Hey everyone! Today, we're diving into a topic that's often confusing but really important for maintaining healthy, glowing skin: the difference between dry and dehydrated skin. These terms are frequently used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different skin conditions. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand and apply to your skincare routine.
First up, dry skin. When we talk about dry skin, we're referring to a skin type. Just like you can have oily or combination skin, you can have dry skin. This means that your skin produces less sebum (oil) than normal. Sebum is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and keeping your skin feeling soft and supple.
What are the characteristics of Dry Skin?
- Feels rough and tight, especially after cleansing.
- Often looks flaky and can feel itchy.
- May have a dull appearance and be more prone to irritation.
What causes Dry Skin?
- Genetics play a big role – if your parents have dry skin, you might too.
- Environmental factors like cold weather, low humidity, and hot showers can exacerbate dryness.
- Aging can also decrease sebum production, making dry skin more common as we get older.
Ok, I have Dry Skin. What do I do?
- Use rich, emollient moisturizers that help to lock in moisture. We recommend the
Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream
- Incorporate gentle, hydrating cleansers into your routine. We recommend the
Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser, or if you have combination skin, the
Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser.
- Avoid hot showers and harsh soaps that can strip the skin of its natural oils.
- Consider adding
Facial Oils or serums to your skincare routine for an extra moisture boost.
Now, let’s talk about dehydrated skin. Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin is not a skin type but a skin condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their skin type. Dehydrated skin means your skin is lacking water, not oil. This condition can come and go depending on various factors like weather, diet, and skincare habits.
What are the characteristics of Dehydrated Skin:
- Feels tight and looks dull.
- Fine lines and wrinkles may be more noticeable.
- May experience increased sensitivity and redness.
- Skin can feel oily and dry at the same time, especially if it's overcompensating by producing more oil.
What causes Dehydrated Skin?
- Environmental factors like sun exposure, wind, and air conditioning.
- Lifestyle factors such as not drinking enough water, consuming too much caffeine or alcohol.
- Using harsh skincare products that strip the skin of its moisture.
- Stress and lack of sleep can also contribute to skin dehydration.
Ok, I have Dehydrated Skin. What do I do?
- Drink plenty of water to hydrate from within.
- Use hydrating products with ingredients like
hyaluronic acid. We recommend the
Antipodes Baptise H2O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel
- Avoid using products with high alcohol content as they can dry out your skin.
- Incorporate a hydrating serum into your routine and follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration. We recommend the
Antipodes Maya Hyaluronic
.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially during dry seasons.
In Summary

So, the key takeaway here is that dry skin is a skin type lacking oil, while dehydrated skin is a condition lacking water. You can have oily skin that's dehydrated or dry skin that's well-hydrated, which is why it’s crucial to understand the difference and tailor your skincare routine accordingly.
Whether you’re dealing with dry skin or dehydrated skin, the goal is to keep your skin barrier healthy and happy. By understanding what your skin needs and how to address it, you can achieve that coveted glowing complexion.
Got any tips or favorite products for managing dry or dehydrated skin? Share them with us!
Until next time, stay hydrated and keep glowing!