What Really is the Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin?
Main Image – Ohlamourstudio/Stocksy
If you experience skin that’s in constant need of a glow, you might have dry or dehydrated skin. But did you know there is a difference between the two?
Confused? Don’t panic. Dermatologist Dr Hannah Kopelman is here to explain it all – from how to tell which one you have to how to treat it.
Keep scrolling to de-code dry and dehydrated skin once and for all!
What is dry skin?
“Dry skin is a skin type, so it’s more of a long-term condition,” Dr Kopelman explains. “People with dry skin are lacking in natural oils and this leads to rough, flaky patches and that constant tight feeling, especially after cleansing.”
In fact, one of the ways to identify whether or not you have dry skin is to cleanse it and see how it feels with nothing applied afterwards. If it feels tight then it’s probably dry.
“I’ve seen this a lot with patients who often feel discomfort after washing their face or hands,” Dr Kopelman says. “Dry skin tends to look more irritated and, in some cases, cracked.”
What is dehydrated skin?
Dr Kopelman says this is more temporary. “Anyone can experience it, regardless of their skin type,” she explains. “Dehydrated skin is lacking water, not oil, and I often see this in patients who notice their skin looking dull, with more pronounced fine lines and a lack of radiance. It’s more about how your skin feels on a given day than a permanent skin type.”
Image – Angelina/adobe
How to identify whether you have dry or dehydrated skin
Ok so you’ve worked out the difference between the two, but now you need to work out which one you have. “It’s important to distinguish between dry and dehydrated skin because the treatments are quite different,” Dr Kopelman explains.
“I’ve had patients try hydrating products for dry skin without success because they weren’t addressing the lack of oil. On the other hand, using rich, oil-based products on dehydrated skin can clog pores without fixing the water deficit. It’s about using the right approach for your skin’s needs.”
Dr Kopelman says knowing whether your skin is dry or dehydrated is all in how it feels. “In my practice, I tell patients that if your skin feels rough all the time, you’re likely dealing with dryness,” she explains.
“But if your skin feels tight one day and fine the next, or if you notice it’s dull without being flaky, dehydration might be the issue. A quick pinch test on the cheek can help – if it wrinkles but doesn’t feel dry, dehydration is the culprit.”
How to treat dry skin
“I always recommend focusing on restoring oils,” Dr Kopelman says. “Look for products with ceramides, squalane, and hyaluronic acid.”
And the routine? “I suggest starting with a gentle, creamy cleanser, followed by a rich moisturizer – especially one with barrier-repair ingredients. During the day, a cream with SPF is key, and at night, I often advise adding a facial oil or thick balm to really lock in moisture.”
And avoid skin-stripping products. “I always advise my patients with dry skin to avoid foaming cleansers and products with alcohol or harsh astringents,” she adds. “These can strip the skin of its natural oils, making dryness worse.”
Image – Ohlamourstudio/Stocksy
How to treat dehydrated skin
Noticing dull, wrinkly but flake-free skin? Dr Kopelman suggests humectants which are ingredients that draw water into the skin. “I usually recommend serums with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera,” she says.
“I tell my patients to layer these under a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer, especially at night, and to make sure they’re drinking enough water too. Dehydrated skin can often be a sign of lifestyle factors like not drinking enough fluids or over-exfoliating.”
And things to avoid? “I suggest steering clear of anything that strips the skin further, like products with high alcohol content or strong exfoliating acids,” she says. “These can damage the skin’s barrier and lead to even more water loss.”
The takeaway
So, dry skin lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water. Dry skin is a skin type and is more long-term, whereas dehydrated skin can happen to anyone, at any time, and shows itself in lack of radiance and pronounced fine lines.
Remember Kopelman’s pinch test to identify which one you have and choose the right ingredients and formulas for your situation. For example, for dry skin choose ceramides and squalane, creamy cleansers and rich moisturisers. And for dehydrated skin opt for hyaluronic acid and aloe vera and lightweight moisturisers.
Meet the expert
Dr Hannah Kopelman is a dermatologist at The Kopelman Surgery.
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