People tend to use the terms dry skin and dehydrated skin interchangeably, but they're actually two different skin conditions and knowing the difference between the two is crucial in order to properly treat and address them. 

So, how do you know if your skin is dry or dehydrated? We're breaking down the differences, root causes and sharing our skin tips on how to treat them, so you can say goodbye to dull, lackluster skin. 

Dry skin vs. dehydrated skin

Simply put, dry skin is caused by a lack of natural oils (leaving skin feeling flaky and tight), whereas dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water and tends to leave skin looking dull. Both can be affected by environment, diet and routine. It's also common for skin to be dry and dehydrated at the same time. In this case, make sure you're adding both oil and water based products to your skincare routine, such as facial oils and water-based mists. 

What is dry skin?

Unlike dehydrated skin, dry skin is a skin type (like oily, combination etc) and means that your skin is lacking oil and produces less sebum. This affects the skin barrier's ability to protect against environmental stressors, as well as retaining moisture, which can lead to a damaged skin barrier function, sensitivity, inflammation and flaky, itchy skin. Genetics play a big role in the type of skin you have, but with a proper skincare routine (with lots of hydration), you can treat and improve dry skin. 

Signs of dry skin: 

- skin tightness

- flaky, itchy skin

- dullness

- redness, roughness and inflammation

How do I treat dry skin? 

Lipid-rich products are key, as they act as a wall to keep moisture in and irritants out. Lipid-rich products help to restore the skin barrier and defend against stressors and dryness. Add in a rich, nourishing face oil with phyto actives (plant oils) and skin mimicking, lightweight oils such as jojoba and squalane. 

Avoid cleansers that strip the skin (ie. foaming cleansers) and switch to an oil-based cleanser or balm that adds moisture to the skin as it cleanses. Natural, plant-derived oils are especially good at getting rid of dry, flaky texture and leaving you with soft, supple skin. 

Using a gentle exfoliate once a week can help to gently slough off dry skin, sweep away bacteria and increase circulation. Implementing a gentle clay mask into your routine will help the products you use next to better penetrate your skin. Detox is formulated with Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Matcha to help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation and redness associated with dry, irritated and sensitive skin. 

What is dehydrated skin? 

Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin is a condition and can come and go. Despite your skin type, you can experience it. Dehydrated skin lacks water, which is vital for keeping your skin looking plump and healthy and can cause your skin to show more visible fine lines. If you've started to notice some signs of dehydration in your skin, it could be caused by the change in seasons or anything that damages the skin barrier. Such as temperature changes, harsh winds / weather, sun damage, stress and even a lack of sleep. 

Signs of dehydrated skin: 

- congestion

- dark circles

- more visible fine lines and wrinkles

- skin dullness

- redness and inflammation 

How do I treat dehydrated skin? 

Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid as well as ingredients that boost collagen production such as Rosehip oil and Niacinamide, found in our Resurface serum. The key to improving dehydrated skin is adding in both oil-based and water-based products, so using a face mist that replenishes moisture and adds plumpness back into your skin is important. Outside of skincare, make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day to maintain moisture balance and eat more water-rich foods (cucumber, avocado, lemon etc).