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.

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. 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.