Isn’t dry skin the same as dehydrated? Although they can both feel tight and uncomfortable, they’re very different. Think oil and water.

Dry skin is a skin type. It produces less sebum and lacks the natural oils that form a protective barrier, keeping skin strong, smooth and supple. Dehydrated skin lacks water, not oil. And it can happen to any skin type from extra-dry to oily and acne-prone. Skin can be blemished and parched. And yes, you can have the double whammy of dry and dehydrated skin at the same time.

Dry or dehydrated? Here's how to tell

Dehydrated skin looks dull and tired, with fine dry lines and dark under-eye circles. It’s prone to inflammation, redness and congestion. The pinch test is a good gauge. Simply pinch the skin on the back of your hand and hold it gently for three seconds. If skin returns to normal instantly you’re hydrated. If it takes more than a moment you and your skin cells need fluid.

Dry skin? Brush your hand lightly over your arm. If it feels rough, flaky or tight — especially after cleansing — that’s a classic sign of dryness.

What dehydrated skin needs to bounce back

It goes without saying that if your skin is dehydrated you need to drink more water. But topical hydration and barrier support make a major difference too.

Use hydration-drawing humectants

Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or sodium PCA. They pull water into the skin — but apply them to damp skin so they don't pull moisture from your face instead.

Support your skin’s own hyaluronic acid

Plant extracts like astragalus (found in several Six Gldn products) help stimulate your skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid for deeper, longer-lasting hydration.

Don’t forget the serum layer

Hydrating serums help seal in moisture and work best layered under moisturizer.

Keep the air humid

In winter months when the heating’s on and air holds less moisture a humidifier can help stop skin drying out. The ideal room humidity is 40-50%. 

Gently exfoliate

Treat skin once or twice a week with ultra-mild AHAs like lactic or mandelic acid to brighten and sweep away dead cells that can block absorption of hydrating products. As a bonus, exfoliation also increases cell turnover, which in turn stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid. 

How to Care for Dry Skin Without Irritation

Dry skin is more prone to sensitivity, redness, eczema, and itching. Because it lacks oil, not water, it needs an extra-gentle touch, fewer harsh ingredients, and a simplified approach.

Simplify your skincare routine

Strip your routine back to the essentials. Avoid strong acids, astringents, drying alcohol, physical scrubs and cleansing brushes.

Choose barrier-friendly cleansers

Stick with gentle, barrier-supportive cleansers that don’t strip precious lipids. Skin should feel comfortable after cleansing, not tight or stripped. If you love the feel of a foaming face wash avoid anything with SLS, alcohol, or strong exfoliants. 

Turn down the heat in the shower

Hot water will do the same as harsh cleansers – break down the natural oils that protect skin. If a steaming hot shower is your thing, keep it short. Ideally, train yourself to love lukewarm water.

Strengthen and rebuild the skin barrier

A healthy skin barrier does double duty. It stops moisture escaping and dirt, pollution and bacteria getting in. The go-tos for replenishing the barrier include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acid-rich oils like jojoba, hemp seed and evening primrose oils. What to avoid? Mineral oils and petrolatum-based ingredients are found in a lot of formulas for dry skin because of their smoothing, softening properties. But, they can clog pores and form a non-breathable film. 

Six Gldn Nourishing Face Oil is a richly replenishing blend of jojoba, rice bran, evening primrose, rose hip and sweet almond oils that soothes, deeply hydrates and supports the natural barrier. 

Feed the microbiome

The ecosystem of bacteria living on our skin helps keep it healthy. When it’s out of balance, ‘bad’ bacteria can overwhelm the friendly bacteria. This has been linked to dryness, inflammation, eczema and acne. Support your skin’s natural ecosystem with gentle, non-stripping ingredients.

Want a simple routine that covers both?

If your skin is dry and dehydrated, you’ll want a routine that covers hydration and nourishment. Start with a hydrating cleanser and serum. Follow with a replenishing moisturizer, and finish with a nutrient-rich facial oil. It's simple, effective, and supports the barrier.