Are you starting to see a few lines here and there, maybe some dullness or flaky patches that werenβt there before? It's easy to assume that you might be dealing with dry skin. But it could be something differentβdehydrated skin. While theyβre similar, theyβre not the same, and knowing which one youβre dealing with can make all the difference in helping your skin feel comfortable, soft, and bright.
Are you starting to see a few lines here and there, maybe some dullness or flaky patches that werenβt there before? It's easy to assume that you might be dealing with dry skin. But it could be something differentβdehydrated skin. While theyβre similar, theyβre not the same, and knowing which one youβre dealing with can make all the difference in helping your skin feel comfortable, soft, and bright.
01
What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a symptom of a disrupted skin barrier. (1) With a compromised skin barrier, your skin loses its moisture easily and becomes dry, rough, and often uncomfortable. Here are a few common ways that can happen:
- Weather: Extreme temperatures, low humidity, and harsh winds can strip your skin of its natural oils. This can trigger dryness and irritation. (2) This is why your skin and lips dry up when you relocate to cold, humid, or mountainous areas.
- Age: One of the hallmarks of aging is the decline in oil gland productivity, which increases trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Aged skin becomes dryer, duller, and far more vulnerable to irritation without this protective layer. (3)
- Harsh skincare products: Your skin barrier is delicate and can be easily thrown off balance with harsh soaps, over-exfoliation, or neglecting to moisturize dry skin. (2) You should always look for gentle skincare products like our daily facial cleanser, PREP, that encourage gentle exfoliation without disrupting the skinβs natural balance.
01
What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a symptom of a disrupted skin barrier. (1) With a compromised skin barrier, your skin loses its moisture easily and becomes dry, rough, and often uncomfortable. Here are a few common ways that can happen:
- Weather: Extreme temperatures, low humidity, and harsh winds can strip your skin of its natural oils. This can trigger dryness and irritation. (2) This is why your skin and lips dry up when you relocate to cold, humid, or mountainous areas.
- Age: One of the hallmarks of aging is the decline in oil gland productivity, which increases trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Aged skin becomes dryer, duller, and far more vulnerable to irritation without this protective layer. (3)
- Harsh skincare products: Your skin barrier is delicate and can be easily thrown off balance with harsh soaps, over-exfoliation, or neglecting to moisturize dry skin. (2) You should always look for gentle skincare products like our daily facial cleanser, PREP, that encourage gentle exfoliation without disrupting the skinβs natural balance.
02
What is Dehydrated Skin?
Dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water within the cells themselves. Dehydrated skin is one of the first signs of overall dehydration as the body draws water towards vital organs. (4, 5) Even if youβre drinking enough water, itβs still possible to be dehydrated, especially if youβre experiencing any of the following:
Excessive Sweating and Urination
Make sure to adjust your water intake with intense exercise or hot weather, as your body needs to accommodate for the water loss. Treat any significant water loss from sicknesses like fevers or vomiting very seriously, as they can cause you to rapidly lose fluids and electrolytes. (4)
02
What is Dehydrated Skin?
Dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water within the cells themselves. Dehydrated skin is one of the first signs of overall dehydration as the body draws water towards vital organs. (4, 5) Even if youβre drinking enough water, itβs still possible to be dehydrated, especially if youβre experiencing any of the following:
Excessive Sweating and Urination
Make sure to adjust your water intake with intense exercise or hot weather, as your body needs to accommodate for the water loss. Treat any significant water loss from sicknesses like fevers or vomiting very seriously, as they can cause you to rapidly lose fluids and electrolytes. (4)
Insufficient Minerals
If youβre drinking the recommended amount of water but still experiencing symptoms of skin dehydration, you may lack the minerals and electrolytes your skin needs to retain water. (6) You should drink fluids rich in electrolytes, with the right balance of calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. (6) Look for electrolyte-rich fluids like sports drinks or coconut water to help balance your cell's hydration levels. Skin health starts with your diet, so always make sure your diet is rich in minerals, protein, and nutrients so your body can absorb the fluids you drink.
Insufficient Minerals
If youβre drinking the recommended amount of water but still experiencing symptoms of skin dehydration, you may lack the minerals and electrolytes your skin needs to retain water. (6) You should drink fluids rich in electrolytes, with the right balance of calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. (6) Look for electrolyte-rich fluids like sports drinks or coconut water to help balance your cell's hydration levels. Skin health starts with your diet, so always make sure your diet is rich in minerals, protein, and nutrients so your body can absorb the fluids you drink.
Diuretic Consumption
ββAlcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks act as diuretics, increasing urine production and leading to fluid and electrolyte loss. (7) The dehydrating consequences of alcohol consumption are particularly pronounced when combined with other factors that contribute to fluid loss, such as sweating or vomiting. That's why hangovers often leave you feeling thirsty and why drinking water before, during, and after consumption can help mitigate the effects.
Diuretic Consumption
ββAlcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks act as diuretics, increasing urine production and leading to fluid and electrolyte loss. (7) The dehydrating consequences of alcohol consumption are particularly pronounced when combined with other factors that contribute to fluid loss, such as sweating or vomiting. That's why hangovers often leave you feeling thirsty and why drinking water before, during, and after consumption can help mitigate the effects.
03
How to Identify Dry vs Dehydrated Skin
While dry and dehydrated skin have similarities, distinct differences in appearance and texture can help you identify what you're dealing with and implement the right treatment.
Dry Skin
Dry skin often presents with a rough, flaky, or scaly texture. It may feel tight or itchy, or in severe cases, it may even lead to eczema flare-ups. (1)
03
How to Identify Dry vs Dehydrated Skin
While dry and dehydrated skin have similarities, distinct differences in appearance and texture can help you identify what you're dealing with and implement the right treatment.
Dry Skin
Dry skin often presents with a rough, flaky, or scaly texture. It may feel tight or itchy, or in severe cases, it may even lead to eczema flare-ups. (1)
Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin often looks dull, lackluster, or sallow. It can also feel uncomfortable and tight. Because the skin physically retracts, fine lines and wrinkles can become more apparent around your mouth, eyes, and hands. (8) Unfortunately, these can sometimes be hard to spot. One quick, at-home method to check for skin dehydration is the skin pinch test. Simply pinch a small section of skin on the back of your hand or face, hold for a few seconds, and release. If your skin snaps back immediately, it's well-hydrated. If it stays pinched or takes time to return, it may be dehydrated. Although handy in a pinch (no pun intended), a dermatologist can provide a more accurate diagnosis with tools like a corneometer. (9)Remember, skin can be dry, dehydrated, or both, meaning you may need to look for a treatment that addresses a combination of symptoms.
Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin often looks dull, lackluster, or sallow. It can also feel uncomfortable and tight. Because the skin physically retracts, fine lines and wrinkles can become more apparent around your mouth, eyes, and hands. (8) Unfortunately, these can sometimes be hard to spot. One quick, at-home method to check for skin dehydration is the skin pinch test. Simply pinch a small section of skin on the back of your hand or face, hold for a few seconds, and release. If your skin snaps back immediately, it's well-hydrated. If it stays pinched or takes time to return, it may be dehydrated. Although handy in a pinch (no pun intended), a dermatologist can provide a more accurate diagnosis with tools like a corneometer. (9)Remember, skin can be dry, dehydrated, or both, meaning you may need to look for a treatment that addresses a combination of symptoms.
04
Treating Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Once you know how to spot the differences between dry and dehydrated skin, returning your skin to its normal vibrancy is quite simple. Here are some targeted approaches you can try.
Treating Dry Skin
The most effective way to treat dry skin is to repair and replenish your skinβs natural barrier. This means cutting out harsh skin care products that can damage your skin and opting for gentler options designed for all skin types, like OneSkinβs cleanser and topical supplements. Our proprietary OS-01 peptide is clinically validated to improve skin barrier function and prevent the trans-epidermal water loss responsible for dry skin. (12,13,14)
04
Treating Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Once you know how to spot the differences between dry and dehydrated skin, returning your skin to its normal vibrancy is quite simple. Here are some targeted approaches you can try.
Treating Dry Skin
The most effective way to treat dry skin is to repair and replenish your skinβs natural barrier. This means cutting out harsh skin care products that can damage your skin and opting for gentler options designed for all skin types, like OneSkinβs cleanser and topical supplements. Our proprietary OS-01 peptide is clinically validated to improve skin barrier function and prevent the trans-epidermal water loss responsible for dry skin. (12,13,14)
Treating Dehydrated Skin
As simple as it sounds, treating dehydrated skin involves much more than just drinking water. For immediate relief, limit your skin's exposure to dehydrating factors like dry air or alcohol and use humectants, which have high water binding capacities, that boost skin moisture. Hyaluronic acid and aloe vera are great options. In the long term, drink plenty of water and electrolytes throughout the day to stay hydrated from the inside out. (10)If you find yourself waking up with dehydrated skin you should consider incorporating hydrating face masks or overnight masks into your routine for an intense moisture boost in the morning. (11) OS-01 BODY, OS-01 FACE, and OS-01 EYE are clinically validated to protect the skin from transepidermal water loss, improving your skinβs hydration over time. (13,14)Pro tip: Apply OS-01 FACE to slightly damp skin. In addition to the OS-01 peptide, OS-01 FACE contains three sizes of hyaluronic acid (HA), and by applying it to slightly damp skin, those HA molecules will hold onto the water and create a hydration reservoir.
Treating Dehydrated Skin
As simple as it sounds, treating dehydrated skin involves much more than just drinking water. For immediate relief, limit your skin's exposure to dehydrating factors like dry air or alcohol and use humectants, which have high water binding capacities, that boost skin moisture. Hyaluronic acid and aloe vera are great options. In the long term, drink plenty of water and electrolytes throughout the day to stay hydrated from the inside out. (10)If you find yourself waking up with dehydrated skin you should consider incorporating hydrating face masks or overnight masks into your routine for an intense moisture boost in the morning. (11) OS-01 BODY, OS-01 FACE, and OS-01 EYE are clinically validated to protect the skin from transepidermal water loss, improving your skinβs hydration over time. (13,14)Pro tip: Apply OS-01 FACE to slightly damp skin. In addition to the OS-01 peptide, OS-01 FACE contains three sizes of hyaluronic acid (HA), and by applying it to slightly damp skin, those HA molecules will hold onto the water and create a hydration reservoir.
Key Takeaways:
- Dry skin is mostly due to compromised skin barrier function and a lack of oil production in the skin, while dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water in the skin cells. These conditions require different approaches for effective care.
- Dry skin typically feels rough, flaky, or scaly and may be tight or itchy, with severe cases leading to eczema flare-ups.
- Dehydrated skin often appears dull and lackluster and feels uncomfortable and tight. Fine lines and wrinkles may become more apparent, especially around the mouth, eyes, and hands.
- Effective treatment for dry skin involves repairing and replenishing the skin barrier with natural oils and gentle skincare products.
- Addressing dehydrated skin involves limiting exposure to dehydrating factors and ensuring adequate intake of water and electrolytes.
Key Takeaways:
- Dry skin is mostly due to compromised skin barrier function and a lack of oil production in the skin, while dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water in the skin cells. These conditions require different approaches for effective care.
- Dry skin typically feels rough, flaky, or scaly and may be tight or itchy, with severe cases leading to eczema flare-ups.
- Dehydrated skin often appears dull and lackluster and feels uncomfortable and tight. Fine lines and wrinkles may become more apparent, especially around the mouth, eyes, and hands.
- Effective treatment for dry skin involves repairing and replenishing the skin barrier with natural oils and gentle skincare products.
- Addressing dehydrated skin involves limiting exposure to dehydrating factors and ensuring adequate intake of water and electrolytes.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17716284/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565884/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21146730/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5691061/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234935/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537780/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35179449/https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003281https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9954916/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30620080/Zonari, A., et al. npj Aging, 2023Zonari, A., et al. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, models, and cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17716284/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565884/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21146730/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5691061/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234935/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537780/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35179449/https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003281https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9954916/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30620080/Zonari, A., et al. npj Aging, 2023Zonari, A., et al. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, models, and cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims.
