Dry Skin vs Dehydrated: Key Differences & Best solutions for Hydrated, radiant Skin

Are you struggling with flaky, tight, or dull skin? You might be wondering if your skin is dry or just dehydrated. Understanding the difference is the key to choosing the right products and achieving a glowing, healthy complexion. Let’s break it down and explore the best skincare practices for each condition — plus, we’ll share our top product recommendations to help you nourish your skin naturally.

Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin: What’s the Difference?

Dry and dehydrated skin can feel similar, but the root causes are different.

• Dry skin lacks oil or sebum, which is essential for maintaining skin barrier function and preventing moisture loss. It’s a skin type — like oily or combination skin — and is often determined by genetics or environmental factors.
• Dehydrated skin lacks water, not oil. It’s a temporary skin condition that can affect any skin type, including oily or combination skin. Dehydration is usually caused by lifestyle factors (like not drinking enough water or overusing harsh skincare products) or environmental triggers (like heating, air conditioning, or sun exposure).

Let’s dive into the details so you can identify what your skin needs!

What is dry skin?

If you have dry skin, your body naturally produces less oil. Oil is essential for locking in moisture and protecting your skin.

Dry skin is a type of skin, like oily, normal, or combination skin. If you have dry skin, lacking water isn’t the problem; lacking oil is, as oil helps retain the moisture on your skin.

Some signs of dry skin include:

• If you have a dry skin type, you were born this way, and you’re dry everywhere on your body, including your hands, scalp, legs, etc. On your face, it generally is around the eyebrows, corners of the mouth, and the nose area.
• Moisturisers disappear into your skin quickly.
• You may also experience regular flaking, cracking, sensitivity, or issues like eczema or psoriasis.

If this sounds like you, it’s essential to replenish your skin with nourishing, oil-based products.

Best skincare products for dry skin:

• Nourishing Cleansing Oil: Gently cleanse while replenishing lost moisture with a nutrient-rich oil blend that won’t strip your skin and leave it feeling dry.
• Calendula Cream: A rich, all-in-one moisturizer perfect as a night cream, hand cream, or daily body lotion. Infused with soothing ingredients such as cocoa butter, it deeply moisturises and helps repair dry, irritated skin.
• Sunshine Elixir: Packed with plants with naturally high levels of antioxidants and pomegranate oil that is also rich in fatty acids and helps soothe inflammation and promote a healthy glow by preventing moisture loss.

What is dehydrated skin?

If you have a dehydrated skin condition, your skin is lacking water.

Common signs of dehydrated skin:

• Dull, tired-looking complexion
• Fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes
• Dark under-eye circles
• Skin that feels oily and dry at the same time
• Increased breakouts or sensitivity

Lifestyle factors that cause dehydration:

• Not drinking enough water
• High caffeine or alcohol consumption
• Overuse of harsh skincare products
• Exposure to dry air, heating, or air conditioning

The good news is that dehydration is reversible with the proper habits and products!

Best skincare products for dehydrated skin:

Rose Face Mist: Lock in hydration and refresh your skin throughout the day. This gentle mist is perfect to keep by your desk for a mid-day moisture boost.

Lavender Hydration Drops: Perfect for quenching thirsty skin, these drops warm and open your pores, allowing the herbal-infused water to deeply hydrate your skin’s upper layers.

Building Your Skincare Routine: Dry vs Dehydrated Skin

For dry skin: Focus on replenishing lost oils. Use rich creams, oils, and gentle cleansers (select cream, balm or oil cleansers) that support your skin’s barrier.

For dehydrated skin: Add water-rich products and layer hydration. Use mists, serums, and lightweight hydrating products to moisten your skin.

Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Skin

Understanding whether your skin is dry or dehydrated is the first step toward a healthy, radiant glow. Using the right products and adopting skin-friendly habits can restore balance and keep your complexion looking its best.

Need personalized recommendations?

Email me anytime — I’d love to help you create your perfect skincare routine.

Sharyn xx
Founder of Plant & Share