In Houston, we don’t normally think of “dry heat,” especially during another hot August. But in the winter, or if you spend time out in the dry West, you could feel as if your skin is dry. Or is it dehydrated?
What’s the difference? Actually a lot. Let’s go through the difference.
What is dry skin?
Dry skin has these characteristics:
- Lacks oil (sebum)
- Is just the way your skin is, from birth
- Feels dry all over, including the hands and scalp
- Is more susceptible to premature aging
- Constantly needs moisturizer, especially during the winter
- Needs oil-rich skin care products
What is dehydrated skin?
- Lacks water
- Anyone can have dehydrated skin
- Can feel both oily and dry at the same time
- May experience breakouts
- Comes and goes with diet, environment, incorrect skin care products
- Needs water-rich skin care products
Your skin type is what you’re born with
People are born with their skin type, whether oily, dry, or somewhere in the middle. Your skin condition, on the other hand, can change and allow irritation and other issues such as acne.
If you have dry skin, it is lacking oil. And it’s that way across your body, from your scalp to your hands to your legs. When you put on moisturizers and lotions, chances are they soak up fairly quickly. If this sounds like your skin, you need to use oil- or cream-based products daily.
If you have a dehydrated skin condition, your skin is lacking water. This can be due to makeup, diet, weather, and other factors. When your skin is dehydrated it creates more oil to make up for the missing water. This can lead to breakouts, irritation, and dry patches. It’s odd, but your skin can feel oily and dry at the same time. If this sounds like you, you first need to find out what’s dehydrating you and change that or deal with it. You should use skin care products such as skin hydrating boosters or skin hydrating masques.
Dr. Kronberg can help you figure out what your skin type is, and she has a host of clinical-grade skin care products that can then improve your skin, such as FabSkin 24/7. Call us at (713) 771-8941 and let’s get to the bottom of your skin problems.
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