oil however dehydrated skin is the result of a lack of water, which is what helps you get that glow that most of us desire. Dehydrated skin is often overlooked more than dry skin, perhaps because it is less obvious initially. However, left alone, dehydrated skin will make your skin look rather dull!

Here’s the good news, we do have control over some of the exacerbating causes so here are our tips:

• Dehydration can be triggered by poor diet and too much alcohol and caffeine consumption. Don’t panic! That Monday morning latte and Friday evening glass of wine need not (and should not) be sacrificed; we still need to enjoy some small indulgences in life! Just consider how frequently these indulgences occur and keep an eye on the effects shown in your skin.

• Consider cutting down on the amount of salt you sprinkle on your food. Sodium in salt will suck all the moisture from the food you are consuming, let alone leaving you feeling bloated and thirsty.

• Get your sleep! Stress and lack of sleep can also contribute to dehydrated skin. The science behind this comes from our instinct to flee from or fight stressful situations which means our bodies will get rid of fluids in a bid to be as light as possible. If you are feeling stressed, make sure you're still staying hydrated to avoid a big dip in your hydration levels.

Using the right products to tackle your skin concern is very important. If you are targeting dehydration, we have curated the perfect  Dehydrated Skin Kit to tackle your hydration concerns. Oils and serums containing ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid are also great to bind moisture to the skin, helping skin to rehydrate. Some of our hydration heroes: Hyaluronic Plumping Mist, Tri-Molecular Hyaluronic Serum and Hyaluronic Plumping Primer, all of which contain the hydrating powerhouse ingredient Hyaluronic Acid. These hydrating heroes will ensure your skin is hydrated, nourished and plump.

We keep our Hyaluronic Plumping Mist to hand during the day so we can give our skin a spritz when it’s feeling parched or tight. Meanwhile our Tri-Molecular Hyaluronic Serum hydrates the skin on the surface whilst also penetrating the deeper layers to replenish the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

For those who want a smooth, flawless complexion, our Hyaluronic Plumping Primer is a must-have in your skincare arsenal. We see it as the final step in your skincare routine before you apply any make-up. Alternatively, if you want a natural, no make-up look, it’s a great finisher as it leaves skin looking smooth and plump.

Don’t forget about the eye area which is prone to dehydration as well as dryness; our Wonder Eye Cream also contains Hyaluronic Acid and a blend of Cucumber oil and Witch Hazel to calm, brighten and reduce puffiness.