I’ve noticed over the years that most people tend to confuse dry and dehydrated skin conditions. This is easily done because they share similar symptoms, but it’s essential to understand which you have and address it appropriately.

Personally, I’m not a big believer in skin type. So when I refer to skin type in my posts, this is only a rough guide. Factors such as the environment, ageing, nutrition, health and lifestyle have a great impact on our skin condition. For instance, I know my skin changes with the weather. And since I live in London that means almost every day. Therefore, my motto is – change your skincare routine as often as you change your wardrobe. I’ve noticed over the years that most people tend to confuse dry and dehydrated skin conditions. This is easily done because they share similar symptoms, but it’s essential to understand which you have and address it appropriately.

DRY SKIN

Normally we refer to Dry Skin as a skin type. The main cause of dry skin is a lack of oil which means decreased sebaceous glands’ activity. The symptoms will normally include smaller pores, chronic itching, dryness, scaling and thinning. Dry skin can be a genetic condition or the result of an inappropriate skincare regime. People who suffer from dry skin, normally don’t suffer from acne.

Best Products:

Opt for rich, oil based creams and serums that nourish your skin instead of hydrating gels and water-based creams. It’s also better to cleanse your face with cleansing milk or hydrophilic oils than with gels and foams.

These are top My Beauty Insider picks for dry skin:

ODACITE Very Dry Skin Serum Concentrate (Moringa + Petitgrain)

ODACITE Pure Elements Discovery Kit – Mature + Dry Skin

ELIZABETH ARDEN Ceramide Capsules Advanced

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Multi-Miracle Glow

Crème de la Mer

 

DEHYDRATED SKIN

Dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water and can affect any type of skin including oily skin. The symptoms normally include larger pores, and your skin feels dry but some parts are still oily with occasional breakouts. It absorbs moisture very quickly so a good way to test if your skin is dehydrated, is by applying a moisturising face mask and seeing how quickly your skin absorbs it. Have you ever wondered why makeup artists love well-moisturized skin? This is because foundation tends to absorb moisture from your skin. Therefore, if your skin lacks moisture, your foundation will look cakey and patchy. So this is another way to determine whether your skin needs water.

Best Products:

The best treatment for dehydrated skin is from within. Water, Omega Supplements and correct nutrition are all essential for skin lacking moisture. And remember – sun and alcohol are not your friends! Chose topical products that contain hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid. No other biological substance can retain as much water as HA.

These are top My Beauty Insider picks for dehydrated skin:

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5

SkinCeuticals Moisturize Hydrating B5 Mask

DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask

DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE Ferulic and Retinol Anti Ageing Moisturiser

Chantecaille Flower Harmonizing Cream