DEHYDRATED & DRY SKIN - What’s the difference?

Milene Freire

Posted on August 27 2025

DEHYDRATED & DRY SKIN - What’s the difference?

 

A common misconception is that dry and dehydrated skin are one and the same. However, let's get to the bottom of this!

 

Dry skin is a skin type that we are born with and part of our genetic makeup. People with this skin type generally have smaller pores and produce less sebum oil, which also helps our skin stay moisturized and protects the skin barrier from losing moisture. This can result in symptoms such as rough or flaky patches, a dull skin tone that can accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And the skincare products best suited for dry skin tend to be focused on restoring moisture to plump up the skin and protecting the skin barrier. 

 

Note that skin types can change over time. 

With age, we may notice that even those with previously oily skin types produce less sebum oils and we’ll need to change up our skincare routines to meet these changes. 

 

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that can affect any skin type at any stage in life. Whether it’s oily, normal or dry, your skin is essentially lacking in moisture at the deepest dermal layers. This could be due to not hitting your average 8 glasses of water a day, using skincare products that may be stripping your skin of moisture, living in a dry climate or constantly exposed to drying heaters and air conditioners. 

As a condition, this can be overcome with actions, such as:

1) increased water (and reduced caffeine) intake,

2) use of a humidifier,

3) reducing the frequency you exfoliate,

And lastly, adding in hydrating serums and moisturizers with Hyaluronic Acid and powerful antioxidants to restore your skin. Our new iS Clinical DAILY DYNAMIC HYDRATOR is perfect for addressing dehydrated skin and suits all skin types. 

 

Hope you found this helpful, but feel free to book in a virtual or in-person consultation if you’re still unsure about whether your skin falls under the dry skin type or may just be dehydrated at this time!

With love,

Milene 

 

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