Dry vs. Dehydrated Deciphering the difference
While the help of Hong Kong dermatology specialist Dr. Carmen Lam, Lane Crawford deciphers the difference between dry and dehydrated skin, and shows you how to fix each.
Dry Skin
If your skin feels dry all the time, especially in winter, it’s likely you were born with a dry skin type. As Dr. Lam explains, “Mainly determined genetically, dry skin is a skin type in which the pores are barely visible, indicating inadequate sebum production.”
The Fix
Your skin is in need of oil-rich products that help it to retain moisture. Dr. Lam recommends products that use a combination of humectants and emollients to help boost moisture levels and improve the ability of the skin to hold onto it.
Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin is generally caused by external factors and signs include the appearance of fine wrinkles, a ‘pinched’ feeling or flaky, peeling skin. “Smoking, seasonal changes, exposure to air conditioners, heaters and the sun can cause dehydrated skin,” explains Dr. Lam.
The Fix
Your skin is in need of water-rich products. “Dehydrated skin requires the use of humectants or hydrophilic agents which attract and bind water to the skin cells.” If you skin is flaky or peeling, Dr. Lam suggests exfoliating to remove dehydrated dead skin cells from the surface, making skin smoother.
