Dry skin is a type of skin some people have; it doesn’t kill and is not always linked to a medical condition. Dehydrated skin, which is a sign of dehydration (low fluid levels in the body), however, can occur with other life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Dry skin and dehydrated skin are often used interchangeably; however, they're not the same. Dry skin is a skin type, while dehydrated skin is a symptom of dehydration. People with dry skin generally produce less skin oil (sebum) than people with normal skin, and their skin lacks the ability to retain moisture.
Any skin type (both normal and oily skin types) can become dehydrated when there is inadequate water intake or excess fluid loss (without proper replenishment).
Since dry skin isn't a disease, it typically has no cure; however, it can be managed. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, can be resolved with adequate treatment, which primarily involves taking in water and other healthy fluids like soup.
The table below summarizes the differences between dry skin and dehydrated skin.
Dry skin type | Dehydrated skin |
---|---|
It is a type of skin that some people have and is sometimes associated with skin conditions like eczema. | It is solely a symptom of dehydration that affects or manifests on the skin. |
Some people are born with certain types of dry skin, e.g., ichthyosis. It also has a genetic disposition which means parents can pass the associated genes to their offspring. | It is not genetic or inherited. Instead, it occurs when the total body water is reduced due to fluid loss or decreased water intake. |
This skin type can be itchy, flaky, or rough. | The skin is dry, itchy, and has more noticeable fine lines. |
Factors that may contribute to it include dry weather, taking too many baths, and using certain soaps. Loss of water from the skin and not moisturizing and hydrating properly can worsen it. | It can result from drinking insufficient amounts of water or losing body fluids through vomiting and diarrhea. |
Unless it is linked to a medical condition, dry skin usually doesn’t occur with other medical symptoms. | It is typically accompanied by other symptoms of dehydration, including fatigue, thirst, muscle cramps, and decreased urine output. |
It can be managed with the right moisturizers. | It can be treated by getting rehydrated by drinking lots of water. In severe cases, it may require treatment from a healthcare provider. |
Studies show that some people may have a genetic predisposition to dry skin. This is due to variations or mutations in the FLG gene. The FLG gene provides instructions for making a protein called profilaggrin, which is found in cells of the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis).
The filaggrin protein is involved in producing molecules that are part of the skin's "natural moisturizing factor," which helps maintain skin hydration. The protein also plays an important role in forming the skin’s strong barrier to reduce water loss and protect the body from harmful microorganisms and substances that cause allergic reactions like eczema.
When there are mutations in the FLG gene, the functions of the filaggrin protein, including its ability to protect against skin allergies and ability to keep the skin moisturized, become impaired. This is why dry skin is also linked to skin conditions like eczema, especially in people with this genetic mutation.
Aside from this, other things can contribute to dry skin, such as:
Losing more water than you're taking in and, ultimately, low body fluid results in dehydrated skin.
The following are potential causes of insufficient fluid in the body which may lead to dehydrated skin:
It can often be difficult to distinguish between dry skin and dehydrated skin. However, certain symptoms make one more likely than the other. To be certain, see a dermatologist or your family doctor.
The following symptoms are indications of dry skin:
Here are some symptoms that may indicate you have dehydrated skin:
Dehydration doesn't just cause dry and itchy skin or fine lines on the skin. It usually occurs with the following:
Skin elasticity, also known as skin turgor, can be used to show that one's skin is dehydrated. A skin turgor test is usually done by a doctor, but you can also do it at home if you're worried that you might be dehydrated. Below are the steps to check for skin turgor:
If your skin is not dehydrated, it will immediately return to its initial position after a skin turgor test. However, if there's moderate to severe dehydration, the skin doesn't immediately return to its normal position; rather, it takes a few seconds.
The skin turgor test isn't a definitive test for dehydrated skin, so you should see a doctor if you have concerns about your skin.
Moisturizers that contain ceramides, urea, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, or glycerol in the right amounts can help keep the skin hydrated. Some moisturizers that are great for dry skin include:
Since dehydrated skin is caused by dehydration, its underlying cause, which is dehydration, has to be treated in order for the skin to get back to the right hydrated state.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you suspect you are dehydrated or show symptoms of dry skin. If you are indeed dehydrated, your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. In the meantime, ensure you are taking enough water, as your body needs water to thrive.
For mild dehydration, do these:
For moderate-to-severe dehydration, healthcare providers will often take these lines of action:
To have healthy skin, use the appropriate moisturizer for your skin type, drink adequate amounts of water, and avoid using chemicals that could harm your skin.
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