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.