Is Your Skin Dry or Dehydrated?

Everyone wants beautiful, smooth, soft, glowing skin and luckily, this goal is very achievable for most people! However, the ways to achieve this goal will vary between people based on their unique skin type and skin care routine needs.

Using skincare products that are right for you is especially important in achieving the results you are looking for. There is one common mistake that people make—not knowing whether their skin is dry or dehydrated. The difference between dry and dehydrated skin is important to know when planning your daily beauty routine, especially when you are trying to improve the appearance of your skin.

The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Dry skin is a skin type. People who have dry skin have a complexion that lacks oils, or lipids, so it takes on a more flaky, dry appearance. Dry skin is something that is relevant to the top layers of your skin and not something you can always cure but is something you must combat externally with products and proper skincare.

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition. Dehydration can be caused by many external factors, but the most common are weather, environment, diet, and caffeine consumption. These factors can all result in diminished water content within the skin. Even people with oily or combination skin can become dehydrated. When your skin is dehydrated, it is rather easy to reverse by changing the environmental factors and your diet.

How to Diagnose Whether You Have Dry or Dehydrated Skin

One of the best ways to determine if your skin is dry or dehydrated is to do a pinch test by pinching your cheeks to see if it snaps back or not. If it does, you are probably not dehydrated because your skin has enough moisture to have elasticity.

Another effective way to know whether you might have dry skin or dehydrated skin is to know the characteristics of each. Many people believe that terms dry and dehydrated can be used interchangeably to describe their skin, but they are not the same and do not present the same way either.

Dry Skin Characteristics:

• Flaky skin
• Increase of psoriasis
• Increase of dermatitis
• Increase of eczema
• Redness or irritation
• Scaly appearance

Dehydrated Skin Characteristics:

• Dark circles under eyes
• Increase in fine lines or wrinkles
• Lackluster skin
• Itchiness
• Tired looking

Treatments for Dry and Dehydrated Skin

You will need to incorporate hydrating and moisturizing your skin into your daily routine if you want to reverse the signs of dehydration and combat dry skin. It is important to start your routine with a fresh, clean, exfoliated face then, use your hydrating product first and seal that hydration in with moisturizing creams. Most people incorporate these steps into their nighttime routine after showering or bathing; however, you should be taking care of your face in the morning and throughout the day as well.

At Melanin Grace, we curate products from brands that are vegan, organic, and cruelty free. These are the top products we recommend for dry or dehydrated skin: 

Exfoliate: Use an exfoliator like Angie Watts - Oshun's Skin Food Facial Scrub

This Ayurvedic exfoliating skin cleanser is perfect for skin that is dry or dehydrated. Dead skin is effortlessly lifted while your skin is nourished and cleansed leaving behind a radiant, fresh look. You will also see blackheads disappear and a reduction in blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and scaliness or flaking. You can also use this product as a mask for brightening your skin!

Hydrate: Add a Serum or Oil to your routine like Clay & Olive Skincare - Deep Hydration Cream

We love a good, hydrating facial serum and Angie Watts Hydrating Facial Serum blows us away. This fast-absorbing product crafted from high-quality botanical essential oils is simply one of the best you will find. The facial serum can be used on any skin type without the risk of feeling oily, and just a few drops go a long way to bright, nourished, hydrated skin.

or Kadalys Radiance Precious Oil

The Kadalys Radiance Precious Oil is great for your skin and your hair. The serum never leaves a greasy, oily finish, but will make you look like you are simply glowing with radiant skin. The bioactive ingredients in the Precious Oil are patented and will help reduce fine lines and wrinkles on top of hydration. This product line is responsible, conscientious, and top-quality!

or Pholk Beauty Rose Gardenia SkinNectar

This hydrating and skin boosting serum absorbs deep into the skin to deliver Vitamins E and C, antioxidants, and Omegas 3 & 6 for a glowing and moisturized complexion. 

Moisturize: Use a Moisturizer at Night like Kadalys - Musalift Organic Lifting Night Cream

The last step to curing dehydrated or dry skin is to seal in the moisture with a great moisturizing cream and the Marie Hunter brand is on point with everything it offers. This overnight cream is powerful yet lightweight and delivers an abundance of key nutrients for healthy, rejuvenated skin. The recovery cream will also firm up your skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

In addition to finding the right skincare products, it’s also important to have healthy habits that allow you to prevent dry or dehydrated skin. 

Additional Tips

If you have dehydrated skin - 

Drink more water and stay accountable! You can measure your water intake by using measured water bottles so you can track your intake. You can also add water-rich foods to your diet like watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, and celery. Ensuring the products you use are created for dehydrated and dry sky is also key to dehydration recovery.

If you have dry skin -

Find products that lock in moisture and do not forget to exfoliate! A multi-step approach to resolving your dry skin is almost always necessary. You can also try using a humidifier at night to add moisture to the air and help avoid cracking and over drying of your skin. Do not forget to protect your skin in the winter and dry months as well. Wind burn and freezing air can both lead to your skin becoming drier.

Summary

If your goal is healthy, glowing, and well moisturized skin it can be achieved. Making sure you are using the right skincare products and incorporating healthy habits will go a long way towards helping you achieve your goal. If you want to look and feel your best, love your skin and don’t compromise your self care.