Dry vs Dehydrated Skin: Understanding the Difference – NIVEA

Learn the key differences between dry and dehydrated skin, their causes, symptoms & how to treat each condition effectively with NIVEA's comprehensive guide.

Dry vs Dehydrated Skin

It can be difficult for people to understand the difference between dry vs dehydrated skin. Although it is important to understand so you know the correct skincare solutions to treat your skin.

You have probably heard these terms interchangeably; you are most likely not aware that there’s a difference between dry vs dehydrated. The signs of both can appear very similar, however we will break this down, so the signs are clear.

It’s all about finding the best ingredient for dehydrated skin vs dry skin. Learning what your skin type is will motivate you to curate a personalised skin care routine to enhance your skin!

What’s the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?

Dry to very dry skin is usually caused by a genetic condition resulting from a lack of natural oils. You may be wondering ‘Why is my skin so dry?’, well many people are born with this skin type. Those with skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema are more prone to dry skin. Dry skin may lead to discomfort, it may feel tight and sensitive especially when exposed to water. Your skin may appear scaly or flaky in texture.

Dehydrated skin is typically a temporary state caused by a lack of water in the skin, rather than a lack of oils. This may be due to your skin barrier or even your water intake. If you have a limited water intake, your skin will become dehydrated. Environmental impacts or an over exfoliating skincare routine, may also impact the hydration level in your skin, leading to dehydration.

Why is my skin so dry?

As previously mentioned, dry skin occurs when the skin lacks sufficient oil to maintain its natural barrier and hydration. So why is my skin so dry even when I moisturise? Well, this can be influenced by various internal and external factors, including:

Environmental factors: Cold weather, UV exposure. You may notice your dry skin is seasonal, it is more common to have dry skin during winter months, when humidity levels are low. Or in summer when you have greater exposure to the sun.
Lifestyle choices: Hot showers, harsh skincare products. If you take frequent baths or use very hot water, your risk to dry skin increases. Or you may be using harsh products on your skin. Try a gentle cleanser instead and limit acid use on your skin.
Medical conditions: Eczema, psoriasis. You’re more likely to have dry skin if you experience eczema or psoriasis. Speak to a healthcare professional to find the right treatment for your dry skin.

Dry Skin Symptoms:

Dry skin which lacks oil often leads to visible and tactile changes in the skin. The most common symptoms of dry skin include:

Flakiness
Itchiness
Tightness
Redness

Why is my skin dehydrated?

Dehydrated skin causes

Dry skin which lacks oil often leads to visible and tactile changes in the skin. The most common symptoms of dry skin include:

Lifestyle Habits: Inadequate Water Intake, Diet
You may not be drinking enough water to hydrate your skin. This will impact you from the inside out to your skin’s natural barrier. While eating low essential fatty acids or processed foods can impact your skin’s ability to retain moisture.
Environmental Stressors: Air Conditioning or Heating, Harsh Weather Conditions
Shifts in temperature can strip the moisture from your skin. This is most likely temporary.
Excessive Skincare Routines
Understanding the right skin care routine for your skin makes a big difference. Ensure you are not over exfoliating or using aggressive products which can damage your skin’s natural barrier.

Dehydrated skin symptoms

Dehydrated skin shows signs of lacking water, which can affect its appearance and feel. The most common symptoms of dehydrated skin include:

Dullness
"Sunken" look
Fine Lines
Sensitivity
Greasy Yet Dry Feel

How to tell the difference between dry and dehydrated skin

There are simple methods to distinguish between the two conditions, such as:

Skin-pinch test to check for dehydration:

Pinch a small amount of skin on 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, you’re likely dehydrated
Repeat in other areas of your skin

There are also many visual and tactile differences:

If you have dehydrated skin, you may notice:

Itchiness
Darker under-eyes or tired skin appearance
Skill dullness
More sensitive fine lines and wrinkles

If you have dry skin, you may notice:

White flakes
Redness or irritation
Scaly appearance
Increased psoriasis or eczema

Skincare for dry skin:

If you have dry skin, it is important that you are using the right skincare for your needs.

Cleanser: You are best using an oil-based cleanser, try our Gentle Cleansing Cream with Almond Oil which cleanses effectively whilst caring for dry skin.
Serum: Face serums have many benefits when targeting irregular appearance and redness. Our Hyaluronic Serum works to plump up skin by deeply moisturising and restoring bounce for dry skin.
Moisturiser: Finish off your skincare for dry skin with an oil-based moisturiser to replenish any lost oils. You may want to try our Nourishing Day Cream which contains natural almond oil to intensively moisturise your skin for up to 24 hours. Or try our Nourishing Night Cream before bed for long-lasting smoother skin.