Dry vs. Dehydrated skin

The Mbar Medspa
Apr 13
2 min read

Dry Skin

Dry skin, also known as xerosis or xeroderma, happens when your skin loses too much water or oil. It can feel tight, rough, itchy, or even flaky and cracked. Common causes include cold or dry weather, hot showers, harsh soaps, aging, or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

How to Treat Dry Skin:

1. Moisturize Regularly

Use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer (e.g., CeraVe, Eucerin, Vaseline, Aquaphor).
Apply immediately after bathing while skin is still damp to lock in moisture.

2. Avoid Hot Showers

Use lukewarm water instead of hot.
Limit showers or baths to 5–10 minutes.

3. Use Gentle Cleansers

Avoid harsh soaps or alcohol-based products.
Use soap-free or hydrating cleansers like Cetaphil, Aveeno, or La Roche-Posay Lipikar.

4. Hydrate From Within

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, walnuts, or flaxseed).

5. Use a Humidifier

Especially during winter or in dry climates.
Keeps indoor air from drying out your skin.

6. Wear Soft, Breathable Fabrics

Cotton is ideal. Avoid wool or rough materials that can irritate the skin.

7. Protect Your Skin

Wear gloves in cold weather.
Use sunscreen daily — yes, even if your skin is dry!

Dehydrated skin

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition (not a skin type) that happens when your skin lacks water, not oil. This means even oily or combination skin can be dehydrated. It can feel dry, tight, dull, sensitive, and more prone to fine lines or breakouts.

🔍 How to Tell If Your Skin Is Dehydrated

Most common signs:

Tightness or itchiness (especially after cleansing)
Dull or tired-looking skin
Fine lines, especially when you smile or frown
Increased sensitivity or redness
Oily but flaky at the same time

A quick test: Gently pinch your cheek — if it wrinkles easily instead of bouncing back, it may be dehydrated.

💧 How to Treat Dehydrated Skin

1. Hydrate From Within

Drink enough water (aim for 6–8 cups/day).
Eat water-rich foods: cucumber, watermelon, celery, etc.
Avoid excess caffeine or alcohol — both can dehydrate.

2. Use Hydrating Skincare

Look for humectants — ingredients that attract water to the skin:

Hyaluronic Acid
Glycerin
Aloe Vera
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
Urea

3. Lock In Moisture

After applying a hydrating serum or essence, seal it in with a moisturizer that contains:
- Ceramides
- Fatty acids
- Squalane
- Shea butter (for dry skin types)

4. Be Gentle

Avoid harsh cleansers or over-exfoliating
Use lukewarm water, not hot
Limit alcohol-based or foaming products

5. Protect Your Skin Barrier

Use a moisturizer consistently, morning and night
Introduce barrier-repair creams if your skin feels compromised
Sunscreen every day — UV can worsen dehydration

💡 Pro Tips

Try a hydrating must throughout the day if you’re in dry indoor air (like offices or winter climates).
Don’t confuse dry skin (lack of oil) with dehydrated skin (lack of water) — you can be oily and still dehydrated.
A hydrating overnight mask once or twice a week can help boost hydration.