Differentiating between dry skin and dehydrated skin can be difficult when you don’t know what to look for. Remember that dehydrated skin is a skin concern, dry skin is a skin type. Dehydrated skin lacks water and looks dull and flat. Dry skin lacks oils which makes it flaky and tight.
All skin types can deal with dehydration and it can be eliminated with conscious lifestyle practices and a hydrating skin care routine. Dry skin is usually genetic, kind of like a perpetual dryness that consistently needs to be addressed. Although, you can experience dryness as the seasons change and the moisture in the air decreases.
As for appearance, dehydrated skin is flat and dull. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also states that dehydrated skin has more noticeable fine lines and skin texture. If you have oily skin that’s also dehydrated, your skin may look extra greasy and lackluster with increased breakouts.
Dry skin is flakey, tight and rough in texture. According to the AAD, it may even be itchy or painful if the skin is dry enough to crack.
Source:
L'Oréal
