The rough redness, flaky patches, and tightness that never seems to go away completely. It’s just plain uncomfortable. And, in time, it can lead to continued skin problems such as wrinkles on your face, neck, and chest. Dry skin can lead to wrinkles. But did you know the “dryness” you feel might not be dry skin at all? In fact, it could be dehydrated skin. When your skin feels dry, you may naturally assume that it is dry. But it might just be dehydrated and it needs to have water.
What are the differences between dry and dehydrated skin?
Dry skin: Dry skin is a skin type. It’s genetic. It’s permanent. Dry skin feels tight. It lacks the natural elasticity of normal and oily skin types. Unfortunately, it’s also susceptible to the early onset of the aging process. That’s because it lacks the natural oils that help prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. The major feature of dry skin is reduced production of skin’s natural oil, called sebum.
How can you be sure you have dry skin?
Test:
- Pinch a small amount of skin on your cheek, abdomen, chest, or the back of your hand and hold for a few seconds.
- If your skin snaps back, you’re likely not dehydrated.
- If it takes a few moments to bounce back, you’re likely dehydrated.
- Repeat in other areas if you’d like.
Dehydrated Skin:
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, lacks water. Anyone can have dehydrated skin, even if it is super oily. Dehydrated skin tends to look dull and feel tight, even when properly moisturized. In fact, it’s very common to have oily, breakout prone, even heavy acne with dehydrated skin. Even if your skin is otherwise clear or normal – dehydrated skin is uncomfortable. It looks dull, can be flaky, and ages faster (more fine lines and wrinkles).
Dehydrated skin condition, can be caused by lots of factors such as makeup, diet, incorrect product use, weather; it goes on. When skin is dehydrated, it creates more oil to make up for the missing water. This can cause breakouts, irritation and dry patches. Skin can even feel oily and dry at the same time. Try to identify what’s dehydrating you and correct it. Use products like Skin Hydrating Booster and Skin Hydrating Masque to help balance your skin as needed. And keep a toner handy to hydrate your skin throughout the day.
Read more: 6 NATURAL DIY SKINCARE RECIPES FOR A BEAUTIFUL YOU
Reported by Dr. Himani