To add to your growing vocab list, there’s another slight nuance you should be mindful of: “dry” versus “dehydrated” skin. The two might sound similar, but they actually have different symptoms and require totally different treatments. Here, we break down the binary (with the help of our favorite experts, of course). “Dehydrated skin may look dull, lack radiance, and may appear ashy if you have darker skin tones,” board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., says. Marmur agrees, as she adds that individuals with dehydrated skin may experience darker under-eye circles and a tired appearance. “People with oily or combination skin can still experience dehydration,” board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare, Ellen Marmur, M.D., adds. Actually, if you have a naturally oily or combination complexion, the flakes you’re noticing are probably due to a lack of hydration (water), not a lack of oil (moisture). So, if you’re trying to combat dehydrated skin, make a hydrating serum your go-to product in your skin care routine. Just be sure to seal in the hydration with an occlusive moisturizer or oil. Water evaporates into the air, which can leave your skin even more dehydrated. Some people are also genetically predisposed to the skin type. “There actually is data suggesting that people with dry skin may have defective proteins in the outer skin layer,” Zeichner says. It makes sense, as dry skin is usually one of the markers of chronic skin conditions like eczema. This complexion takes on a more flaky appearance due to the lack of oil and lipids. “Dry skin includes flaking or scaling of skin, roughness, and often itchiness. In fact, dry skin is one of the most common causes of itchy skin,” board-certified dermatologist Jaimie Glick, M.D., adds. This flakiness and itchiness can result in a rash in some severe cases, which is why individuals with dry skin may have an increased incidence of psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis. Some other less severe signs include fine lines or cracks, redness, and scaling or peeling, according to Marmur.
