There is a difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin. Dry skin usually refers to skin that has a deficiency in oil. Wheras dehydrated skin is classed as having a lack of moisture in the outerlayer of the epidemis.

Dry and dehydrated skin can suffer from inflammation, itchyness and irritation. This can be generally worse in areas with a relatively low amount of oil glands, in relation to facial skin, this evidences itself around the cheeks and eye area.

If you have dry skin, you will generally experience taughtness, especially after bathing. Dry skin will feel rough rather than smooth and you will experience flaking or scaling. In extreme cases cracks can appear and cause severe redness, often bleeding.

So, what can you do to avoid dry skin?

Excessive washing and the use of harsh soaps dissolve the protective layer of sebum in the skin, so keep it mild. Low temperatures and biting winds can also deprive the skin of moisture, again reducing sebum levels. Sebum keeps the skin lubricated, without it your skin will become dry, lacking in oil and be more succeptable to premature aging.

There are many other factors that can contribute to dry skin. If possible we'd recommend a face mapping treatment. Any of the Dermalogica dry skin products listed below are free from ingredients known to increase the problems and add further aggravation to dry and sensitive skin conditions.