When it comes to taking care of our skin, it is essential to understand its nature and specific needs. Dry skin or dehydrated skin, these two skin conditions are often confused, but they require very different care. Indeed, dry skin lacks sebum, while dehydrated skin is deficient in water. Recognizing the specific signs of each will help you adapt your care to regain comfort, suppleness and radiance. In this article, we help you better identify the symptoms and remedy them with the right care.
DRY SKIN OR DEHYDRATED SKIN?
Dehydrated skin:
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a temporary condition related to a lack of water in the epidermis. It can affect any skin type (oily, combination or dry) and is often the result of external factors such as climate, stress, insufficient water consumption, or the use of products that disrupt the skin barrier. Dehydration can occur punctually or periodically, and its symptoms are more related to water absorption than oil. Although it lacks water, it can sometimes appear to have a little more shine in certain areas (especially the T-zone). This happens because dehydrated skin often reacts by producing more sebum to compensate for the loss of hydration, sometimes giving a shiny appearance.
Dry skin :
Dry skin is a skin condition where the epidermis naturally lacks sebum (the oil produced by the skin). It is often caused by genetic factors, a lack of lipids, or environmental factors such as cold weather or harsh cosmetic products. Symptoms of dry skin are generally more constant and less related to changes in hydration.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of dry skin:
- Constant pulling : The skin may feel tight, especially after cleansing or when there is a change in temperature.
- Rough and coarse skin : It often has a rougher texture and a more matte appearance, without shine.
- Desquamation : The skin may flake, especially on the cheeks, forehead or thinner areas.
- Increased sensitivity: Dry skin is more susceptible to irritation, redness and itching.
- Lack of shine : Unlike dehydrated skin, dry skin often lacks luminosity, making it look duller.
Symptoms of dehydrated skin:
- Temporary pulling : Although dehydration also causes a feeling of tightness, this is more pronounced after cleansing or removing makeup and often disappears after good hydration.
- Shiny and tight skin : Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin may have shiny areas, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), but at the same time it is tight on other areas.
- Fine wrinkles or pronounced fine lines : Expression lines, fine lines or small lines are more visible, especially around the eyes, forehead or mouth, because the skin is less well hydrated.
- Thinner and tighter skin : Skin may appear more fragile, less supple and tighter due to lack of water.
- Redness and discomfort : Dehydrated skin may become red, irritated, and even itchy due to the loss of suppleness and moisture.
THE MAIN DIFFERENCES:
Origin of the problem:
- Dry skin is linked to a lack of sebum and an alteration of the lipid barrier.
- Dehydrated skin results from a lack of water in the epidermis.
General appearance:
- Dry skin : Rough, dull, frequent flaking, little shine.
- Dehydrated skin : Thinner skin, visible wrinkles and fine lines, sometimes shiny areas (especially in the T-zone).
Main symptoms:
- Dry skin : Constant feeling of tightness, irritation, flaking, rough skin.
- Dehydrated skin : Temporary tightness, pronounced wrinkles, tight and uncomfortable skin.
Skin behavior:
- Dry skin : Symptoms are more constant and do not vary much throughout the day.
- Dehydrated skin : Symptoms vary depending on exposure to external factors (climate, skin care, water consumption) and may disappear with good hydration.
By taking care to distinguish between dry skin and dehydrated skin, it becomes easier to adapt your beauty routine and provide your skin with the elements it really needs, whether it is to nourish dry skin or hydrate dehydrated skin. Have you identified the signs and understood the specificities of your skin? Then go to the article of your choice in order to put solutions in place and finally obtain more comfortable and healthy skin on a daily basis:
- My skin is dry, discover your routine: the best care to nourish and restore your skin
- My skin is dehydrated, discover your routine: How to recognize the signs and remedy them?