In the world of skincare, the line between having dry or dehydrated skin is often blurred, making it a challenging mystery to solve. Symptoms can overlap, intertwine and even reinforce each other, adding complexity to the quest for healthy skin. Your unique set of symptoms requires a closer look to make informed decisions and embark on a healing journey.

Understanding dry skin

Dry skin is not just a condition—it’s a predestined skin type defined by a low level of lipids in the epidermal layer. Those with dry skin produce less sebum, making it more susceptible to inflammation and dermatitis. 

Anyone can develop dry skin. But as the Mayo Clinic notes, you’re more likely to develop the condition if, for example, you are over 40—“the skin’s ability to retain moisture diminishes with age”—or live in cold and windy or dry places.

So how do you manage your skin’s dryness? Use moisturizer during the day. Limit your skin’s exposure to water. “Keep bath and shower time to 10 minutes or less,” the Mayo Clinic says, and use warm water, not hot. Cleanse your skin gently. Keep it covered in cold and windy weather—and remember to wear gloves. And stay hydrated.

The remedy for dry skin? More oil. Incorporate a clean, pure facial oil like rosehip and ginger oil into your daily routine. Or consider a body butter: one with raw oils like shea, coconut or olive oils. 

The “sealing” method is key. Pair hydration and a moisturizer with a protective layer of oil to lock in moisture and maintain a healthy lipid barrier.

When it’s not cared for, dry skin can lead to atopic dermatitis (eczema). If you’re prone to develop this condition, excessive dryness can lead to flare-ups of the disease, causing a rash and cracking skin. Bacteria can get into cracked, dry skin, causing infections.

For chronic dryness, a specially curated routine is recommended:

1. Cleanse with a mild exfoliant containing protective oils.
2. Follow up with a hydrating serum.
3. Lock in moisture with facial oil and body butter.
4. In dry environments, use a hydrosol with actives to manage transepidermal evaporation.

Decoding dehydrated skin

A person becomes dehydrated when they use or lose more water than they take in. A dehydrated adult might be thirsty, have a dry or sticky mouth, have dark-yellow urine, have dry lips or very dry skin.

Some health conditions can contribute to dehydration. For example, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and kidney dysfunction can make people sweat or urinate more often. As well, medications can affect the balance of fluids in the body. Contributory culprits include diuretics, laxatives, antacids, antihistamines and blood pressure drugs.

When it comes to dehydrated skin, the condition arises from a significant lack of water in the epidermal layer. It can coexist with oiliness, resulting in congestion, dullness and a combination of symptoms. Manifesting as greasy-yet-dry skin, it is prone to breakouts and influenced by external factors such as sun exposure, weather, hydration, diet and consumption of caffeine or alcohol, as well as medical conditions and medications.

To combat dehydrated skin, the focus is on water. You can treat dehydrated skin with diet and lifestyle changes:

Drink alcohol in moderation only (if at all).

Drink less coffee and other sources of caffeine.

Stop smoking.

Exercise regularly.

Drink water while you work out (take a few sips every 20 minutes at minimum).

Replenish fluids after an exercise session.

Get adequate sleep.

Eat more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and legumes; they are loaded with water.

Use skincare products with plant-based waters and hydrosols rich in antioxidants and actives. Use a hydrosol with actives such as hyaluronic acid to refresh and revive thirsty skin throughout the day. 

Exfoliation is crucial to remove dead-skin buildup that hinders water absorption. 

When dehydration causes dry skin, the “soak and smear” method helps topically hydrate the skin. Check out “Soak and Smear: A Standard Technique Revisited” on JAMA Dermatology.

Recognizing the influence of individual factors such as skin uniqueness, allergies and preexisting medical conditions is crucial in determining personalized skincare needs. Therefore, before making significant changes or incorporating new products into a skincare routine, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified skincare professional.

 Hedy Schneller is the founder of Illumia Skincare Products based in Honesdale, PA. Schneller, a former healthcare provider and mother of two, started making skincare products after growing frustrated with the lack of transparency in the cosmetics industry.

Visit www.illumiaproducts.com for more.

Sources: 

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/symptoms-causes/ 

www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/dehydration-adults