Is your skin dry or dehydrated…and how to tell the difference.

Navigating your beauty purchases online can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you’re not 100% sure what you’re looking for. One of the most frequently asked questions by customers is ‘is my skin dry or dehydrated’? These two often get confused as the same thing, however there are some integral differences that need to be determined before you should *add to cart.

So how can you easily identify if your skin is dry or dehydrated.

Let’s take a step back and talk skin types vs skin conditions. In short, skin types are for life, whereas skin conditions can change frequently and are in addition to skin types.  Normal, dry, sensitive, oily & combination, are all skin types. Skin conditions cover concerns such as acne, dermatitis, dehydration, sensitized skin, eczema & rosacea, just to name a few.  

Dry skin is a skin type, where the skin is lacking oils and lipids. A person with dry skin will have minimal visible pores, skin texture may appear thinner, finer with possible redness, flakiness and a rougher texture is not uncommon.   A true dry skin will enjoy textures that are rich, emollient and oily. Products with these rich textures work on more of a surface level and are going to be ideal of a true dry skin, protecting it like a barrier.  

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition where there is a lack of water in the skin. Dehydration can happen to all skin types, even oily acne prone skin – it’s actually very common in these skin types, due to the usage of products and active ingredients which help to eliminate acne. Some tell-tale visible signs of dehydration may be skin dullness, surface dehydration lines & skin itchiness. A dehydrated skin tends to enjoy water based, lightweight and fresher textures, that make your skin feel like they’ve had a big drink of water.  

Outlined below are a few products which would be ideal for dry & dehydrated skins.  

Dehydrated  

Treatments - Hyaluronate Skin Hydration Serum 

Deliver a daily boost of deep hydration to skin, with this skincare concentrate.  

Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) holds 1000 times its weight in water, so it’s extremely hydrating, plumping and will make skin smooth and hydrated. Use under your moisturiser for all day hydration.  

Rosewater Hydration - Moisture Boost Day Cream-Gel 

Keeping skin hydrated during the day is key to a youthful glow, less breakouts and excess oil production. Calming ingredients such as Rosewater can help to reduce redness, balance skin Ph & reduce acne scarring.  

Rosewater Hydration - Moisture Gel Sleeping Mask 

Skin repairs at night and replenishing ingredients such antioxidant Rosewater, plumping Hyaluronate and calming Calendula Flower deliver deep hydration and a softer, more supple complexion, whilst you sleep.  

Dry Skin  

Treatments - Goji Berry & Vitamin E Antioxidant Facial Essence 

Essences have been used for a long time in Asian skincare routines as an additional step to targeting intense hydration and a more radiant, plump complexion. Essences are traditionally used after your toner before your serum or moisturiser. The water like consistency, with the support of Hyaluronate, Goji Berries & Green Tea, provide hydration, strengthen the skins barrier function & reduce inflammation.  

Aromatherapy - Intensive Moisturising Day Cream 

Deliver essential daily hydration to your stressed and thirsty skin with this effective, concentrated plant-based cream. Botanical extracts and essential oils help to activate the skin's natural moisturising systems and promote a soft and supple radiance, leaving skin plump and nourished.  

Aromatherapy - Intensive Moisturising Night Cream 

Repair and replenish with this rich and deeply hydrating night cream. Nourishing plant oils and extracts promote supple skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful, rested-looking complexion.  

Precious Oils – Regenerative Face Oil 

A beautiful blend of pure botanical oils, including Jojoba, Rosehip and Hazelnut. This rich nourishing oil is high in vitamins and essential fatty acids to help increase skin's hydration levels and improve elasticity for a more supple, firmer-looking complexion. 

Application tip: use alone, layer with a moisturiser or mix in a few drops into your moisturiser, on the back of your hand before applying to boost slip and efficacy, of your chosen moisturiser.