Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin It’s the same thing, yeah?

Well, that's what we thought for the longest time. Until we learnt that there’s actually a fine line between them. A line so fine that it’s very easy to get confused between the two. To add to the confusion, both manifest in very similar ways; an overall feeling of dryness, dullness and noticeable fine lines.  

Understanding the difference between the two enables you to identify your own skin’s needs allowing you to opt for products that are well suited to you and formulate a skin care routine that’ll result in softer, smoother and radiant looking skin. So let's get into it, shall we?

What is the difference between the two?

Dry skin is one that lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks moisture and water. While the former is a skin ‘type’ and hence more permanent, the latter is a condition that due to its temporary nature can be fixed fairly quickly with the right products and steps. In fact, even those with oily and combination skin types can suffer from dehydrated skin from time to time, mostly depending on the seasonal changes or their diet and lifestyle at a particular point in time. 

While many of the symptoms of dry and dehydrated skin are similar, a few hip to distinguish between the two. The texture of dry skin is what gives it away; it looks flaky, rough, cracked and a bit leathery. It lacks suppleness and elasticity. Dehydrated skin on the other hand looks flat and limp, resulting in fine triangular lines on the surface of the skin. The complexion looks dull, the skin feels pulled and taut and dark circles become more prominent. 

How to tell if your skin is dehydrated?

Try the pinch test. Although not definitive, it gives you a fair idea and is a good place to start. Simply pinch a small amount of skin on your cheeks or hand, holding for a few seconds before letting it go. If your skin snaps back, you’re likely not dehydrated. If it takes a few moments to bounce back, you’re likely dehydrated.

What are the needs of each?

While both dry and dehydrated skin can use a bit of moisturization and hydration, the primary need of dry skin is the former and of dehydrated skin, the latter. It’s important to note here that hydrating the skin should be done before moisturizing to really lock in and seal all the moisture, giving the skin the coveted plumped up and supple look. 

For dehydrated skin the first point to remember is to steer clear of harsh scrubs. Using gentle cleansers along with incorporating hydrating and nourishing serums will help the skin look and feel plump and hydrated. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E are your best friends, all of which, and more, can be found in the Leovard Serum, especially formulated to give your yearning skin the ultimate boost of hydration. Drinking plenty of water and tweaking your diet to consume foods rich in water such as cucumbers and watermelon can also really make a difference. 

For dry skin, it’s important to note that although genetic, environmental aggressors and the type of products one uses can really exacerbate the situation. Hence, restoring oils into the skin will not only help it look good but also feel better. 

Incorporating facial oils in your skin care routine can immensely improve the skin’s condition as the oils help to form a protective barrier on the skin, leaving it feeling soft and moisturized. Using a moisturizer that contains botanical oils such as jojoba and shea butter also helps prevent excessive moisture loss, giving dry skin a softer and smoother look. The Leovard Multicream consists of these and several more, making it the perfect solution for all your dry skin’s needs. 

Another point to bear in mind is to make sure to use gentle cleansing products that don't strip the skin of already lacking natural oils. This can otherwise result in excessively irritated and inflamed skin. The Leovard Multicleanser contains several botanical oils along with the hydrating hyaluronic acid which helps to remove dirt and impurities without making the skin feel dry and depleted, rather leaving it feeling fresh and plumped. 

Takeaway 

Now that we know the difference between the two, it’ll be a lot easier for you, especially as a beginner, to formulate the skincare routine that is best suited for you and your skin type. 

The Leovard Daily 7 step Minimalistic skin care routine has been created by experts bearing in mind the hydrating and moisturizing that the skin needs. Hence steps three and four include the hydrating Serum and the moisturizing Multcream to give your skin the nourishment it needs to look soft, silky and smooth, everyday. So that you can feel your absolute best, with Leovard, always.