Skin Care Products For Dry & Dehydrated Skin
Dry and dehydrated skin might look - and feel - as though it’s one and the same, but they’re actually different. Dry skin is a skin “type” determined by genetics and occurs when the skin doesn’t produce enough oil. Dehydrated skin is a skin “condition” which develops due to internal and external factors - think the environment, hot showers, and stress - and refers to a lack of water in the tissue.
While both dry skin and dehydrated skin can feel tight, irritated, and itchy, dehydrated skin typically looks dull and lacklustre and often shows premature signs of ageing, such as surface wrinkles and loss of elasticity. The skin might also feel both oily and dry at the same time. This is because when our skin lacks water, it compensates by producing oil as it can’t make water. Dry skin, meanwhile, tends to be flaky in appearance. Small pores are often a good indicator of a dry skin type.
When caring for your skin, it’s important to distinguish between the two, since the best skincare for dry skin may not necessarily be the best products for dehydrated skin. To determine which best describes your skin, try our professional online face mapping tool or get in touch with our team of Digital Skin Experts to have your product or skin concern questions answered immediately.
finding the right skincare for dry skin
To improve the appearance of dry skin, focus on replacing the oils that the skin lacks. A restorative facial oil is an essential when it comes to skincare for dry skin. These take a three-phase approach to replenish skin's protective lipids, strengthening the skin’s barrier, locking in critical moisture and shielding against free radical damage.
A nourishing moisturiser is another skincare staple for dry skin. Intensive Moisture Balance restores lipid balance to dry, depleted skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines. For ultra-dry and/or mature skin, Super Rich Repair, our richest moisturiser, provides a deeply nourishing treatment cream for dry skin.
the best skincare for dry skin and dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin occurs when the skin’s barrier is impaired, causing the evaporation of water from the skin's surface. The best dry skincare products focuses on restoring this vital surface layer with humectants (water-bringing ingredients) and restoring the barrier.
For starting the healing process, try our Antioxidant Hydramist, which uses an active antioxidant shield to reinforce your skin’s protective barrier and fight free radical damage. Pair this with our Ultracalming Cleanser to calm reactive, sensitised or overprocessed skin.
care for your skin with tailored solutions from Dermalogica
For the best dry skin products for dehydrated skin, choose Dermalogica. Our professional grade skincare range has been developed by experts at The International Dermal Institute and supported by extensive scientific research.
Shop our selection of skincare for dry skin and dehydrated skin including exfoliants for dry skin, cleansers for dry skin, moisturisers for dry skin, masques for dry skin, oils and serums for dry skin, eye creams for dry skin, primers and tints for dry skin, SPF for dry skin, and body care products for your healthiest skin.
skincare for dry skin & dehydrated skin faqs
how do you treat dehydrated skin?
Before you invest in skincare for dehydrated skin, you should identify the catalyst. Common causes include extreme weather conditions, hot showers, over-washing, or harsh skincare products. If the weather or season is the culprit, invest in a heavier moisturiser that will lock in moisture and protect the skin. Adding in a hydrating serum will further help to combat dehydrated skin and provide moisture at all levels. Always use lukewarm water when washing your face and avoid using soap — this can dry out the skin. Finally, consume plenty of water in your diet to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
what are the best dehydrated skin products for oily skin?
If your skin is both oily and dry, it’s a sign of dehydrated skin. You don’t want to strip your skin, as this will encourage excess sebum (oil) production — but you also don’t want to neglect it and allow dirt and oil to build up. The goal is to find a balance that leaves your skin feeling clean, but not tight or dry, so choose cleansers that respect the skin’s natural p-H and deep clean without stripping. Lastly, never skimp on your moisturiser; simply opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser!
how should I treat dry skin on my face?
Treating dry skin on the face requires a comprehensive approach combining high-quality ingredients, innovative skincare technology and indulgent textures. There are several ways to treat dry skin on the face including:
- Regularly use a hydrating cleanser formulated with nourishing oils and botanical extracts to cleanse the skin while also providing hydration and nourishment.
- Incorporate a rich moisturizer into your skincare regime that is infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E to deeply hydrate and nourish dry skin on the face.
- Experiment with a facial oil to provide instant and intense hydration to the dry skin on the face.
- Discover a gentle exfoliant with soft yet effective ingredients to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy cell turnover.
- Protect your skin with a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV/UVB rays while also hydrating the face.
which oil is best for dry skin?
The best oils for dry skin are hydrating products that can nourish dry or dehydrated skin. Our Ultracalming oil is a great option as the serum features Evening Primrose, Sunflower Seed and Avocado extracts. Alternatively, our Circular Hydration Serum is a full-circle hydrating serum that utilizes an enhanced form of Hyaluronic Acid to penetrate skin’s surface for deep hydration and more supple, radiant skin over time.
why is my skin dry, even when I moisturise?
Dry skin even after moisturising can be caused by various factors. One reason could be using the wrong type of moisturiser or not using enough. It is recommended to use at least a pea sized amount evenly across the face.
Some skincare products also contain ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Try to avoid these harsh or abrasive products and opt for gentle, hydrating formulas instead. Lastly, it's important to remember that dry skin and dehydrated skin are two different things. Even if you're using moisturiser, your skin could still be dehydrated. Factors like environmental conditions, diet, and lifestyle choices can all contribute to dehydrated skin.
can you have both dry and dehydrated skin?
Yes, your skin can be both dry and dehydrated at the same time. In fact, if you have dry skin, you may be more likely to develop dehydrated skin. This is because of your skin’s natural oils playing a role in your ability to absorb moisture.
should I exfoliate dehydrated skin?
Yes, but it's important to do it carefully and not overdo it. Exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, allowing for moisturises to penetrate effectively. However, it's important to choose gentle exfoliants to prevent further dehydration.