Dryness & Dehydration

Dry skin lacks oil; dehydrated skin lacks water. They need different things.

Dryness & Dehydration — abstract visual
Dryness & Dehydration — skin concern portrait

Dry and dehydrated are not the same. Dry skin does not produce enough oil and is a skin type you are born with. Dehydrated skin does not hold enough water and is a condition anyone can develop, including oily skin. Using a rich cream on dehydrated skin often does nothing, which is why so many people conclude that nothing works.

01

Why it happens

  • A skin type that produces little oil, which does not change with age or product

  • A barrier that lets water escape faster than it is replaced

  • Indoor heating and air conditioning, which is why this peaks in a New York winter

  • Over-cleansing and hot water, which strip the lipids that hold water in

02

What helps

03

Common questions

Am I dry or dehydrated?

Dry skin feels tight and flaky everywhere, all the time, and has done for years. Dehydrated skin can feel tight and still look oily by afternoon, and fine lines appear more prominent than usual. Oily skin can absolutely be dehydrated — that combination is common and often mistreated with stronger cleansers, which makes it worse.

What treatment helps dehydrated skin?

Skin boosters, because they place hydrating material into the skin rather than on top of it. Rejuran works on the barrier and repair mechanisms, so improvement lasts beyond the product itself; a hyaluronic booster puts water-binding molecules directly into the skin with faster, shorter-lived results. Hydrating facials help but work at the surface.

Why does my skin get worse every winter?

Indoor heating drops humidity sharply, and the gradient pulls water out of your skin faster than it can be replaced. It is a genuine environmental change, not something you are doing wrong. A humidifier where you sleep does more for winter dehydration than most products.

Is a richer moisturiser the answer?

For dry skin, largely yes — it supplies the oil that skin is not making. For dehydrated skin, often no: a heavy cream seals the surface without adding water underneath, so skin still feels tight beneath an occlusive layer. Dehydration needs water and barrier repair, not more oil.

Next step

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation and a practitioner will assess your skin and talk you through the options. No obligation to treat on the day.

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