Understanding the Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin
If your skin feels tight, flaky, or dull, you might assume it’s simply “dry” — but the real issue could be dehydration. While they may feel similar on the surface, dry and dehydrated skin are not the same, and treating them correctly starts with understanding what’s actually going on beneath the surface.
At Platinum Cosmetics, we take skin education seriously. Here’s how to tell the difference between dry and dehydrated skin, and what you can do about it.
Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin: What’s the Difference?
Dry skin is a skin type. It’s largely determined by genetics and means your skin produces less oil (sebum) than it should. People with dry skin often experience:
Rough or flaky patches
Smaller, invisible pores
A tendency to age faster or show fine lines more easily
Chronic tightness or dullness, especially in winter
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a skin condition. It means your skin lacks water, not oil. Any skin type — oily, dry, combination or sensitive — can become dehydrated due to environmental factors, lifestyle, or skincare habits.
Common signs of dehydrated skin include:
A feeling of tightness or discomfort
Dull, lacklustre appearance
Fine lines that appear more noticeable
Skin that seems oily but still feels dry underneath
What Causes Dehydrated Skin?
Dehydration is most often caused by external stressors, including:
Over-cleansing or using harsh skincare products
Air-conditioning and heating
Environmental factors like wind or sun
Not drinking enough water
Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake
Skipping moisturiser or barrier-repair products
Even oily or acne-prone skin can become dehydrated, particularly if strong products are used without restoring moisture and balance.
How We Treat Dry and Dehydrated Skin Differently
At Platinum Cosmetics, we tailor every skincare plan based on your unique skin needs — and that starts with an accurate diagnosis.
For dry skin, our focus is on nourishing, strengthening, and replenishing the lipid barrier with richer formulations, including:
Ceramide-based moisturisers
Fatty acid-rich serums and creams
Occlusive ingredients to prevent moisture loss
Gentle cleansers that don’t strip the skin
For dehydrated skin, we aim to restore water content and improve hydration retention. Our top picks include:
SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier — a powerful serum that helps support the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel — ideal for hydrating while calming redness or sensitivity
Hydrating Facials that combine active ingredients with barrier-repair benefits
LED Therapy to support cellular function and boost overall skin health
You can browse our Skin Care collection or visit us in-clinic to find the right combination for you.
Clinic Treatments for Dry or Dehydrated Skin
In addition to home care, we offer a range of facials and laser treatments that support hydration and skin barrier repair. Depending on your needs, your Dermal Clinician may recommend:
Hydrating enzyme or lactic acid facials to gently exfoliate while increasing hydration
Fotona laser treatments like FRAC3 or SmoothLiftin, which stimulate collagen and help the skin hold moisture more effectively
Microneedling with hydrating serums, improving product absorption and long-term hydration
A Note on Over-Exfoliation
Many people unknowingly dehydrate their skin by using too many active ingredients. AHAs, BHAs, retinol and scrubs all have their place, but when overused — or not balanced with hydration — they can compromise the skin’s barrier and lead to long-term dehydration and sensitivity.
This is why a tailored, supportive skincare plan is key. What your skin needs today might be very different in three months.
How to Know Which One You Have
It can be tricky to self-diagnose dry vs dehydrated skin, especially because both can feel similar. A professional skin consultation at our Port Melbourne clinic is the best way to determine what’s really going on and how to treat it correctly.
Our team of Dermal Clinicians are trained to identify subtle differences in your skin type and condition, and will create a plan that supports real, long-term change — not just a temporary fix.
Book Your Consultation Today
If you’re unsure whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, or something else entirely, we invite you to visit us at Platinum Cosmetics in Port Melbourne. Our clinicians will guide you through a full consultation and treatment plan that addresses your concerns with care and integrity.
Explore more about our facials, Fotona laser treatments, or advanced skincare range, or get in touch to make a booking.
Better skin starts with better understanding — and we’re here to help.