Dry skin vs dehydrated skin. The difference made clear.
It’s a common (and not-unreasonable) misconception that dry skin and dehydrated skin refer to the same parched-skin sensation. Although an understandable interpretation, these terms actually refer to very different skin situations that require very different treatment. We’ve put together a guide to understanding dry and dehydrated skin: the causes, the symptoms and the natural solutions and winter skincare we recommend to help keep your skin hydrated. And it begins with our sebum.
What is sebum?
Sebum is a natural oil produced by our sebaceous glands, which are mostly found at the base of hair follicles on the face and scalp. Sebum production varies from person to person and plays a vital role in keeping our skin healthy. High levels of sebum production can lead to excessive oiliness and congested pores, but in balance, it’s also responsible for that post-hair wash shine and natural facial glow that we know and love.
Skincare habits such as over-washing, excessive exfoliation and cleansing with water that’s too hot, can negatively impact sebum levels, meaning it’s important to take care throughout your routine to not offset or upset your sebum.
Individuals with naturally lower levels of sebum production often experience facial tightness and skin may appear matt and flaky to the touch. This is dry skin.
A dry skin deep dive
Dry skin is a natural skin state , otherwise known as a skin type. Because individuals with dry skin produce less sebum or oil than those with normal or balanced skin, they therefore lack its skin conditioning benefits. As sebum locks in moisture and naturally protects the skin’s surface, a lack of sebum may leave the skin more prone to dehydration and vulnerable to environmental disruptors, such as weather.
Dry skin also has a tendency towards flakiness as dead skin cells can build up on the skin’s surface, acting like little sponges that soak up our precious skincare before it can deeply nourish . So, although instinct may tell us to pile on the moisturizers, for dry skin, this doesn’t always do the job.
So, what is dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin is a skin concern which can affect all skin types, so even those with oily or combination skin may experience symptoms. The causes are usually linked to changes in weather, central heating, air conditioning, diet, travel and even not drinking enough water. So, if you begin to feel your skin is drier, duller and tighter than usual, it may need an intense drench to help rebalance the skin’s equilibrium.
Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin soaks up water-based products, which can help to almost immediately ease the symptoms of tightness and irritation.
How best can I quench my skin?
dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin needs to be replenished with water , or ingredients that enhance moisture like hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, glycerine and aloe vera. Toners, serums, boosters and mists are lightweight, ultra-hydrating formulas that replenish moisture and help to rebalance the skin’s natural moisture levels.
Treating your skin gently and respecting the skin barrier helps your skin to stay in balance, no matter whether its dry or dehydrated. Take care not to strip your skin by over-washing, exfoliation daily or using skincare products that may be too harsh.
dry skin
In contrast, naturally dry skin needs nourishing oils or oil-rich products to supplement the lack of sebum and to help encourage a healthy-looking glow – adding in facial massage techniques to your routine will also help to encourage a glow by invigorating blood flow and helping to distribute product. Exfoliation is another top tip, helping to remove any excess dead skin cells, making way for the nourishing benefits of the oils.
the verdict
So, although one might assume dry and dehydrated skin are one and the same, they tell us very different things about our unique skin properties and should be handled in very different ways. We’ve pulled together some of our key formulas designed to support these two skin situations, look below for some inspiration and solution-based routines.
How to nourish: Dry skin
Step 1: Exfoliation. Our refreshingly scented Honey & Orange Scrub helps to remove the build-up of dead skin cells and reveal your natural glow.
Step 2: Cleanser. Our award-winning Frankincense Intense™ Triple Action Melting Cleanser is a water-free formulation that will leave your skin cleansed and nourished.
Step 3: Extra hydration. Our Hyaluronic Acid Booster and Frankincense Intense™ Hydrating Essence are super-light skin-drenching options to ensure your skin feels moisturized throughout the day.
Step 4: Facial oils. Organic Rosehip Oil layered within your skincare routine will help to enhance your natural radiance and deeply nourish skin.
Step 5: Moisturiser. Our Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Cream or Frankincense Intense™ Lift Cream are rich in natural oils and will help to capture and optimize hydration in your skincare routine.
Step 6: Mask. For overnight nourishment, our Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Overnight Mask is a skin-conditioning treat. The ultimate beauty sleep at your fingertips.
How to hydrate: Dehydrated skin
Step 1: Cleanser. We recommend our water-based Sensitive Soothing Cleansing Milk to gently cleanse and hydrate.
Step 2: Exfoliation. Our much-loved Wild Rose AHA Toner features organic aloe vera and glycerine for gentle exfoliation and an intense dose of hydration.
Step 3: Extra hydration. Our Hyaluronic Acid Booster and Frankincense Intense™ Hydrating Essence are skin-drenching options to ensure your skin feels moisturized throughout the day.
Step 4: Moisturizer. Our Rejuvenating Frankincense Hydrating Cream is rich in frankincense and myrrh essential oils to soften and hydrate skin.
Step 5: Overnight. For overnight nourishment, our Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Overnight Mask is a skin-conditioning treat. The ultimate beauty sleep at your fingertips.
