The difference between dry and dehydrated skin

Dry skin and dehydrated skin are often confused because they have similar symptoms, but they have very different underlying causes. As dermal therapist Lisa Sullivan Smith explains: “Dry skin refers to skin that does not have enough oil [sebum], while dehydrated skin does not have enough water.”

You can tell your skin is dehydrated if, when you gently pinch your cheek, it wrinkles and is slow to bounce back. Dehydrated skin will also feel tight and appear dull. Remember, hydrated skin is happy skin.

Winter can exacerbate dehydration as cold air, which is low in humidity, can cause skin to dry out. It also tightens pores, reduces circulation, and sebum production. So, a targeted skincare routine is what’s required. Sullivan also suggests “using lukewarm instead of hot water while washing your face as this can help to prevent dryness and irritation”.

Whether you have dry or dehydrated skin, the treatment is much the same: moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. Look for moisturisers that are rich in emollients, humectants and ceramides (fat molecules that help the skin retain moisture).

Start with a good cleanser such as Scott + Sullivan The Cleanser ($65). Next, apply a hyaluronic serum – we love Aspect Dr Hyaluronic Serum ($149). Finish with buckets of moisturiser, first and last thing. In the morning, we suggest Aspect Sun Hydrating Face SPF 50+ ($59), and at night Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Night Power Bounce Creme ($231), for deep hydration and barrier repair.

Be sure to massage these products into the skin on your face, all around your neck and down to your nipples. In fact, do this with all your skincare products. Remember, your face ends at your boobs.

Exfoliate once a week as dead cells can build up on your skin’s surface and keep it from properly absorbing moisturising ingredients. Our chemical exfoliator of choice is alpha hydroxy acid-based because it exfoliates the upper layers of the skin while also hydrating and helping skin retain moisture. Try No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Glow Toner ($23).

To lock all of this goodness in at night, you can slug your skin with a viscous layer of Vaseline ($5.50) at one end of the price spectrum, or La Mer’s luxurious Crème de la Mer ($340) at the other. These will provide a skin barrier as well as sealing in moisture and any active ingredients in your skincare products.

Finally, stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Skin cells swell when fully hydrated, which helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.