Dry skin and Skin Dehydration have very similar characteristics and therefore are often misdiagnosed. Dry skin is a skin type whilst dehydrated skin is a condition normally caused by one’s lifestyle.

Lets explore these in detail!

DRY SKIN

Dry skin means your skin is generally lacking natural oils (aka sebum) and therefore the skin doesn’t retain sufficient moisture. Dry skin can occur on the face and anywhere on your body. It can be caused by low humidity, using harsh soaps, certain medication, heating in winter, and ageing. People with eczema and psoriasis will also often experience dry skin.

Characteristics of Dry Skin

• Dry, itchy and scaly, redness,
• Fine lines and cracks which can become deep and bleed,
• A feeling of skin tightness, especially after bathing or shower.

Prevention and Mosturizer for Dry Skin

• Avoid soaps and harsh chemicals – these can remove natural oils from our skin, making it impossible to retain water. Try cleansing with cleansing creams instead,
• Avoid hot showers – hot showers and baths can remove the skin natural oils so stay with warm and cold showers,
• Avoid over heating – coming into winter, we are prone to excess heating which accelerates water loss from our skin, making them feel dry.
• Use a Humidifier – this is especially good in winter or if you live in an environment with low humidity.
• Moisturise regularly to prevent dry skin, especially winter rash. 

  Moisturizers containing natural oils such as Squalane can help treat dry itchy skin on face and leg. Our body produces squalane naturally but this ability is diminished after about age 30, making us more prone to dry skin.

  Squalane oil has many benefits including:

1. Moisturise our skin without blocking pores;
2. Has anti-bacterial properties and
3. Controls oil production. It is fast absorbing leaving the skin soft, plump and hydrated without feeling greasy. 

Some of the best moisturizers for dry skin worth considering are:

• Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturiser
• ellé derm Anti-Stress Age Perfector
• The Ordinary 100% Squalane Oil 

SKIN DEHYDRATION

Dehydrated skin is usually caused by one’s lifestyle or certain medication. It occurs when the body looses more water than it is taking in.

When skin is severely dehydrated, this can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oils, resulting in breakouts, dry patches on the skin and irritation.

Characteristics of Dehydrated Skin

• Dry, itching and dullness in the skin
• Skin lacks elasticity
• Sunken eyes
• Dark urine color
• Increased appearance of fine line and wrinkles

Prevention and Treatment for Dehydrated Skin

Lifestyle changes will usually correct skin dehydration.

• Hydration - aim to drink a minimum eight glasses of water a day and always after a work out,
• Moisturizer – certain moisturisers containing Hylauronic Acid can help increase moisture retention in the skin, therefore making the skin feel more hydrated for longer,
• Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol consumption

Author: Helen Huynh - pharmacist and editor for ellé derm australia

Helen is contactable via: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellederm/

References:

1. “Dry Skin: Diagnosis and Treatment”, American Academy of Dermatology Association
2. “Squalane and its potential clinical uses”, Alternate Medical Review
3. Penzer R, Ersser S. “Principles of Skincare”. 1^st United Kingdom: Blackwell Publishing. 2010