Skin hydration is one of the most important aspects of preserving a healthy and vibrant appearance. However, it’s also one of the hardest things for many individuals to maintain. This is because there’s a major distinction between skin that’s naturally dry and skin that’s simply dehydrated—and treating them universally can lead to a series of other issues. So, if you want to have a model-looking complexion, the first step is to understand the differences between dry and dehydrated skin and know which one you’re dealing with.
Dry Skin
To maintain its natural moisture, our skin uses a combination of water and oil, also known as sebum, from our oil glands. It’s these two substances that keep the cells plump and allow for the maintenance of firm-looking skin. However, some individuals naturally produce less sebum than others, making it difficult for the cells to hold onto water. This is what makes dry skin not just a skin condition, but also an overall skin type.
If you’re suffering from dry skin, you’ll find that you’re experiencing it all the time; however, this will especially be the case in the winter. Since it’s genetic, you may want to even ask your parents about their skin to gain an understanding of your own complexion. In severe cases, you’ll also start developing rough patches or scales spots, leading you to seek out additional ways to improve its texture. So, it’s recommended that you reach out to a dermatologist to gain advice on managing your symptoms.
Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, produces sebum normally but is severely lacking in water. This is the primary difference between dry and dehydrated skin. Anyone can experience dehydrated skin and it can show up in various patterns throughout a person’s life—meaning that you could get it as little as twice a year with the right conditions. In fact, winter is often the only time these individuals experience abnormal dryness.
However, those with this ailment also tend to experience more breakouts due to the imbalance of oil and water. Therefore, it’s important that you find ways to maintain your skin’s hydration to prevent skin problems in the future. Some effective solutions are to drink more water or apply a thicker moisturizer should your skin start to feel ashy.
