Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin: Yes, There’s a Difference!
June 17, 2025 - Rhys Branman, MD
Is your skin feeling tight, dull, or flaky? You might assume you have dry skin—but hold on! Your skin could actually be dehydrated. Although these two skin concerns sound similar, and even feel the same at times, they’re not one and the same. Understanding the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin is key to giving your skin exactly what it needs to stay smooth and healthy. Here, our Little Rock med spa’s expert skincare providers are breaking it down.
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is a skin type, just like oily or combination skin. You are born with a particular skin type and it usually doesn’t change that much over time. If you have dry skin, your skin produces less oil (sebum) than normal. This lack of oil means your skin struggles to lock in moisture and makes it feel rough, flaky, or tight year-round (especially in colder months).
Common signs of dry skin:
- Flaking or peeling
- Rough or scaly texture
- Itchiness
- Redness or irritation
- Dull-looking skin
If this sounds like you, your skin needs plenty of nourishing, lipid-rich products to help reinforce your natural barrier and seal in moisture.
Dry and dehydrated skin may often look the same—but they require very different care.
What is dehydrated skin?
Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that can happen to any skin type, even oily or acne-prone skin. Dehydrated skin means your skin is lacking water, not oil. Think of it like this:
- Dry skin = oil deficiency
- Dehydrated skin = water deficiency
Dehydration is often caused by things like harsh weather, over-exfoliating, alcohol or caffeine consumption, not drinking enough water, or using the wrong skincare products.
Common signs of dehydrated skin:
- Skin feels tight or “thirsty”
- Dullness or loss of glow
- Fine lines are more noticeable (especially around the eyes)
- Increased sensitivity
- Excess oil (your skin may overcompensate for water loss)
Dehydrated skin needs hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and soothing serums that draw water into the skin and help it stay there.
Can you have both?
Absolutely. Many of the patients who come to us for skin care actually have both dry and dehydrated skin at the same time. That’s why your skin might still feel tight even after you’ve applied a thick moisturizer—if there’s not enough water in your skin, a moisturizer alone won’t be able to fix the issue.
The trick to tackling both concerns? Layer a hydrating serum under a nourishing moisturizer. It’s also extremely important to wear a quality sunscreen daily—UV damage makes both dry and dehydrated skin worse. Both of these conditions are indicators that you need to up your water intake too!
Top treatments for dry and dehydrated skin
Treatments like HydraFacial, custom facials, or even a gentle chemical peel can restore hydration, smooth rough patches, and bring your skin back into balance. The skincare experts at Exhale Med Spa can assess your skin and recommend the right treatments and home care based on your skin type and condition.
“Let me start by saying I’ve been getting chemical peels from Crystal on and off for approximately 2-3 years now, and she always makes me feel very comfortable and does a phenomenal job; she’s very attentive and listens to what I want her to do she’s the best! Keep up the fantastic work Crystal!”
It’s not always easy figuring out what skin type you have, let alone the products and treatments it needs to keep it in the best condition possible. Our award-winning team would love to help you understand your skin and explain how we can help you get your glow back. Call us today at (501) 227-0707 to book your appointment at our Little Rock office!
