One quick Google search might suggest that hydration and moisturization mean the same thing. However, they most certainly do not! To better understand the needs of your skin, it’s important to be able to understand the differences.
Dry skin is a skin type which takes on a more flaky appearance because it lacks oils. People with dry skin often complain about white flakes, redness, irritation, or might suffer from eczema or dermatitis. It is important to note that dry skin can also be dehydrated. Unfortunately, you’re born with dry skin and while there isn’t a way to completely change it, there are things you can do to make dealing with it a little bit easier!
When dead skin cells build up on the face, the skin is unable to properly absorb moisturizer. By exfoliating, it will allow your skincare system to work more efficiently all while getting rid of buildup and gunk.
Dry skin, unlike dehydrated skin, lacks oil and needs constant moisturizing. Applying a heavy moisturizer at least twice a day (especially right after a shower or washing your face!) can help drastically improve the appearance of your skin.
It’s also important to incorporate nourishing, oil-rich formulas into your daily routine, which will work to replenish your dull, dry skin.
Having dehydrated skin means your skin lacks water, which is not fun at all. The easiest way to check if your skin is dehydrated is to pinch the cheeks. If wrinkles begin to form on the cheek, your skin is likely dehydrated. Dehydrated skin can also feel tight and look dull, and might be caused by environmental factors.
Because of how weak dehydrated skin can be, it requires a little more TLC! Another thing worth knowing is that your skin can be both dry and dehydrated. While dehydrated skin might contain the necessary oils, it lacks water. This means it is best treated with water-based products. A good one to look out for is hyaluronic acid, which holds 1000 times its weight in water!
Other products like glycerin and ceramides, which protect the skin’s natural lipid barrier, also come in handy. These products help to moisturize skin while simultaneously protecting the skin from the elements and keeping water in the skin where it belongs.
While we understand that differentiating between these two skin types can be hard, we hope that this explanation came in handy. If you’re still unsure about the kinds of treatment your skin needs, feel free to book a free skincare consultation with us, either through our website or via Instagram!
