First of all, yes; they are two different things even though at first glance, they may seem like they’re the same.
Dry skin is a skin type, but dehydrated skin is a condition anyone can experience. Dry skin has a lack of oil, or lipids.
With dehydrated skin, there’s a lack of water in the stratum corneum, which is the top layer of the skin.
You don’t need to have dry skin to have dehydrated skin. Oily and combination skin can be dehydrated as well.
Dry skin characteristics
1. Feels rough
2. Appears dry
3. Can be flaky
Dehydrated skin characteristics
1. Looks dull
2. Feels tight
3. Feels rough
4. Is sensitive
5. Shows fine lines
6. Shows accelerated signs of ageing, like sagging skin and deep wrinkles
The key causes of dehydrated skin include the sun, hard water, hot showers and baths, air-conditioning and wrong skincare among others.
If you have dehydrated skin, you’ll need to drink plenty of water. You need to also apply moisturisers or serums that contain fragmented hyaluronic acid, which is especially good for keeping water in the skin.
You should also use sun protection, avoid alcohol, avoid smoking and eat a balanced diet.
