dehydrated skin or broken skin barrier?
Today we are going to talk about a common misconception that we see with our clients. We have a lot of people come in and complain they have dry skin, or so they think that's the problem.
But dehydration and a broken skin barrier are both skin conditions that can cause dryness and sensitivity, but they are different in cause, appearance, and treatment. So, we will break down a nice easy way to help you distinguish between the two!
Dehydrated Skin
Definition:
Dehydrated skin lacks water, not oil. It’s usually a temporary condition that can affect all skin types, even oily or acne-prone skin.
Causes:
Environmental factors (cold, wind, sun, low humidity)
Not drinking enough water
Harsh skincare products (e.g., over-cleansing or using alcohol-based toners)
Over exfoliation
Diet and lifestyle (caffeine, alcohol)
Signs:
Skin feels tight or itchy
Dull or tired appearance
Fine lines more noticeable (especially around the eyes)
Increased sensitivity or redness
Skin may look oily but still feel dry
Treatment:
Hydrating ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera
Use gentle cleansers
Avoid over-exfoliation
Drink plenty of water
Use a hydrating mist or serum followed by a moisturizer
Broken Skin Barrier
Definition:
The skin barrier (stratum corneum) is the outermost layer of skin that protects against irritants, bacteria, and water loss. A broken barrier means this protective shield is damaged, allowing irritants in and moisture out.
Causes:
Overuse of active ingredients (AHAs, BHAs, retinoids)
Harsh cleansers or exfoliants
Too many new products at once
Environmental stressors (pollution, sun exposure)
Underlying skin conditions (eczema, rosacea)
Signs:
Persistent redness or inflammation
Flaky or cracked skin
Burning or stinging when applying products
Breakouts or rash-like bumps
Chronic dryness or tightness that doesn't improve with hydration
Treatment:
Stop actives (retinoids, acids) temporarily, until we fix the root sometimes these products just add more fuel to the fire, but don’t worry we will get back to them!
Use barrier-repairing ingredients: we can build a whole protocol for you to help build your barrier back up
Moisturize generously
Avoid harsh products and keep the routine minimal
Protect with sunscreen
Let us know if you want help building a routine for either one! We have a lot of skincare and tools at our disposal so book a consultation now so we can help!