During the winter, it can be hard to tell if your skin is dry or dehydrated. The symptoms for dry and dehydrated skin are similar and easily confused, however each issue requires different care. So, we at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta put together a list detailing the symptoms and remedies to help you properly identify and treat your dry and dehydrated skin. This is an important distinction to make as each of these tricky skin issues requires specialized maintenance.

Dehydrated skin can be characterized as the lack of water in skin. Whereas, dry skin can be characterized as the lack of oil in skin.

Symptoms of dry skin include:

• Scaly or cracked appearance
• Flaky skin
• Redness and irritation
• Increased issues of psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, or dermatitis

Skin dryness requires the restoration of oils and moisture. To restore this moisture, consider using a serum or a stronger moisturizer, especially during the winter months. Although, some of the symptoms for dry skin are similar to the symptoms of dehydrated skin, the list of symptoms for dehydrated skin is much longer and requires oral rehydration in addition to topical treatments.

Symptoms of dehydrated skin include:

• Darker under-eye circles
• Tired-looking eyes
• Redness and inflammation
• Itchiness
• Dullness
• Oiliness
• More prominent fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin is slow to bounce back when pulled or pinched

Symptoms of dehydrated skin are similar to dry kin, including redness, irritation, and itchiness; however, dehydrated skin also exhibits darkening of skin, such as dark under-eye circles and dullness, loss of skin elasticity, and perhaps the most surprising, oiliness. Dehydrated skin is the result of the lack of water in skin. Therefore, when there is less water to plump the skin, the presence of oil may become more prominent.

There are many contributing factors as to why your skin may be dehydrated. These factors include dehydration, winter weather, and diet or excessive consumption of caffeine. To combat skin dehydration, try drinking adequate water daily. Remember that if you wait to drink water until after you are thirsty, you have waited too long and have probably already entered the dehydration stage. During the winter, it can be harder to tell when you are dehydrated because dry air whisks moisture from skin. This means your body will not exhibit the same signs of dehydration that it does in the summer i.e. sweating and overheating. Eating water-rich foods, using a humidifier, and switching to a heavier moisturizer are also great ways to help keep your skin hydrated.

One procedure that can aid in restoring both your skin’s natural moisture and oils is our HydraFacial. This procedure is different from other facials because it involves a three steps process where each phase is tailored to give the ultimate rejuvenating effect. Step one cleanses and peels the skin for deep exfoliation. Step two extracts and hydrates the skin, leaving it moisturized and hydrated. The third step preserves your results with antioxidants and peptides. Of course, when it comes to identifying and treating your skin dryness or dehydration, it is best to consult with a specialist who can give you advice tailored to your skin’s needs. Give us a call to schedule a free skin consultation with one of our licensed dermatologists.