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Woman & Home
Woman & Home
Lifestyle
Stephanie Maylor

Is your skin dehydrated or dry? The symptoms, similarities and how to treat both

A woman with red hair and beautiful skin pictured close up, lying down on a green backdrop.

Consider the differences between dehydrated vs dry skin. You might be hard-pressed to come up with any. The effects of dryness and dehydration may look and feel similar but they are completely different skin conditions with distinct needs.

As we head into winter, most of us will experience a dry feeling at some point, whether that's scratchy patches, a lacklustre complexion or skin that feels tight. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a big difference between dry vs dehydrated skin and the skincare routine you should follow for each. “Dry skin is a skin type that lacks oil, making it feel rough, flaky, and tight,” explains Dr Shereene Idriss, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology and Dr. Idriss Skincare. So if you’re suddenly experiencing a parched, tight feeling, chances are you’re experiencing dehydration rather than dryness.

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