Is Your Skin Dry or Dehydrated?

The terms dry and dehydrated are often used interchangeably when describing the state of skin. Discovering the difference however is helpful in selecting the right treatment regimen.

Dry skin is a skin type which lacks oil. You can determine is you have dry skin if you see that your pores are small and if your skin feels tight or rough. Sebum or oil production will be minimal in this skin type.

Dehydrated skin on the other hand, lacks water. Since it is a skin condition, any skin type can experience dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin can be caused by external factors such as weather conditions and using harsh skincare products. Internally, drinking too much coffee or alcohol and not enough water can contribute to the appearance of dehydrated skin. The best way to remedy this condition is to use gentle products that do not strip the skin of its moisture barrier and to avoid over-exfoliation.