When it comes to skin, dryness and dehydration are two terms in the skincare world that are often confused with one another. While dry skin and dehydrated skin can manifest in some of the same ways they have very opposite root causes that need to be addressed differently.
Put simply, the main difference between dry and dehydrated skin is that in the first case the skin lacks oil and leaves the skin feeling tight and flaky and in the other case, the skin lacks water and can leave skin dull and inelastic.
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is a skin that is naturally lacking in essential lipids due to fewer oil producing glands across the face and body. In turn, it affects the skin barrier’s ability to protect against aggressors as well as retain moisture. It is usually chronic, meaning you have probably experienced symptoms of dryness your whole life and therefore consider it your skin type, but many internal and external factors play a role in dryness including the environment and weather, genetics, your age, and the products you use. The symptoms can include flakiness, tightness, rough patches, itchiness, and sensitivity. With dry skin your complexion tends to stay matte throughout the day and lacks a lot of radiance.
What is dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition where the skin lacks water, regardless of the skin type (even oily skin can be dehydrated). Skin is made up of 70% water – around 20-30% of that is in the epidermis (top layer of the skin). In normal circumstances, your skin barrier acts as a regulator and barrier – retaining moisture and protecting against external aggressors but if that becomes compromised, often caused by external factors such as low humidity, exposure to sunlight, diet and alcohol, the moisture in the epidermis evaporates too quickly leading to transepidermal water loss. On top of this the skin cells don’t function as they should meaning you are not shedding dead skin cells as quickly or as evenly and with this build up signs of dullness, fine lines, dark circles and enlarged pores can be exacerbated.
How do I determine if my skin is dehydrated?
Pinch a small amount of skin on your cheek or back of hand and hold for a few seconds. If it takes more than 2 seconds for your skin to bounce back, then your skin is most likely dehydrated.
How do I treat a dry skin?
The goal to replenishing a dry skin is to feed it with nourishing moisture. Look for rich, nurturing textures that have been formulated with nutritive oils, essential fatty acids, and ceramides which will cherish your depleted skin and support your natural moisture barrier keeping the outer layer of your complexion hydrated, plump and bouncy.
Start your day by gently cleansing your skin and Age Benefit Melting Cleansing Elixir is the perfect hero product for dry skin in need of a lot of comfort. Powered by an ensemble of conditioning oils including Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Meadowfoam and Sunflower, this rich balm -like formula has a natural affinity with your skin’s sebum so will respect the delicate skin barrier whilst gently melting away make-up and daily impurities simultaneously delivering a powerful dose of essential lipids leaving skin clear, smooth, hydrated and completely comfortable.
Our Defi lift firming Facial Oil is a go-to daily rescue oil for dry skin. Thank the fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that come from the plethora of Rosa Canina, Black Cumin, Cotton Seed, Linseed and Palm Oils that make dryness a thing of the past and nothing really beats this for that deep comfort an oil gives you.
And replete with protective properties Age Benefit Regenerating Cream is the best moisturiser for dry skin. A rich silky formula enhanced with 3 essential ceramides (1, 3 and 6) that will envelope your skin and protect your delicate skin barrier while locking in long-lasting moisture. Not only that but it’s infused with Hibiscus and Artichoke which smooth the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture granting a visage that’s plump and healthy-looking.
How do I treat a dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin can be easily addressed with formulas that star humectants and fruit acids.
One of our much loved formulas is that of Collagene Expert Hydra Essence which delivers a sweet dose of hydration with all of the lightness of a toner. Bridging the gap between cleanser and serum this powerful essence sinks seamlessly into skin effectively flooding it with a hefty dose of skin identical Natural Moisturising Factors together with Hyaluronic Acid to grant a gorgeous veil of lasting hydration.
When caring for your skin the phrase ‘out with the old, in with the new’ really holds true and exfoliation is one of the easiest ways to improve the texture, tone and clarity. Radiance Enhancing Gommage is the key to clearing dulling cells and debris to reveal fresh skin that glows with health. Often referred to as a ‘facial in a tube’ this cult favourite calls on a blend of fruit acids to lift away dead skin cells and lock in moisture- whilst Vitamin C (which lends it it’s gorgeous scent) envelopes the fresh skin cells in dewy goodness which dials up an immediate radiance, restores hydration levels and helps boost collagen production.
And not only a great way to unwind but Hydra Aura Moisturising Mask is an unbeatable miracle-working mask that is designed to inject some serious moisture into parched complexions. This mask is all about maximum results in minimum time and is that one extra step you need in your skincare routine to get you closer to the hydrated, balanced complexion of your dreams as it restores overworked and thirsty skin for the better, leaving an ‘oh-so-quenched’ result in matter of minutes.
Lucy x
