Winter Skin Care: Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Winter is approaching and your skin is about to get dry and stretchy. It might make you uncomfortable and dull. Hence you will have to give some extra care to make your skin look glowing and beautiful in winter. However, you might have to understand the type of skins and also need to clear the confusion around what is dry skin and dehydrated skin. 

What is the Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Dry skin is different from dehydrated skin as former happens because of lack of oil or sebum and the dehydration with lack of water. 

Dehydrated skin can be dry and itchy and it might perhaps be irritating. But by maintaining hydration level throughout your body with right lifestyle changes, the skin can be protected from winter.

More to do with skincare in winters

There is variant kinds of skins such as normal, dry, combination and oily. Sebaceous glands do not produce enough natural oils in dry skins, thus in order to protect from further moisture loss, it is good to add hydration via an emollient cream.

As emollient is heavier type of cream, it might take long time to be absorbed into your skin. So using the cream in overnight, it will have the time for absorption and replenishing skin with the moisture and oils it needs. 

Experts suggest not changing skincare or bodying care routine drastically. First it is mandatory to check the skin condition and health. According to it, change one or two products at a time.

The three-second pinch test is a popular way to identify whether your skin is dehydrated or dry. Pinch the skin on your finger and watch how long it will take to come back in a normal state. If the duration is long, it indicates that the skin is dehydrated. Though you feel that your skin is wrinkled and at the corner of your pinch then, your skin might be dry.  

After all, skincare is not only for face, but for the entire body. Winter and cold might affect hands, body, lips, under eyes and feet.

Scaly skin, rough texture, cracks in skin, white flakes, redness and irritation are symptoms of dry skin. Dry skin is often associated with skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. There may be chances of harmful UV light affecting the skin's moisture and causing dehydration. Applying a layer of sunscreen every morning after put on moisturizer will help you to maintain skin health.  

Other such home remedies for healthy skin in the winters include – wearing loose, comfortable and natural fabrics and wearing warm gloves in hands and feet. If the remedies do not help you to improve, it is better to have a consultation with a healthcare provider for the right treatment.

Note – Winter skin care is important for all including the farming community as they work day and night in the fields.