Dry Vs Dehydrated Skin: How to treat Dehydrated skin and fix Dry skin

August 08, 2025

Skin care always starts identifying your type spot on. Once identified, it’s about understanding that, while some skin types might be in the same vicinity, requirements will always be unique. And that is the case of dry vs dehydrated skin. While both are characterised by a sense of dryness, the way it reflects on each of these skin types is different. Let us first take you through dehydrated and dry skin to further break it down.

Dry Skin features

  • Lack of natural skin oil
  • Dry and flaky skin on the face
  • This is typically a skin type
  • The dryness in this case is permanent and needs to be regularly addressed
  • Cold weather, harsh soaps can trigger it further

Dehydrated skin features

  • Lack of water content (moisture)
  • Papery texture that feels tight
  • The fine lines are more pronounced because of the dehydration
  • It may appear dull, shallow under the eye
  • This condition is usually temporary and is treatable
  • Low water intake, hormonal changes, high caffeine intake, poor nutrition are triggers

How can we fix dry skin?

The primary goal is to replenish skin proteins to rebuild on the skin’s protective shield.

  • Rich moisturisers that contain ceramides, squalane, help rebuild your skin’s structural integrity.
    • Ceramides make up for a large portion of the stratum corneum and that’s why refuelling your skin with a ceramide-rich moisturiser helps repair the barrier and create an armour against external aggressors. Ceramides most importantly help lock in the moisture so that it penetrates into the skin.
    • Squalane imitates the function of skin oils to deeply hydrate the skin without leaving it feeling clogged. Its non-comedogenic properties ensure light-weight hydration.
  • Creamy cleansers are preferred for dry skin because they
    • Will cleanse the skin without stripping the skin of its natural oils
    • Creamy cleansers are gentler on the skin and won’t trigger irritation. Further they usually contain soothing ingredients that calm the skin.
    • Considering their creamy texture, they provide moisture even while cleansing.
  • Integrate occlusive ingredients into your skin care routine for sealed hydration.
    • Occlusion refers to the technique of creating a protective layer to ensure the moisture is locked in for deeper hydration.
    • Further it can help increase the absorption efficacy of other products.

How to treat dehydrated skin

The ultimate goal is to improve on your skin’s water content thus enhancing its capacity to retain moisture.

  • Use humectants like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid to protect your skin from trans-epidermal water loss.
    • When it comes to dehydrated skin, the prime requirement is hydration followed by moisturisation, that’s why humectants are best suited.
    • They draw in water from the environment, they are light-weight making it suitable for even oily skin. They also help with elasticity. Oily skin can also be dehydrated.
  • Sunscreen - dehydrated skin is more prone to sun damage.
    • Ensure your sunscreen along with creating an armour hydrates your skin leaving it feeling plump, dewy and protected.
  • Improve on hydration from within
    • Improve your water intake, opt for detox teas, and include water-based foods in your diet.
    • The increased water content will lend your skin a glow and work towards addressing dehydration naturally.

Two products from our D-Wave range that we would recommend for Dry and Dehydrated skin:

Cell Rejuvenating Complex Night Cream is just what your dehydrated skin needs. It helps renew tired skin, strengthens the skin’s barrier and creates a protective layer against external aggressors. Further, it helps with Trans epidermal water loss locking in all the moisture; over all a complete solution for moisture lacking skin.

But when it comes to dry skin, you have to opt for Moist Boost Gel Creme. It contains Olive squalane, a light-weight moisturising ingredient that provides deep seated hydration without your skin feeling sticky and heavy. Its non-comedogenic properties also ensure your pores don't feel congested. You are just left with moisturised, supple skin.

Ultimately, it's important to understand the finer differences in your skin so that you provide the most suited solution for desired results. A customisable solution is the best skincare routine you can give your skin!

FAQ

1.How do you fix dry skin fast?

A Moisturising mask that is designed for activating your skin’s natural oils is the best immediate fix.

Another way to fix dry skin is to incorporate slugging into your routine - This includes moisturising followed by an occlusive cream - While the moisturiser will nourish your skin, the occlusive cream will lock it all in; You wake up to plumped, dewy skin!

2.How to fix dry skin from dehydration?

While dehydration can affect dry and oily skin, one way to prevent dry skin from dehydration is to add formulations that stimulate hydration. This could be followed by an occlusive cream that could seal in the moisture and work on improving naturally dry skin. Thus, the combination of hydration and moisturisation is best for dry skin to prevent it from dehydration.

3.How can I tell if my skin is dry or dehydrated?

When it comes to dry vs dehydrated skin,

  • Differentiation can be made basis texture:
    Dry skin tends to be rough, flaky, cracked while dehydrated skin tends to look dull, tight, water-starved.
  • Type vs temporary condition:
    Dry skin is a skin type where the skin feels dry and flaky on the face; the characteristics are usually permanent and require irregular care. Dehydrated skin tends to look tight and dull, but it is usually temporary and can be treatable. Dehydration usually occurs due to hormonal changes, low water intake or other external stressors like air conditioner, UV exposure. Also, lines are more apparent on dehydrated skin.
    Interestingly, oily skin can also be dehydrated. That's why it can look oilier in certain areas to over-compensate for the lack of moisture.

4.What is the best way to treat dehydrated skin?

The best way is to include a holistic solution that works on improving the water content from the inside and outside.

It’s not enough to resort to humectants, light-weight moisturiser to help with water loss, it’s as integral to work on water intake, include detox drinks and indulge in water-based fruits and veggies - Cucumber, Watermelon, Tomato, Muskmelon.

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