Dry skin or Dehydrated skin: How to tell the difference?

Do you think dry skin and dehydrated skin are synonyms? And that hydrating and nourishing mean the same thing? Although these two terms sound similar, there are significant differences between them. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to distinguish between them and show you how to care for your skin, whether it’s dry or dehydrated.

How to recognize dry skin?

Dry skin is a skin type that is often genetic in origin. Like oily skin, it is therefore not possible to get rid of the specific characteristics of dry skin. However, it should be noted that dry skin can occur at certain times in life, particularly during maternity or menopause. But in these cases, the skin returns to its usual type once the particular circumstance has passed.

What does dry skin need?

Dry skin is the result of a lack of lipids in the epidermis. This layer on the surface of the skin is made up of cells connected to each other by a lipid cement that helps maintain cohesion between cells and form a waterproof protective barrier. In the case of dry skin, this intercellular cement becomes fragile and the cells separate, thus promoting excessive evaporation of water and also allowing external pathogens to penetrate.

Skincare products designed for dry skin aim to provide lipids to the skin to restore cohesion between skin cells, thus reestablishing an effective protective barrier function. Our experts recommend using creams rich in lipids such as fatty acids, ceramides, or squalenes, while avoiding aggressive cleansing with water that is too hot or products not suited to this skin type.

Characteristics of dry skin

Skin is considered dry when the following signs are observed:

• A feeling of tightness
• A rough texture , with redness , cracks or patches .
• Frequent irritation and /or itching .
• A loss of elasticity .
• A less radiant complexion .
• A “crocodile skin” effect .
• Increased sensitivity to temperature variations .

What about dehydrated skin?

Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that can affect all skin types. In fact, it is entirely possible to have dry skin or oily skin that is dehydrated at the same time.

What is skin hydration?

Among the various barrier functions of the skin, we find the water barrier function , whose role is to maintain skin hydration. In order to retain water within it, the skin has several systems present from the surface of the epidermis to the dermis:

• The hydrolipidic film , a mixture of sweat and sebum.
• Natural moisturizing factors (NHFs), composed of fatty acids and amino acids, among others.
• Tight junctions , composed of proteins that hold cells together, preventing water from passing through and ensuring tissue sealing.
• Hyaluronic acid .

With age, the skin becomes dehydrated. There is a decrease in the activity of the sebaceous glands, which produce less sebum, which weakens the skin barrier. Corneocytes (the most abundant cells in the epidermis) secrete fewer intercellular lipids, which promotes water evaporation. FNH production also decreases, lowering the hydration level of the stratum corneum. The barrier is also weakened by the decline in the quality of epidermal cell junctions. Finally, at the dermis level, the production of hyaluronic acid, which helps retain water, decreases.

Which hyaluronic acid should you use to hydrate your skin?

When we think of hyaluronic acid, we often tend to believe that this ingredient needs to penetrate deep into the skin to ensure its role as a natural moisturizer. However, while it is true that hyaluronic acid can capture 1000 times its weight in water, this property is not what will prevent water from evaporating . On the contrary, to prevent any evaporation to the surface, it will be necessary to strengthen the skin barrier. In these cases, we will therefore use a high molecular weight hyaluronic acid which will remain on the surface and form a protective film against dehydration.

To understand everything about the different types of hyaluronic acid, read the article specially written by our skin experts.

How to recognize dehydrated skin?

Skin dehydration is often linked to external aggressions (such as cold, heat or wind) and internal aggressions (such as fatigue, lack of sleep or stress). Dehydrated skin results in:

• A dull complexion .
• A lack of flexibility .
• Slight pulling sensations .
• The appearance of dehydration fine lines .

These symptoms appear especially after cleaning, in winter and during periods of high pollution.

How to care for dry or dehydrated skin?

Skin’s hydration and nutrition needs vary from person to person. Combination or oily skin will require lighter skincare products that focus on hydration. Dry skin, on the other hand, will require richer skincare products that provide comfort.