Dry skin vs dehydrated skin. The difference made clear.

Neal's Yard Remedies

Neal's Yard Remedies

Writer and expert

It’s a common (and not-unreasonable) misconception that dry skin and dehydrated skin refer to the same parched-skin sensation. Although an understandable interpretation, these terms actually refer to very different skin situations that require very different treatment. We’ve put together a guide to understanding dry and dehydrated skin: the causes, the symptoms and the natural solutions and winter skincare we recommend to help keep your skin hydrated. And it begins with our sebum.



What is sebum?


Sebum is a natural oil produced by our sebaceous glands, which are mostly found at the base of hair follicles on the face and scalp. Sebum production varies from person to person and plays a vital role in keeping our skin healthy. High levels of sebum production can lead to excessive oiliness and congested pores, but in balance, it’s also responsible for that post-hair wash shine and natural facial glow that we know and love.


Skincare habits such as over-washing, excessive exfoliation and cleansing with water that’s too hot, can negatively impact sebum levels, meaning it’s important to take care throughout your routine to not offset or upset your sebum.


Individuals with naturally lower levels of sebum production often experience facial tightness and skin may appear matt and flaky to the touch. This is dry skin. 

A dry skin deep dive

Dry skin is a natural skin state, otherwise known as a skin type. Because individuals with dry skin produce less sebum or oil than those with normal or balanced skin, they therefore lack its skin conditioning benefits. As sebum locks in moisture and naturally protects the skin’s surface, a lack of sebum may leave the skin more prone to dehydration and vulnerable to environmental disruptors, such as weather.


Dry skin also has a tendency towards flakiness as dead skin cells can build up on the skin’s surface, acting like little sponges that soak up our precious skincare before it can deeply nourish. So, although instinct may tell us to pile on the moisturisers, for dry skin, this doesn’t always do the job. 

So, what is dehydrated skin?

Dehydrated skin is a skin concern which can affect all skin types, so even those with oily or combination skin may experience symptoms. The causes are usually linked to changes in weather, central heating, air conditioning, diet, travel and even not drinking enough water. So, if you begin to feel your skin is drier, duller and tighter than usual, it may need an intense drench to help rebalance the skin’s equilibrium. 


Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin soaks up water-based products, which can help to almost immediately ease the symptoms of tightness and irritation.

How best can I quench my skin?


dehydrated skin


Dehydrated skin needs to be replenished with water, or ingredients that enhance moisture like hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, glycerine and aloe vera. Toners, serums, boosters and mists are lightweight, ultra-hydrating formulas that replenish moisture and help to rebalance the skin’s natural moisture levels.


Treating your skin gently and respecting the skin barrier helps your skin to stay in balance, no matter whether its dry or dehydrated. Take care not to strip your skin by over-washing, exfoliation daily or using skincare products that may be too harsh.


dry skin


In contrast, naturally dry skin needs nourishing oils or oil-rich products to supplement the lack of sebum and to help encourage a healthy-looking glow – adding in facial massage techniques to your routine will also help to encourage a glow by invigorating blood flow and helping to distribute product. Exfoliation is another top tip, helping to remove any excess dead skin cells, making way for the nourishing benefits of the oils.


the verdict


So, although one might assume dry and dehydrated skin are one and the same, they tell us very different things about our unique skin properties and should be handled in very different ways. We’ve pulled together some of our key formulas designed to support these two skin situations, look below for some inspiration and solution-based routines.


How to nourish: Dry skin

Step 1: Exfoliation. Our refreshingly scented Honey & Orange Scrub helps to remove the build-up of dead skin cells and reveal your natural glow.

Step 2: Cleanser. Our award-winning Frankincense Intense™ Triple Action Melting Cleanser is a water-free formulation that will leave your skin cleansed and nourished.

Step 3: Extra hydration. Our Hyaluronic Acid Booster and Frankincense Intense ™ Hydrating Essence are super-light skin-drenching options to ensure your skin feels moisturised throughout the day.

Step 4: Facial oils. Organic Rosehip Oil layered within your skincare routine will help to enhance your natural radiance and deeply nourish skin.

Step 5: Moisturiser. Our Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Cream or Frankincense Intense™ Lift Cream are rich in natural oils and will help to capture and optimise hydration in your skincare routine.

Step 6: Mask. For overnight nourishment, our Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Overnight Mask is a skin-conditioning treat. The ultimate beauty sleep at your fingertips.

Nourishing from within


Individuals with dry skin also benefit from higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in their diet – healthy fats that help to keep our bodies moisturised from within. Some foods high in these essential fatty acids include salmon, seeds, nuts, kidney beans and spinach. 


Our Organic Beauty Oil* is a vegan-approved food supplement rich in healthy omegas.


* Take 1 teaspoon (5ml) daily with food or as advised by a healthcare professional. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a healthcare professional. If under medical supervision consult a doctor before use. Keep out of reach of children. Food supplements must not replace a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.





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How to hydrate: Dehydrated skin

Step 1: Cleanser. We recommend our water-based Sensitive Soothing Cleansing Milk to gently cleanse and hydrate. 

Step 2: Exfoliation.  Our much-loved Wild Rose AHA Toner features organic aloe vera and glycerine for gentle exfoliation and an intense dose of hydration.

Step 3: Extra hydration. Our Hyaluronic Acid Booster and Frankincense Intense ™ Hydrating Essence are skin-drenching options to ensure your skin feels moisturised throughout the day.

Step 4: MoisturiserOur Rejuvenating Frankincense Hydrating Cream is rich in frankincense and myrrh essential oils to soften and hydrate skin.

Step 5: Overnight. For overnight nourishment, our Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Overnight Mask is a skin-conditioning treat. The ultimate beauty sleep at your fingertips.


Hydrating from within


Dehydrated skin can also be treated from within by making small changes to your diet. Coffee and alcohol deplete water and salts in the body which can lead to dehydration, including that of the skin. 


By reducing your intake and ensuring you’re drinking plenty of water, your skin will thank you. A baobab smoothie is super hydrating and ideal for the mornings. It contains lots of skin loving nutrients like vitamin C, helping to energise the mind and hydrate the body natural – why not give it a try?


Tipper's Baobab recipe


“When skin is dehydrated it loses its dewy look and can benefit from a hydrating pick me up to restore its luminosity, here's a quick, simple and tasty recipe using baobab powder which is bursting with antioxidants, vitamin C and natural prebiotic fibre - a wonderful skin food and even better, it tastes like lemon sherbet.


Put 2 teaspoons of baobab powder into a large glass with a teaspoon of maple syrup and a pinch of mineral rich Himalayan pink salt. Add a generous squeeze of lemon juice and fill with sparkling mineral water. Enjoy and feel your skin thank you!”

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