Although some people use the terms dry and dehydrated interchangeably, they are quite different. Learn how to tell the difference between dry and dehydrated skin so it can stay as healthy as possible.

Differences Between Dehydrated and Dry Skin

Dehydrated and dry skin differ in a few ways. First, dry skin is often itchy or flaky and may be uncomfortable. It may also have a scaly appearance and will often appear on your face near the corner of your nose, mouth, or eyebrows. On the other hand, skin that’s dehydrated may look dull and make wrinkles look more pronounced. With dehydrated skin, you’ll also likely have darker under-eye circles or your eyes may look more tired.

The second difference between these conditions is what causes them. Skin that is dehydrated is suffering from a lack of water. Skin that is dry is suffering from a lack of oil. As such, it’s completely possible to have skin that is in need of moisture and also oily.

Try Pinching Your Skin

A professional skin care clinician can quickly tell you if your skin is dehydrated or dry. However, you can also try a simple at-home trick to find out for yourself. Pinch the skin on your face and observe how it reacts. If it snaps back quickly, it’s likely not dehydrated. If it takes a second or two to change back, your skin is likely dehydrated.

How to Treat Dehydrated Skin

To treat dehydrated skin, you can follow these five steps.

Keep your pores open with regular cleansing and exfoliating.
For regular cleaning, you might choose a cleansing balm that prevents free radical damage. For exfoliation, consider trying an organic product that will gently exfoliate without harming your skin.

Use a hydrating moisturizer or oil to prevent water loss
To combat skin desperately in need of water, select a lightweight face moisturizer or a hydrating oil.

Load up on water
Drinking plenty of water and eating a diet that includes lots of fruit can help you stay hydrated. Some foods to consider include watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges.

Book a hydrating facial
A professional hydrating facial, such as an Oxygen Infusion Treatment, infuses oxygen into your skin for a burst of rehydration.

Invest in a humidifier
A humidifier in your bedroom or office is a terrific way to keep your skin hydrated. As a bonus, add essential oils to create a calm environment to work or sleep.

Rehydrating Skin Care Ingredients

A key to healing the skin is finding skin care with hydrating ingredients. Try using skin care products that feature the following ingredients:

  • Glycerin
  • Aloe
  • Honey
  • Lactic acid
  • Citric acid

Get Professional Help for Dehydrated Skin

When it comes to keeping your skin hydrated, there’s plenty you can do on your own. But don’t forget to book regular facial treatments from professional skin care experts. Swiss Clinique provides holistic, hydrating treatments, along with advice and products to help your skin look and feel hydrated, nourished, and healthy. You can easily schedule an appointment online with our professional clinicians today.