As the cold weather sets in, your skin might feel ravaged, leaving you with dry, dull, winter-worn skin. However, it's important to distinguish between dry and dehydrated skin, as they require different solutions despite feeling similar.
How to Tell the Difference
One way to differentiate is by checking your forehead in the mirror. Visible horizontal fine lines, resembling crepe paper, may indicate dehydration. Alternatively, try this simple test: Pinch the skin on the back of your hand, hold it for a few seconds, and release. Well-hydrated skin should snap back quickly. If it takes time to return to its original position, your skin is likely dehydrated.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is a skin type characterised by a lack of oil.
- Feel: Your skin will feel taut all over your body, including your hands, legs, and scalp. Moisturizers are quickly absorbed, and your skin may feel dry again by the afternoon.
- Look and Feel: You may experience cracking, flaking, rough patches, and sensitivity. Pores are small and tight, and fine lines may be visible.
- Solution: Use oil or cream-based products suitable for dry skin. Look for products containing oleic acid-rich oils like Olive, Avocado, Jojoba, and Apricot Kernel Oil. Regular massage can improve circulation in the tiny blood vessels that nourish your skin's growing layers, enhancing skin health.
Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin is a condition where your skin lacks water, often due to factors like diet, skincare products, central heating, and weather.
- Feel: Dehydrated skin compensates by producing more oil, leading to breakouts, sensitivity, and dryness. It can feel oily and dry simultaneously.
- Test: Pinch the skin on the back of your hand, hold it for a few seconds, and release. If it takes time to return to its original position, your skin is likely dehydrated.
- Look and Feel: Your skin will feel tight and dry to the touch, improving after a shower or steam room. Lips may be dry and dehydrated, and the skin may appear dull with fine horizontal lines on the forehead.
- Solution: Identify the cause of dehydration (diet, lifestyle, skincare products, or weather) and use water-rich lotion products to balance. Layer products like a water-based serum under your moisturizer. Reducing sugar, caffeine, and alcohol intake while increasing water and herbal tea consumption will also help.
Folli Oil Solutions
Folli Oil products are suitable for both dry and dehydrated skin, using oils that balance sebum production. Our products nourish your skin and replenish the skin barrier, locking in moisture without being too rich for oily skin.