Dry vs Dehydrated Skin - The Quick Test and What to Do About It

A lot of people describe their skin as “dry” when what they mean is “it feels tight and uncomfortable”. But dryness and dehydration aren’t the same thing, and treating the wrong one can leave you chasing your tail.

Dry skin is about oil. Dehydrated skin is about water. You can have one, the other, or (very commonly) both.

The difference, without the science lecture

Dry skin is a skin type. It tends to produce less natural oil, so it can feel rough, look dull, and get flaky, especially in winter.

Dehydrated skin is a condition. Any skin type can be dehydrated - including oily skin. Dehydration is often what makes skin feel tight even when it gets shiny later.

A quick check you can do at home

Wash your face, pat it dry, then don’t apply anything for about 20 minutes.

• If you feel tightness and you can see roughness or flaking, that points to dryness.

• If you feel tightness but your skin becomes shinier later or fine lines look more obvious, dehydration is likely playing a part.

If products also sting, your barrier may be involved too - and then simpler is better.

What usually helps dehydrated skin

Dehydration often improves with gentle habits: not over-cleansing, using lukewarm water, and moisturising consistently (morning and night). Applying moisturiser to slightly damp skin makes a noticeable difference for many people, because you’re helping your skin hold onto the water it already has.

What usually helps dry skin

Dryness responds well to richer moisturising, especially on the body. Timing matters more than most people realise. If you moisturise straight after showering, your skin holds on to hydration better and feels comfortable for longer. If you leave it until later, you’re trying to moisturise skin that’s already lost the water you wanted to keep.

This is where a proper body cream earns its keep. If Sankofa Body Cream suits you, it makes sense as a daily “after shower” step. And for stubborn rough patches - hands, heels, elbows - raw shea butter can work well as a targeted extra.

If you think you’re both dry and dehydrated

You’re not alone. In that case, don’t add more steps. Just do the basics well: moisturise while skin is slightly damp and be consistent for a couple of weeks. Skin often needs time to show you it’s improving.