Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin: What Your Skin Really Needs

Dealing with dry skin can be a daily struggle. Putting on enough moisturizer to fill a bath tub yet, two hours later we’re back to square one. The sheer audacity of our skin after the lengths we go to make it feel soft and nourished. We’ve reached a point where we’re not moisturizing, we’re negotiating.

Could there be a reason behind this that we’re just missing entirely? Dry skin can happen for numerous reasons. Perhaps the moisturizer is water-based or we’re simply not putting enough on. One thing that we do know is that with the right oil, skin can be left feeling hydrated and taken care of, day and night.

Instead of making moisturizing a full-time job, consider using Simply Skin Vitamin Oil as a complementary addition to your skincare routine.

In this blog we cover:

The Dry-Skin Cycle

This is the one loop we really need closed. Our skin feels good after moisturizing, then the tightness appears and then the itching. When skin loses moisture and natural surface oils, it can begin to feel tight, dry or itchy.

This can happen for a number of reasons:

• Hot, dry, or cold air
• Scrubbing with harsh exfoliants
• Long hot showers or baths
• Over-exfoliating
• Aging

Naturally our first thought for dry skin is to apply as much moisturizer as we possibly can because that seems like the right choice. But, if the product of choice is a light lotion and application is done when the skin is dry, it’s a recipe for having our skin feel like a croissant.

For some people, richer creams and oils can be helpful additions to a dry-skin routine because they can help reduce moisture loss and leave the skin feeling softer and more comfortable. The key ingredient is oil. Most people read that and have a jumpscare thinking “Oil will just leave my body feeling, well, oily”. This is the most common misconception when it comes to face and body oil.

What Does Skin Oil Do?

You’ve spent years avoiding oil and now you’re reading that you should put it not only on your body, but your face? Yes, you read that correctly. What most people don’t realize is that there is a difference between moisturizer and oil, and they aren’t quite doing the same job.

A lot of lightweight lotions and moisturizers are water based. They also contain ingredients that help make the skin feel soft and hydrated. These help to hydrate the skin and reduce moisture loss.

Oil works differently. Oil-based products can contain skin-friendly ingredients for your skin that are designed to help seal in moisture. Body and facial oils can help nourish and soften the skin's surface.

Both have different jobs and this doesn’t mean you need to choose between lotions and oils. They complement one another being part of the same routine.

What’s The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin?

Are being dry and dehydrated the same thing? Apparently not. Dry skin is a skin type that lacks oils on the outer layer of the skin, whereas being dehydrated means that there is a lack of water and the condition is only temporary.

Here are the indications of dry skin:

• Lacks natural oils
• Feels tight after bathing or washing your face
• Feels rough or itchy
• Shows small flakes or an ashy look
• Shows fine lines

Dehydrated indications:

• Dark circles under the eyes
• Dull-looking skin
• Uncomfortable, stretched feeling
• Possible oil overproduction

Being dehydrated can happen to any skin type even if your skin isn’t necessarily ‘dry’. It’s good to note the differences between the two so you can identify what your body may need. If you suspect that you are dehydrated, it is advised that you speak to a medical professional who can assist you on the best next steps.

Simply Skin Vitamin Oil

For those who have dry skin, a product that absorbs quickly and leaves your skin with a smooth feeling is exactly what you need. Simply Skin Vitamin Oil is a natural blend of botanical oils selected to help leave skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished.

Simply Skin Vitamin Oil is made up of unique and precious oils that contain a high nutritional content for the skin, these include:

• Sacha Inchi Oil
• Broccoli Seed Oil
• Pomegranate Oil
• Argan Oil
• Sesame Seed Oil
• Baobab Oil
• Rosehip Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Hazelnut Oil

Simply Skin Vitamin Oil is made to be used on the face and neck to nourish the skin and fits easily into a daily routine.

When Dry Skin Is Asking for More Than Skincare

Mild dry skin can often be managed with changes to a skincare routine, but if you are experiencing any of the following, it is advisable to speak with a healthcare professional:

• Skin becomes inflamed or painful
• Open sores develop from dry skin breakage
• Dryness disrupts daily activities
• Peeling or scaling forms on large areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cold weather make dry skin worse?

Yes, cold weather can make the skin feel drier as there is a lack of humidity and moisture in the air and that pulls water out of the skin.

Can hot showers make dry skin worse?

Yes, hot showers and baths can worsen dry skin by breaking down the outer layer of the skin and stripping away natural oils.

Does drinking water help with dry skin?

Staying adequately hydrated is important for overall health, but drinking more water isn't necessarily a solution for dry skin. A skincare routine that helps moisturize and reduce moisture loss may be more helpful for skin that feels dry.

Can I use Simply Skin Vitamin Oil under makeup?

Simply Skin Vitamin Oil can be used as part of a daily routine. The formula absorbs well and can be applied before putting on makeup.

Can I use Simply Skin Vitamin Oil with other skincare products?

Yes, Simply Skin Vitamin Oil can be used as a complementary addition to any skincare routine.

Sources

1. SOLAL. Do You Have Dry or Dehydrated Skin?
2. Healthline. Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated: How to Tell the Difference — And Why It Matters
3. Gisou. Oil vs Moisturizer for Face: Can Face Oil Replace Moisturizer?
4. Healthline. Is My Skin Dehydrated?
5. Mayo Clinic. Dry skin
6. Cleveland Clinic. How To Prevent Dry Skin This Winter

Note: The product mentioned is a cosmetic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, review product directions carefully and consult a healthcare professional before use.