Dry Vs. Dehydrated Skin

Recognizing the difference between dry and dehydrated skin can be confusing. As skin care professionals, understanding the distinction helps us make better decisions during skin analysis and tailor treatments more effectively.  

Dry skin is a skin type caused by lack of oil. You might see rough texture, flaking, a dull tone, or a client may express a tight feeling especially after cleansing. It’s also more prone to sensitivity and irritation. Dry skin is typically chronic and does not fluctuate much with external conditions.  

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition, and it’s caused by water loss. Any skin type (oily, dry, or combination) can become dehydrated. Common causes include weather, diet, lifestyle, or products that strip the barrier. However, it’s usually temporary and treatable with the right care.  

So how do you tell the difference during a skin analysis? 

Do a Skin Turgor Test 

1. Gently pinch or push up on the skin of your client’s cheek to measure skin turgor (or elasticity). 
2. If it is firm and bounces back quickly, hydration is likely sufficient. 
3. If it looks crepey or takes a moment to return to its resting position, that may be a sign of dehydration. 

It’s important to note that most skin types will have some degree of dehydration, especially in areas around the nasal labial fold, under the eyes, or at the forehead. Another sign of dehydrated skin, especially if the skin feels tight or has rough patches, is an imbalance of sebum production.  The skin may be overproducing oil to compensate for a lack of water. In contrast, a truly dry skin type looks and feels matte and rough all over due to little to no oil production.  

Understanding the differences between dry and dehydrated skin helps you choose  protocols and products best for your client’s needs, whether that means replenishing lipids and boosting hydration or exfoliating scaly skin.