Did you know hydration and moisturisation are not the same thing?
If you didn’t, don’t worry – you aren’t alone. In fact, the blurring of the lines between dry and dehydrated skin has become increasingly common, leaving consumers chasing their tails looking for solutions that are actually designed for a problem you aren’t even suffering with – which is why getting to know our skin fast tracks us to answers that provide results. In order to know the difference between dry and dehydrated skin, we need to go a little deeper than just skin deep. The truth is, comparing dry and dehydrated skin is like comparing apples and chocolate, they aren’t even in the same category. This is because dry skin is a skin type – much like oily/combination skin, or normal skin – it is the overall state of your skin at its base level. On the other hand, dehydrated skin is a skin concern and is likely the consequence of external circumstance or the effect of damage we’ve done to our skin, meaning it can happen to anyone and may just be a temporary condition. What causes this confusion between the two are the very similar symptoms our skin can show.
Dry Skin – Signs, Symptoms and Causes
Unlike oily skin, dry skin types are not producing enough oil each day. Dryness can in some cases be genetic, but for many of us it is something that occurs with age as our sebum production experiences a natural decline. It can however be worsened by certain climates like taking a hot bath, dry weather or even something as small as not applying the right or enough moisturiser. Whatever the cause, the symptoms are less than fun. Dry skin shows up as rough, flakey and dull looking skin. It can often feel tight, itchy and uncomfortable with fine lines and wrinkles appearing more noticeable. Dry skin can also be reactive and easily irritated as a result of the skins compromised protective barrier, which is unable to keep out various microorganisms.
Dehydrated Skin – What to look for and what to know
Despite common characteristics to dry skin, dehydrated skin is a condition which can affect any skin type, even oily and dry skin types can experience dehydration in the skin. The main premise of dehydrated skin is a lack of water in the skin. Those experiencing dehydration can also feel an uncomfortable tight dry feeling in the skin, but this can also be accompanied an overproduction of oil as the skin tries to compensate for the lack of water therefore becoming more prone to breakouts. Dehydrated skin can happen to any of us from time to time, given that it can be onset by various factors ranging from a change in weather, diet, hormones, even just being on a plane for a few hours or sitting in an air conditioned office all day can cause our skin to experience water loss.
How Weather Impacts Dry Vs Dehydrated Skin
When we think of weather affecting our skin our minds naturally wander to harsh wind or heavy rain, and whilst they can have an impact, the most powerful and potentially damaging weather our skin can experiences comes from the sun’s UVA rays. Certified Dermatologist Dr Ariel Hays explains that ‘UVA is the main factor that can affect our skin, increase the ageing process, increase oxidants in the skin, dehydrate it and increase free radicals in the cells, damaging the skin.’ So whilst dry skin can be worsened by these weather types, dehydrated skin can be caused by such weather changes.
Age and It’s Impact
As we age, our skins ability to retain moisture and hydration naturally decline. Dr Haus explains ‘the ageing process makes our bodies more dehydrated, including the skin. Structural changes associated with the ageing process cause more dehydration. It can create a slow-down of cell turnover.’ He goes onto explain how the dehydration of the skin can accelerate the rate at which our skin appears aged; ‘Dehydrated skin will have a rough-feeling texture, with fine lines becoming more prominent.’
How To Layer Skincare For Dry Vs Dehydrated Skin
Now that we know all we need to about how dry skin is created and what can exacerbate it’s condition, the good news is implementing a simple skincare routine can do a lot of good to keep these symptoms at bay. Finding products that can specifically alleviate the struggles of this skin type is crucial, and knowing how to layer them is simple but important. As with any routine we start with a cleanser to effectively remove dead skin cells sat on the surface of the skin, therefore allowing all subsequent products to travel further within the epidermis – this means we can really see the benefits of our skincare routine.
For mature, dull, dry and dehydrated skin we recommend starting with our No.1 Cleansing Oil. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants this product works effectively to purify the skin without stripping away and moisture. It’s ability to gently emulsify when adding water means you do not need to run or tug away with a cloth, preventing any damage that could otherwise occur during this step.
Follow up your cleanser with our Advanced Protective Serum – suitable for even sensitive and reactive skin, this product can not only fight off the free radicals associated with blue light damage, it has been specifically curated to stimulate collagen production and lock in moisture into the skin.
The next step in your routine is your moisturiser – we recommend our Vitamin Rich Face Butter – with Pomegranate Sterols and Green Algae Lipids, this moisturiser works effectively to increase moisture levels on the skin all the while reducing water loss which ultimately minimises visible signs of ageing, to unveil a brighter, healthier complexion.
For those suffering with incredibly dry skin or dry patches, including conditions like eczema, simply apply a little Wonder Balm before going to bed – with a beautiful blend of soothing ingredients, from Calendula, to Arctic Oat this little pot of wonder is the answer to alleviating the very difficult symptoms associated with extreme dryness. Always apply Wonder Balm last as it is an occlusive product that will create a seal of moisture on the skin to prevent unwanted microorganisms getting in, and moisture getting out.
As with any routine, for those with normal, oily and younger dehydrated skin the first step is your cleanser. Again we recommend starting with our No.1 Cleansing Oil to break down any grime or oil built up on the skin, whilst still maintaining hydration levels. Follow this up with your serum of choice, our recommendation for this skin type is our Active Radiance Serum, filled with all the antioxidants and vitamins to nourish, repair and protect the skin, therefore reducing signs of aging. For the final step, our Daily Moisturising Face Butter is just the thing to deliver an abundance of goodness from Mango and Shea Butter to Argan and Jojoba Oil, it is the perfect step to nourish the skin, boost collagen levels and leave the skin with an overall healthy glow.
Ultimately, getting to know your skin on a deeper level is the first step to healing it, once you’re armed with that information, finding high quality products designed for the beta results isn’t quite so challenging.