Dehydrated or dry skin: how to tell the difference? (and find the right care)

“Dry” skin type

“Dry” skin type is an innate characteristic, often inherited genetically. People with dry skin have a naturally limited production of sebum, the skin's natural oil. As a result, dry skin tends to lack lipids, which can lead to symptoms such as tightness, roughness, and even flaking. People with dry skin often need moisturizing products rich in lipids to maintain the balance of their skin. Skin can also become drier with age. During menopause, the skin loses lipids and becomes drier. 

Dehydration: a temporary condition of the skin

The “dehydrated” skin condition is temporary and can affect any skin type, including oily skin. Dehydration is due to a loss of water, and not necessarily to an absence of lipids. It can result from various factors such as weather conditions, excessive exposure to the sun, the use of harsh products, an unbalanced diet, or even hormonal changes.

Dehydrated skin can show signs such as fine lines of dehydration, a feeling of tightness, loss of elasticity, and sometimes increased oil production in response to dehydration. Unlike skin type, dehydration is reversible with the right care, including adequate hydration, use of moisturizing products, and careful attention to external factors that contribute to water loss.