Dry and dehydrated get used to mean the same thing, but they are actually two different problems that need two different fixes. Getting them muddled is one of the most common reasons people buy the wrong products, so let me clear it up.
The simple difference
Dry skin is a skin type. It does not make much oil, so it often feels tight, flaky or rough, and it tends to stay that way. Dehydrated skin is a condition, and it means your skin is short of water rather than oil. Anyone can get it, even oily skin, and it usually shows up as dullness, fine crepey lines and skin that feels tight even though it can look a bit shiny. In short, dry is a lack of oil, dehydrated is a lack of water.
How to tell which you have
If your skin is generally flaky, rough and tight all over and always has been, you are likely dry. If it looks dull, feels tight in patches, or those fine lines look worse when you are tired or after a flight or a late night, that is usually dehydration. And yes, you can absolutely have both at once.
How to treat dry skin
Dry skin wants richer, nourishing products that top up oils and strengthen the barrier. Reach for ceramides and comforting creams, like my Ceramide Moisturiser, and avoid anything stripping. Everything I trust for it is in my Dry and Sensitised Skin edit.
How to treat dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin wants water and ingredients that hold it there, chiefly hyaluronic acid. Layer a hydrating serum like Hyaluronic Drops or Hyaluronic B5 under your moisturiser, and keep it up daily. My Dehydration and Dullness edit has the lot.
The step both need
Whichever you are, daily SPF protects your barrier and stops things getting worse, so Meso Shield 50 every morning. And if you are still not sure which you are dealing with, book a consultation and I will tell you in a moment and set you up properly.
Donna x