05 Dec 2021
Jenny Leazer-Ragolia
Skincare 101
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Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated:

How To Decode Your Skin + Our Product Picks for a Happy, Healthy Glow

When trying to solve the skin’s many mysteries, a common conundrum can be trying to determine if your skin is dry or dehydrated.

Many people have trouble detecting the difference, but understanding how these issues show up in your skin can make it much easier to crack the case when your complexion is struggling.

To help you out, we’ve done some compiled the key facts. Here’s what you need to know:

Dry Skin Dossier

The key thing to know about dry skin is that it is a skin type, determined by genetics. In other words, if you are born with dry skin, you will always have dry skin. Dry skin is skin that produces very little in the way of natural oils.

It’s also worth noting that over time, our skin function - including the production of oil - slows down gradually, meaning the skin becomes drier with age.

Clues you have a dry skin type:

Dry skin is characterized by smaller pores covering the face. Dry skin will often feel dull, patchy, or flaky to the touch when not properly moisturized.

Other signs of dry skin can include excess buildup, redness, irritation, itchiness and sensitivity.

The Fix:

Dry skin loves nourishment in the form of creams that contain oil as well as pure oil serums which help to infuse vital moisture and boost the skin’s protective barrier.

Good ingredients for addressing dry skin are emollient botanical oils such as rosehip, jojoba, avocado, argan and apricot, which help balance and supplement the skin’s natural oil production.

Dehydrated Skin Dossier

The important thing to know about dehydrated skin is that it is a skin condition and not a skin type. Dehydrated skin is skin that lacks water and is something people of all skin types can experience from time to time.

It can be caused by a number of factors such as environment, hormones, lifestyle or even using incorrect skincare products. The good news is that dehydrated skin is often a temporary condition, if properly treated.

Clues your skin is dehydrated:

Dehydrated skin can present as feeling tight, lifeless and lacking in elasticity. You may even notice that fine lines and wrinkles appear more prominent, due to the skin being depleted of water.

That said, because all skin types experience dehydration, you may also notice the presence of excess oil or even acne breakouts.

When this happens, it’s because the skin is producing more oil to try and compensate for a lack of water.

The Fix:

For replenishing the skin and restoring proper water levels, hydrating serums and water-soluble humectant ingredients are your go-to.

Look for super hydrator hyaluronic acid, which can improve water retention by binding with 1,000x its own molecular weight in H2O.

Water-based products will help your skin quickly revive and rejuvenate, as well as prevent dehydration going forward.

EwaliBeauty’s Product Picks for Dry & Dehydrated Skin:

1. Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Suitable for all skin types and great for treating dehydrated skin, Hyaluronic Acid serum is boosted with pro-vitamin B5, Cranberry, Grapefruit and Raspberry extracts, this serum helps promote deep hydration and plump the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and supple.

2. Skin Glow Face Oil

Formulated with all the oils skin loves - including jojoba, marula, rosehip, evening primrose, and more - this super blend is antioxidant rich and incredibly nourishing for dry skin.

It can even be layered with your favorite face cream for the ultimate moisturizing ritual.

3. Hydro Boosting Dual Cream

A cream and serum all in one, this multitasking moisturizer can be used to support dry skin, dehydrated skin or both.

Enriched with concentrated hydrating and moisture boosting ingredients, it has everything skin needs to get glowing.

Hope you find this helpful. Follow us on Instagram @ewalibeauty for more skincare updates.

Jenny Leazer-Ragolia

Licensed Esthetician

A driven beauty writer, certified and licensed esthetician with backgrounds in journalism. She has a passion for the science of skin care, and helping people find their beauty, inside and out, to bring their glow to the forefront.