Is your skin feeling tight and showing signs of discomfort – is it dry or simply dehydrated?
Although we often confuse dryness and dehydration when it comes to skin problems, they do not refer to the same skin need nor are they treated in the same way.
Is my skin dry or dehydrated?
Dry skin refers to a skin type. Skin type is determined by our genetic makeup and cannot be changed, although it is, of course, possible to improve it! Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, describes a skin condition that, by definition, is temporary and transient. The skin condition is the result of external factors such as stress, wind, cold, or even inadequate skin care, for example.
To understand the difference between dry and dehydrated skin, you need to understand the hydrolipidic film. This thin film of water and fat envelops the entire surface of the skin and acts as a protective shield. Its purpose: to protect the skin from external aggressions. If it lacks water or fat, the effectiveness of the hydrolipidic film is directly affected. It is the nature of this water/fat imbalance that determines whether skin is dry or dehydrated.
To simplify, we can say that dry skin is hungry while dehydrated skin is thirsty. The question is whether your skin is craving oil, water, or both!
How to recognize dry skin?
To find out if your skin is dry, nothing beats a quick inspection in the mirror! Dry skin is characterized by a lack of sebum. The hydrolipidic film doesn't produce enough lipids, and its protective barrier is weakened. It's more permeable, and it shows:
- The skin is subject to feelings of discomfort, tightness and sometimes even itching;
- You fear changes in temperature, because they are often accompanied by skin hypersensitivity, particularly redness;
- The complexion lacks radiance and is often dull;
- The skin texture lacks smoothness, can be grainy and rough, tends to thicken;
- Slight scaling or ringworm may appear.
How to recognize dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin is, as its name suggests, skin that is thirsty. This lack of water is often linked to the problem of dry skin, which is no longer able to retain water, which is why skin can be both dry and dehydrated! Dehydrated skin has a problem with water retention, as too much of it evaporates.
We recognize dehydrated skin if:
- The skin is prone to feelings of discomfort only in certain localized areas such as the T-zone, cheeks or chin for example, especially after cleaning it or going outside;
- The skin is less supple;
- The skin texture is rough;
- The pores are dilated.
How to take care of dry skin?
To soothe dry skin, you need to provide it with the nourishment and comfort it needs. Dry skin particularly appreciates balm, oil, or even thick cream textures. Choose a nourishing and enveloping treatment like Nutricia Crème Confort Restructuring Cream. Ideal for dry to very dry skin, this silky cream restores the skin's hydrolipidic barrier while providing it with the necessary nutrients. Fortified, your skin regains its softness and suppleness.
If your skin is in distress, or simply to boost the cream's action, you can apply a nourishing mask once or twice a week, such as the Morning Mask Winter is Coming, made from eco-friendly Lyocell fiber. Made with avocado oil, known for its comforting properties, this mask will become your dry skin's best friend this winter!
How to take care of dehydrated skin?
There's only one watchword: hydration. Remember that dehydrated skin is reversible. To make dehydration a thing of the past, help your skin rebalance itself with an ultra-quenching treatment like Source Serum. This serum reinfuses thirsty skin with water for 72 hours of lasting hydration. Its water-light texture instantly penetrates the skin, with no sticky feeling. Apply this serum every morning and/or evening before your usual treatment for comforted, healthy-looking skin!
