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

Knowing your skin type is crucial for finding the perfect skincare regimen to enhance your skin condition and maintain a healthy complexion. But when it comes to dry skin, there's a lot of confusion—Dry skin and dehydration may sound alike, but they're as different as a skin type and a skin condition can be! Let's debunk this common skincare conundrum and level up your skincare. 

The Bottom Line

Dry skin is characterised by a shortage of natural oils (sebum), resulting in a fragile skin barrier that struggles to retain moisture. It can be inherited or triggered by factors such as cold weather, low humidity, or excessive sun exposure. Dry skin often feels tight and rough and may appear flaky or dull. It's prone to fine lines, and wrinkles, and can feel irritated or itchy, especially in harsh climates.

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a temporary condition where the skin lacks water, regardless of skin type. It can affect anyone, including those with oily or combination skin. Dehydration can be caused by various factors like dry air, wind, poor diet, or over-exfoliation. Unlike dry skin, which lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water but may still produce oil.

Try the Pinch Test

The pinch test is a quick and easy way to assess whether your skin is dehydrated. Choose a small area of your face, such as your cheek or the back of your hand. Using your thumb and forefinger, gently pinch the skin without pressure. Release the pinch and observe how quickly the skin returns to its normal position. 

Skin that snaps back immediately and feels elastic is likely well-hydrated. However, if the skin returns slowly or maintains a "pinched" appearance, leaving behind wrinkles, it may indicate dehydration.

*Keep in mind that factors such as age, sun exposure, and overall skin health can affect the results of the pinch test.

How to Improve Dehydrated Skin

• Pick a Hydrating, Mild Cleanser

When your skin is dehydrated, it becomes more sensitive and prone to irritation. Opt for a mild and hydrating option that gently purifies the skin and removes impurities without stripping away moisture. When cleansing, avoid harshly rubbing the skin—think of it like handling a fragile egg—and instead, use a feather-light touch to massage the skin and prevent irritation.

PURITO From Green Avocado Cleansing Balm (100ml) - £20.00

This cleansing balm melts onto the skin with body temperature, gently removing impurities without tightness or irritation. Its nutrient-rich formula nourishes and retains moisture while cleansing, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated after use.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Cleansing Foam (125ml) - £16.00

Ideal for sensitive skin, this gentle cleanser effectively purifies and soothes irritation with its nourishing formula, boasting 33% Centella Asiatica. With a pH level of 5, it maintains a balanced skin pH while effectively removing impurities and makeup without causing dryness.

• Utilise Humectants

Humectants are your new BFFs in skincare, boosting the skin's moisture levels by attracting moisture from the environment and binding it to the skin, resulting in maintained hydration and plumped-up skin.

Hyaluronic Acid: Perhaps one of the most renowned humectants, Hyaluronic Acid has the remarkable ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, providing exceptional hydration for the skin.

Panthenol (Provitamin B5): Known for its moisturising properties, panthenol enhances skin hydration by attracting and sealing in moisture, leaving the skin nourished and supple.

Glycerin: A versatile humectant commonly found in skincare products, glycerin draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain optimal hydration levels, ensuring a healthy and moisturised complexion.

SKINFOOD Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad (60 pads) - £26.00

Infused with a hydrating essence enriched with B-carotene from natural carrots, these award-winning toner pads offer instant relief to dehydrated, irritated skin, providing a refreshing cooling sensation. It's no wonder this product has gone viral globally!

ANUA Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule (30ml) - £23.90

This lightweight ampoule is infused with soothing Heartleaf Extract, renowned for its ability to relieve irritation and inflammation. Enhanced with Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid, it deeply hydrates the skin, imparting a radiant, healthy glow.

• Layer Watery Toner and Essences

When the skin is dehydrated, layering hydration products can effectively relieve dryness and boost the skin's inner moisture levels instantly. Opt for lightweight, watery toners and essences infused with nutrients and calming ingredients to provide soothing relief and nourishment to the skin all at once.

ABIB Heartleaf Calming Toner Skin Booster (200ml) - £21.00

This calming toner rescues tired and irritated skin with deep moisturisation and soothing effects, while also cooling the skin's temperature. Enriched with 50,000ppm of anti-inflammatory Heartleaf extract, it controls excess oils, soothes redness, alleviates breakouts, and deeply nourishes the skin, with added Centella Asiatica and Hyaluronic Acid for intense hydration and a fortified skin barrier.

MIXSOON Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence (100ml) - £24.00

This best-selling essence features K-Beauty's beloved ingredient, 100% Centella Asiatica from MIXSOON's farms in Jeju Island - it reduces inflammation and redness, enhancing the skin’s natural barrier. The watery texture is perfect for layering to increase the moisture level of the skin effectively. 

• Shield Moisture with a Moisturiser

Since dehydration can affect oily and combination skin types as well, opting for a heavy moisturiser might overwhelm the skin and leave you feeling oily. Instead, try a lightweight gel-type moisturiser enriched with moisturising ingredients that promote moisture retention, keeping the skin hydrated without any greasy residue.

IUNIK Beta Glucan Daily Moisture Cream (60ml) - £15.50

While Beta-Glucan isn't a humectant, it retains 20% more moisture than Hyaluronic Acid, effectively maintaining hydration levels. This lightweight, ultra-hydrating moisturiser not only replenishes skin hydration but also offers anti-ageing benefits with 3% Beta-Glucan.