A lot of my clients deal with skin that is less hydrated than they would like. Hydrated skin is glowing skin and most people are chasing that glow. However, just because skin isn’t as hydrated as you would like, there are different reasons for this. Your skin may be dry, or it may be dehydrated.
Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that occurs when there’s a lack of water in the skin. This can happen to anyone, regardless of skin type — people with oily or combination skin can still experience dehydration. Dehydrated skin typically looks dull and can show premature signs of aging, like surface wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
A great way to tell if your skin is dehydrated is the pinch test. While this test isn’t definitive, it’s a good way to start thinking about your skin from the inside out. Pinch a small amount of skin on your cheek, abdomen, chest, or the back of your hand and hold for a few seconds.
If your skin snaps back, you’re likely not dehydrated.
If it takes a few moments to bounce back, you’re likely dehydrated.
In dry skin, on the other hand, water isn’t the problem. Dry skin is a skin type, like oily or combination skin, where the complexion lacks oils, or lipids, so it takes on a more flaky, dry appearance. Dry skin is more likely to be red and salt vs dehydrated skin.
Dehydrated skin and Dry Skin Need Different Treatments
If you want your skin to look and feel its best, you need to both hydrate and moisturize. Dehydrated skin may just need some good supplements and additional water, while dry skin will need more moisturizing products in order to get the glow back into the skin.
Extra tips for Hydrating the Skin
For dehydrated skin, oral hydration is a must because it’s adding water into complexion from the inside. You can also incorporate water-rich foods into your diet, such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, and celery.
For dry skin, keep on moisturizing with the proper moisturizers and hydrating serums. This process helps dry skin better retain water and maintain a proper level of hydration. The key to addressing dry skin is finding products that help you lock in moisture, especially overnight. Try using a humidifier, especially during winter months, and add fish oil for an extra boost.