We often have complaints about one thing: “I use so many things for my skin; why is there no change? I bought expensive products, changed my diet, but nothing has changed in my skin!” Do you know why this happens? The answer is, it happens because of skin care without understanding the skin type properly. Many of us face various skin-related problems because we are not aware of our skin type. Our skin can be of different types, like normal, dry, oily, and combination. Improper skincare without understanding your skin type can damage your skin. For example, acne, irritation, redness, etc., occur in many people. So, do you know whether your skin is dry or dehydrated?
We all know that glowing, flawless, and beautiful skin boosts your confidence level! And to get beautiful skin, you have to follow a basic skin care routine. So, it is very important to take care of your skin type. That’s why you need to understand first whether your skin is dry or dehydrated. Many people do not know exactly what dehydrated skin means! So, my post today is about dry and dehydrated skin.
Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin
When you hear the word ‘dry skin,’ it sounds like dryness in the skin, right? And what comes to mind when you hear ‘dehydrate’ is lack of water. Although the two terms are close, there is a difference between them.
Dry skin produces less of its natural oil (sebum). This sebum secreted by the skin locks in the moisture, so the skin cannot become dry. Those whose skin is naturally low in this oil have skin that feels dry.
And ‘dehydrated’ is not a skin type. It is a temporary skin condition. Any skin type can become dehydrated. This happens when the skin does not have enough water. Confusion comes when your skin looks rough and dirty. Many of you do not understand whether the skin is dry or dehydrated! How do you know if your skin is dry or dehydrated? Let’s go into details.
Symptoms of Dry Skin:
- Skin looks very rough.
- Itchiness may occur on the skin.
- Skin is always dry.
- Skin patchiness, white patches, and irritation can be such problems.
- The skin shows signs of aging very quickly.
- Fine lines appear under the eyes.
- When the skin becomes excessively dry, it becomes raised and flaky.
- There may be a problem with melasma.
How to Take Care of Dry Skin:
1. Choosing a Face Wash and Scrub:
For dry skin care, you need to choose a face wash that does not over dry the skin and has moisturizing properties. Dry skin accumulates dead cells very quickly, so exfoliate the skin 1-2 times a week. Choose a scrub that deeply cleanses the skin without drying it out.
2. Apply Moisturizer:
You must use moisturizer after cleansing the skin thoroughly and do it on a regular basis. In this case, you can select a cream-based or slightly thick moisturizer. There are many moisturizers with a light formula that lock in the skin’s moisture for a long time without feeling dry. You can also use them. If your skin is extra dry, you can mix a few drops of argan oil with your regular moisturizer.
3. Applying Face Mask:
A mask made of honey and oatmeal is very effective for dry skin. Various studies have shown that honey acts as a natural moisturizer. Honey has many skin care benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Oatmeal works very well for dry skin care, as it is rich in antioxidants. Make a pack of oatmeal powder with honey and apply it to the face. If desired, milk can also be mixed in this mask; it will make the skin very nourished and soft. Then wait for a while and wash off.
4. Massage with Aloe Vera Gel:
If you are not allergic to aloe vera, it can easily be included in your skin care routine. Before going to bed at night, massage the aloe vera gel on the face with light hands and apply it for 20-25 minutes, then wash it off with a splash of water. The skin will be soft and moist.
5. Oil Massage:
Natural oils are very effective in dry skin care. They keep the skin moisturized. In this case, you can safely use jojoba oil. It will repair the skin damage and keep the skin glowing and soft. For an oil massage, take a little oil in the hand and massage it lightly in a circular motion. You can do this 2-3 times a week. If jojoba oil is not available, a few drops of argan oil or avocado oil can also be used instead of jojoba oil.
Some Tips for Dry Skin Care:
- Use moisturizer immediately after cleansing the skin.
- Use sunscreen during the day.
- Drink enough water.
- Try washing your face with lukewarm water.
- Drink a glass of milk daily. The fat in milk is good for dry skin.
- Avoid using products with ingredients that strip the skin of moisture or control sebum production. For example, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, apple cider vinegar, etc.
- Applying clay-based masks directly to the skin can dry out the skin, so mix yogurt or milk with any clay mask.
Symptoms of Dehydrated Skin:
Like dry skin, dehydrated skin can also cause dark circles, fine lines, or age spots under the eyes. But with a small test at home, you can easily understand whether your skin is dehydrated.
For this, press lightly on any part of your cheek. If the skin takes time to return to its previous place, then you will understand that the skin is not properly hydrated. During this time, the skin feels very tight and looks dull.
Oily skin or combination skin can also develop this condition very easily. So if the skin suddenly feels rough, do not assume that your skin type has become dry! This can also happen due to lack of hydration.
How to Take Care of Dehydrated Skin:
If your skin is dehydrated, select a mild cleanser for your skin. Then wash your face with warm water. The next step is to use a hydrating toner or spray with rose water.
The miracle ingredient for dehydrated skin is hyaluronic acid. It keeps the skin hydrated by locking in the skin’s moisture. It also reduces the signs of aging and eye wrinkles. So you can use hyaluronic acid serum to care for your dehydrated skin.
Use products that instantly hydrate the skin, such as face mists and sheet masks. There are many types of sheet masks available now. Using a sheet mask 1-2 times a week will keep the skin hydrated. And always keep a face mist with you when you go out, spraying it whenever the skin feels dehydrated.
Sandalwood powder can be mixed together with sour curd, cucumber juice, and honey to make a great mask. All the ingredients will keep the skin hydrated and help to get a glowing look. You can apply this face mask 2-3 times a week.
Besides, snail mucin, fruit extract, honey, aloe vera, glycerin, lactic acid, citric acid, and milk are very effective for dehydrated skin. When buying skin care products, check whether these ingredients are present.
Some Tips to Care for Dehydrated Skin:
Apart from using skincare products according to your skin type, if you follow a proper diet and healthy lifestyle, the skin will easily return to normal condition. But you have to take care of some things:
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
- Drink fewer caffeinated beverages.
- Drink fluids such as fresh fruit juice, soup, or bottled water after working out.
- Avoid foods with excess sugar and salt.
- Abstain from smoking.
So you understand what are the ways to take care of your skin type! Know the tricks to understand whether your skin is dry or dehydrated. So take care of your skin type now. It will keep the skin healthy and you will always be beautiful.
