When you hear the words “dry” and “dehydrated,” you may think they generally mean the same thing. After all, an absence of moisture or water can create both dry and dehydrated conditions. However, when it comes to our skin, experts agree that dry skin isn’t necessarily the same as dehydrated skin. A person can have one without the other and vice versa. A lot of patients have questions about this and want to know whether their skin is dry or dehydrated. As it turns out, there are ways to determine which one you have and products you can use to help bring moisture back into the skin.
Continue reading to learn more about the difference between dry and dehydrated skin and what you can do to counteract these conditions.
What does the skin need?
The skin is a complex organ that’s composed of three distinct layers—the hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer that acts as a barrier that protects the body against germs, UV light from the sun, harsh chemicals, and many other dangerous agents. If the skin isn’t getting enough water, it can become dry or dehydrated and lose many of these vital functions. In addition to water, the skin relies heavily on fats, proteins, and other nutrients to maintain its role as a barrier for the body. When the skin doesn’t get what it needs, it can become dry and dehydrated.
Dry skin
When someone has dry skin, the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin cracks and flakes. Likely this has something to do with environmental factors. You may want to switch the type of soap you use for a few weeks and document any changes. Adding a moisturizer like a lotion or cream into your daily routine can help remedy the effects of dry skin. Certain types of medications called “Statins” meant to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease may also play a role in dry skin. Including healthy fats into your diet from nuts, fish, and olive oil can help ease the negative side effects of these medications.
Dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin is often related to the loss of water through the skin. Our bodies are constantly losing water through a process called transepidermal water loss. When the skin is damaged from an injury or an invasive surgery, our bodies can be at greater risk of losing too much water. Water loss often occurs in greater amounts in the presence of scar tissue. Scar tissue is weaker than healthy tissue. When a scar becomes raised in the form of a hypertrophic or keloid scar, there is good reason to believe that excess moisture is being lost.
Topical silicone for moisture
Topical, medical-grade silicone is the only clinically-proven scar treatment option currently on the market. With over 30 years of clinical evidence to support the efficacy of silicone as a scar management solution, surgeons and dermatologists from around the world have come to trust silicone. Silicone works by helping the skin withhold valuable moisture in problems areas, like scar tissue. This has the effect of hydrating the skin and reducing the appearance of scars. If you struggle with dry or dehydrated skin, ask your doctor if medical silicone is right for you or order online today at biodermis.com.
Continue reading to learn more about the difference between dry and dehydrated skin and what you can do to counteract these conditions.
What does the skin need?
The skin is a complex organ that’s composed of three distinct layers—the hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer that acts as a barrier that protects the body against germs, UV light from the sun, harsh chemicals, and many other dangerous agents. If the skin isn’t getting enough water, it can become dry or dehydrated and lose many of these vital functions. In addition to water, the skin relies heavily on fats, proteins, and other nutrients to maintain its role as a barrier for the body. When the skin doesn’t get what it needs, it can become dry and dehydrated.
Dry skin
When someone has dry skin, the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin cracks and flakes. Likely this has something to do with environmental factors. You may want to switch the type of soap you use for a few weeks and document any changes. Adding a moisturizer like a lotion or cream into your daily routine can help remedy the effects of dry skin. Certain types of medications called “Statins” meant to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease may also play a role in dry skin. Including healthy fats into your diet from nuts, fish, and olive oil can help ease the negative side effects of these medications.
Dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin is often related to the loss of water through the skin. Our bodies are constantly losing water through a process called transepidermal water loss. When the skin is damaged from an injury or an invasive surgery, our bodies can be at greater risk of losing too much water. Water loss often occurs in greater amounts in the presence of scar tissue. Scar tissue is weaker than healthy tissue. When a scar becomes raised in the form of a hypertrophic or keloid scar, there is good reason to believe that excess moisture is being lost.
Topical silicone for moisture
Topical, medical-grade silicone is the only clinically-proven scar treatment option currently on the market. With over 30 years of clinical evidence to support the efficacy of silicone as a scar management solution, surgeons and dermatologists from around the world have come to trust silicone. Silicone works by helping the skin withhold valuable moisture in problems areas, like scar tissue. This has the effect of hydrating the skin and reducing the appearance of scars. If you struggle with dry or dehydrated skin, ask your doctor if medical silicone is right for you or order online today at biodermis.com.
Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: REFER OR RESELL?
Biodermis offers custom tailored referral programs designed to simplify and reduce the cost of your patients' post-op care. Additionally, we offer professional pricing if you opt to retail our products. Give us a call at 800.322.3729, and we will be happy to provide additional details on these programs.
