The weather has started to cool down and the leaves are beginning to fall, but as the seasons start to change so does our skin. The same way we trade in our summer sandals for fall boots, we need to change our skincare routine in order to accommodate for the new season.

The Difference Between Dehydrated and Dry Skin

Dry skin is a skin type while dehydrated skin is a condition that can affect anyone. Dry skin is characterized by its lack of oil or lipids while dehydrated skin is characterized by a lack of water in the stratum corneum, which is the top layer of the skin. So, how can you tell which one you may have?

Dry skin feels rough, looks dry and can have a flaky appearance. Dehydrated skin looks dull, feels tight, rough, is sensitive and shows fine lines and signs of aging. The main difference between dry and dehydrated skin is the cause. Dehydrated skin can occur as a result of many different things such as sun exposure, aging, hard water, hot showers, air conditioning or incorrect skincare. Although dry skin may be chronic, both conditions can be taken care of with moisture and hydration.

Moisture Vs. Hydration

When we hear the terms moisture and hydration, we tend to think of them interchangeably. But, in fact There’s actually a difference between hydration and moisture. So, what’s the difference? Well, hydration equals water and moisture equals oil. Knowing the difference between these two is key especially when you’re struggling with dry or dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin is lacking water while dry skin is lacking oil.

Hydrators like hyaluronic acid help to bring water to the skin by using humectants. These humectants collect moisture from the air and bind it to the skin allowing it to absorb the water. Moisturizers contain oil that help to lock in hydration and keep the skin feeling smooth, soft and supple. Skin has a natural lipid barrier and when the skin is dry or aging, the barrier begins to break down and the skin starts to lose moisture.

Transitioning Your Skin Care Routine

• Apply an Occlusive – Occlusives are an integral part of an effective moisture routine. They help to form a physical barrier or seal on the outer layer of the skin which prevents trans-epidermal water loss and keeps moisture locked in. Cerave healing ointment is a great example of an occlusive you may want to consider adding to your routine especially on cold brittle evenings when the skin barrier is most vulnerable.
• Incorporate Hydrating Products – You can never be too hydrated and adding more hydrating products to your routine is an excellent way to keep the skin soft and supple.
• Use SPF – Protecting the skin from the sun isn’t something you should only consider during the summer; it should be considered all year round. Sun damage can cause dehydration even when there’s cloud cover.
• Creamy Cleansers – Utilizing creamy cleansers when the weather cools down can help keep the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
• Minimize Harsh Products – Using harsh products can negatively affect the skin’s moisture or hydration level. Swapping out harsh products for more gentle products that won’t strip the skin.
• Use a Serum – Adding a serum like Hyaluronic acid is a great way to add a huge dose of hydration into your routine.
• Protect Your Lips – Make sure to protect your lips by treating them during the drier months. Dry lips often lead to dry skin.
• Beware of the Mask – Wearing masks can protect the skin from becoming dehydrated but it may also cause other issues like maskne or mask induced acne. Make sure to wear a clean mask at all times to avoid any skin issues.