When we see new wrinkles and fine lines on our skin, we immediately think it’s premature aging or sun damage. And while both can be significant contributors to those unwanted small creases, dry or dehydrated skin can also be a cause.

Dry and dehydrated skin are often confused with each other, but they are different skin conditions. Dry skin is a skin type, while dehydration is considered a condition. Knowing the difference can help you follow the best regimen for your skin.

The difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin

A lack of sebum or oil causes dry skin. Sebum is a natural oil produced by the skin that helps to keep it hydrated and protected. People with dry skin may have a rough, scaly, or itchy complexion.

According to Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, hydration is best fed on the surface. “Moisturizers that contain three types of ingredients work together to help skin.”

“Occlusive forms a protective seal over the skin; humectants act as a sponge to pull in hydration to the outer skin layers; and emollients smooth the rough edges between cells in the outer layer. A proper moisturizer (or routine) will have all three components to bring in water and keep it locked in.”

Vitali products with GHK-Cu (Copper Peptides) are designed to stimulate collagen and elastin, protect the skin barrier, and provide proper hydration to combat both dry and dehydrated skin. These products provide your skin with occlusives, humectants, and emollients.

Our Skin Cell Restorative Serum and Skin Awakening Moisturizer, formulated with Hyaluronic acid, helps to attract and retain water in the skin. It is a powerful humectant, holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

Vitali’s Skin Awakening Moisturizer contains occlusives such as organic Jojoba and Squalane Oil which work by creating a barrier on the skin that prevents water from evaporating; Humectants such as Glycerin mimic what’s known as skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF), the built-in protector of dry skin and makes your skin’s moisture barrier more resilient, and Emollients such as Meadowfoam Seed Oil which seals in moisture and balances sebum production keeping it from being too dry or too oily.

The Restorative Body Cream is perfect for dry and dehydrated skin with natural ingredients such as Rosemary Oil as an emollient, Aloe, a powerful humectant, and Shea Butter which works as a humectant, an occlusive, and an emollient.

Vitali’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser is not harsh and contains Lactic Acid which helps improve your skin’s build-in process for keeping itself hydrated. It is the only Alpha Hydroxy that can help skin appear more hydrated. People with dry or sensitive skin can use lactic acid.

In addition to using the skin care products that enhance moisture and hydration, it is important to avoid products with harmful ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) alcohol, parabens, and fragrance.  They can dry out the surface and leave it feeling dehydrated.