Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin: A Matter of Function And Feel

Dry and dehydrated skin share common causes and visible characteristics, often involving a lack of water and lipids within the skin. Both can also present as tightness, dullness, or a rough texture, but supporting the skin early can help prevent that shift.

Dry skin is a skin type often associated with lower levels of essential barrier lipids and water-retaining molecules like natural moisturising factors (NMFs), which may impact barrier function and overall skin resilience. 

Abnormally dry skin conditions, such as xerosis, are associated with chronically reduced lipid and Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) levels. This disruption may present as exacerbated rough texture, a feeling of tightness, and flaking. In such cases, where clinical skin conditions are suspected, guidance from a medical professional is recommended. (For clarity, all further references to “dry skin” within this discussion refer specifically to the dry skin type, not to medically diagnosed skin conditions.)

Dehydrated skin, by contrast, is a temporary state linked to reduced water content within the skin, which may contribute to a lack of plumpness and more visible fine lines.

Several methods can help determine whether your skin is dry or dehydrated. These methods include visual assessment and evaluating the skin’s texture through touch.

Identifying Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin

A visual or physical inspection of the skin can reveal indicators of dryness or dehydration:

• Dry skin:Often exhibits as rough and uneven skin texture. Typically feels rough and uneven to the touch, which may present as a scaly appearance, especially in areas prone to dryness, such as the cheeks and forehead.
• Dehydrated skin: May feel tight and slightly "papery" to the touch, lacking the plump and resilient texture of well-hydrated skin. Dehydrated skin may also appear dull and less radiant, with potentially more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles due to the loss of plumpness and elasticity caused by insufficient water content.

Factors such as lifestyle, environment, and skincare practices should be considered, as these can significantly influence the skin's hydration levels.

Dry skin requires the use of ingredients that support skin lipids and barrier function, and enhance moisture retention. Incorporating these ingredients into your skincare regimen can help minimize dryness, improve texture, and promote healthy-looking skin. In this section, we will highlight a selection of beneficial ingredients for improving dry skin.

• Hyaluronic acid: This ingredient’s ability to attract and retain moisture makes it highly effective for addressing dry skin, hydrating and plumping the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines.
• Ceramides: This family of lipids helps reduce moisture loss and protects against external aggressors that can exacerbate dryness.
• Amino acids: These molecules are the building blocks of proteins, including those found in the skin.
• Antioxidants: Environmental aggressors such as pollution and UV radiation generate free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage skin and contribute to dryness and premature ageing.

NIOD Formulations for Dry Skin

• Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (MMHC2): This serum combines 15 Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and HA-complementary technologies to provide deep, long-lasting hydration and improve the skin's overall moisture content.
• Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2): A mist that provides fundamental protection against environmental stressors. It includes superoxide dismutase, a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the skin’s resilience, and saccharides, which attract and retain moisture.

Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (MMHC2) vs. Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2)

Targeted Solutions for Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin, characterised by a lack of water within the skin, requires ingredients that hydrate, support the skin's barrier function, and protect against further moisture loss.

• Hyaluronic acid: As a humectant, hyaluronic acid effectively rehydrates the skin and improves its moisture content.
• Glycerin: Also known as glycerol, is a humectant that attracts and retains water to promote optimal skin hydration.
• Sodium PCA: Also known as sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, is a naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturising factors (NMFs). It maintains hydration, regulating the skin's natural moisture balance, and supporting barrier function.

NIOD Formulations for Dehydrated Skin

• Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1% (CAIL): This advanced nighttime gel uses a lipophilic form of copper peptides to effectively penetrate into the skin, promoting hydration, volume, and healthy-looking skin. CAIL also contains squalane and other supporting ingredients to further enhance hydration and barrier function.
• Hydration Vaccine: This dual-approach formulation is designed to mimic the skin's natural barrier function, creating a breathable yet protective layer that minimises moisture loss and supports the skin's natural hydration processes, which combat dehydration.

Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1% (CAIL) vs hydration Vaccine (HV)

A comprehensive understanding of the distinctions between dry and dehydrated skin empowers you to curate targeted skincare regimens. NIOD's advanced formulations, which often incorporate ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, and antioxidants, offer targeted solutions for both dry and dehydrated skin.