What does dehydration looks like in different skin types?Updated a year ago
It can be really hard to understand your skin type when it’s dehydrated. That flakiness and tight feeling make the skin feel dry, but they don’t necessarily mean that you have a dry skin type. In this section, we’ll explain what dehydration looks like in different skin types, and what you should keep in mind.
Dry skin and dehydration
Having dry, dehydrated skin is a classic scenario since your skin contains fewer lipids and oils that can keep moisture inside. If this is your skin type, you’re probably more dehydration-prone as a result, so following a moisturizing skincare routine for dry skin and avoiding factors that can lead to dehydration is very important.
Oily skin and dehydration
Having oily, dehydrated skin is hugely frustrating, but it’s also common. When your skin is very oily but also feels tight or is prone to flakiness, figuring out an appropriate oily skincare routine can be very confusing.
Those with oily skin often neglect using moisturizers or over-cleanse their skin in an effort to combat the oiliness. Unfortunately, this can cause the skin to lose a lot of water, leading to dehydration symptoms. Over time, it can also make the skin much more irritable and prone to breakouts.
If you have oily skin, it’s important to keep balance by cleansing gently and using light moisturizers that’ll restore hydration to your skin without making you feel gross or greasy. Occlusives like Water Lock are an excellent option because they will help seal moisture into your skin but with a silky, non-greasy texture.
Combination skin and dehydration
Just like those with oily skin, those with combination skin can also experience dehydration, often as a result of harsh care or over-cleansing (although external factors like weather can also play a role). You’ll want to learn how to develop a flexible skincare routine for combination skin that’s based on achieving balance.
Sensitive skin and dehydration
Sensitivity and dehydration come hand in hand. On the one hand, dehydration makes your sensitivity worse. On the other hand, having sensitive skin means you’re probably more prone to barrier disruption and dehydration. It’s a total chicken and egg situation, but thankfully, following a great skincare routine for sensitive skin while avoiding irritants and triggers will help address both issues.