Are you wondering about the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin? While both terms are often used interchangeably, it’s actually a very common misconception that they’re the same thing. The symptoms can be similar, but the root causes are actually distinct.
It’s important that you recognize which one you’re experiencing so you can choose products that align with your unique needs. While there are some skincare products that may be suitable for both dry and dehydrated skin, understanding their differentiating factors empowers you to make an informed decision and proceed with confidence. Here’s everything you need to know!
Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin: Causes & Symptoms
- Dry skin refers to one of the five skin types, which also include normal, sensitive, oily, and combination. The reason why dry skin occurs is because the skin produces less sebum (oil) than the other skin types. That lack of moisturizing oil can cause skin to feel dry, rough, flaky, flaky, scaly, itchy, and tight.
- Dehydrated skin refers to a temporary condition that occurs when the uppermost layer of skin doesn’t have enough water. This lack of essential hydration can weaken the skin barrier, causing similar symptoms to dry skin. And, because the skin barrier is weakened, your skin may be susceptible to other external stressors, such as free radicals and pollution.
Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin: How to Differentiate

Now that you understand the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin, you might be wondering how to tell which one you have. That can be tricky, as there are often overlapping symptoms. At the same time, there are unique characteristics associated with each.
Of course, the best way to be sure is to consult with a professional, but here are some common signs to look for.
Dry Skin: Redness and Inflammation
Dry skin is more prone to redness and inflammation. The skin may be scaly, and you may notice white flakes. You may also be more likely to have dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema. When it comes to dry skin vs dehydrated skin, dry skin naturally won’t be oily, as it’s caused by a lack of oil in the first place.
Dehydrated Skin: Dullness and Lack of Glow
Dehydrated skin often has the appearance of dullness and lack of glow. Your complexion may look tired, and you may notice signs of aging skin, such as dark circles under your eyes and fine lines and wrinkles. Dehydrated skin can also be oily in some cases, especially if you have an oily skin type. A lack of water doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of oil.
Try the Pinch Test
While this test may not produce conclusive answers, it can help you determine if you have dry skin vs dehydrated skin.
- Gently pinch a section of skin on your cheek, chest, abdomen, or back of your hand.
- Release it quickly.
- If the skin takes more than a second or two to snap back, it’s most likely dehydrated. If it snaps back rapidly, your symptoms may be due to having a dry skin type.
How to Get Relief

Recognizing the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin is the first step! If your skin is dehydrated, you may simply need to drink more water.
Whether your skin is dry or dehydrated, you should avoid factors that cause dehydration, such as excessive sun exposure, lifestyle habits like smoking or consuming too much caffeine, using harsh skincare products, or spending too much time in cold, dry, or windy weather.
Regardless of whether you have dry skin vs dehydrated skin, using the right skincare products can work wonders.
- Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser, such as Lea Black Beauty® Skin Revitalizing Daily Face Wash.
- Use deeply hydrating moisturizers and body lotions, such as Lea Black Beauty® Sudden Youth® 500mg CBD Intensive Moisture Renewal Cream, Lea Black Beauty® CBD Daily Face Moisturizer, and Lea Black Beauty® Natural Youth® 200mg CBD Hand & Body Lotion.
- If you exfoliate, use a gentle, moisturizing exfoliator, such as Lea Black Beauty® Moisturizing Skin Renewal Exfoliant.
- Use nourishing and rejuvenating oils and serums, such as Lea Black Beauty® Sudden Youth® 1000mg Nourishing Cannabis Sativa Oil and Lea Black Beauty® Anti-Aging Face Serum with 250mg CBD.
Achieve Your Skincare Goals With Lea Black Beauty®
Now that you know the ins and outs of dry skin vs dehydrated skin, it’s time to discover skincare products that are backed by scientific research and offer clinically proven results. After all, understanding the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin won’t help unless you take action! Shop our 100% natural products, and make dryness and dehydration a distant memory!