Dry Skin Vs Dehydrated Skin

You may be reading the above title and thinking, ‘well, that’s definitely redundant. Aren't they one and the same?’. It may seem so, but that’s not the case. When it comes to dry skin vs dehydrated skin, there are very differing factors leading to each one.

Your skin is a wondrous organ. It protects you. It keeps you acclimated. It’s part of what makes you the unique being you are. But your skin can also be very sensitive, and highly susceptible to outside influences that could cause it to react in certain ways and display certain conditions. Skin that lacks water is one of these conditions. So, let’s talk here around the differences and causes of both dry and dehydrated skin. And then, of course, some of the world-class Vaseline products that you can use to combat each.

Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

When it comes to dry vs dehydrated skin, the discerning factors are that one is genetic – dry skin – and one is a side effect of your environment. But let’s unpack that:

Dry Skin

Dry skin is a skin condition that occurs because the skin as a whole, lacks enough natural oils. This isn't because you're not drinking enough water. It’s simply because your skin produces an insufficient amount of oil.

Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is simply skin that’s lacking water, and could be caused by a number of environmental factors like, weather, makeup and diet. The baffling part with dehydrated skin, though, is that it can often feel oily at the same time, and some characteristics include breakouts, skin irritation and dry patches.

The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Here’s a quick list of characteristics to consider when seeking treatment for each. These are dry vs dehydrated skin symptoms:

Dry Skin

• A genetic condition
• Skin is dry all over – from scalp to hands
• Is consistently dry, no matter the weather

If you have dry skin, the most effective method would be to replace the vital lipids that have been depleted. Lipids form a barrier in the skin that works to keep moisture in and can help fend off anything that can irritate it. Lipid-restoring ingredients come from products that contain oils.
So, for dry skin, try Vaseline’s Intensive Care™ Dry Skin Repair Moisturising Body Lotion – A light, fast absorbing, deep moisturising lotion to soothe dry skin.

Dehydrated Skin

• Caused by environmental factors
• Can be experienced by anyone
• Often feels simultaneously oily and dry
• Breakouts can happen

As mentioned, dehydrated skin, simply, is skin that lacks water. Because of this, it’s going to be working extra hard to protect you, and so may exhibit tightness, breakouts, and feel oily whilst dry. Products that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerine , will quickly add that moisture back.

So, for dehydrated skin, try Vaseline Aloe Soothe Moisturising Body Cream – a light, fast-absorbing moisturising cream with a non-greasy feel, with Aloe vera, to bring the skin back to balance.

So, dry skin vs dehydrated skin are both two very different conditions, with their own characteristics and causes. Luckily, Vaseline has you covered in both instances. Click here to have a look at our full skincare range.