Dry skin refers to the amount of oil you are producing.  Dehydrated skin is skin that is lacking in water.  If you are extremely dehydrated you need to reinforce a compromised barrier that is allowing moisture to escape. You need to choose emollient moisturizers to hold water in the skin. Under those emollient products you need humectant serums.  Humectants are water loving ingredients. The emollients trap that moisture in the skin. Inherently dry skin has smaller pores.  But, you can also be parched if you're super dehydrated.  Maybe from being in an arid environment, not drinking enough water or using detergent based products that are just too harsh for your skin. Parched skin may feel tight, and uncomfortable.  It often has a dry shine, looks dull, feels itchy or is flakey.  

The dehydration part of your routine is very manageable if you just choose ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid (two star humectants). This includes hydrating non-drying cleansers which are lotion based with no foaming surfactants.  Non-drying toners that never sting, contain alcohol, witch hazel or minty ingredients - all are dehydrating.  These types of toners may initially feel soothing but that cooling feeling is water evaporating out of your skin.  Exfoliating regularly with a mild AHA serum will remove those dead, dry surface cells - revealing the plumper more hydrated skin underneath.  Dehydration can fluctuate during the year so you might need to adjust your products seasonally.  In the winter it can feel incredibly parched and need extra rich emollients to build a better barrier. This skin type often does better in summer or in a more humid climate. So, you may need to change your routine seasonally. But when you're feeling parched it means you have a compromised skin barrier. In this vain don't underestimate the repair capabilities of a good barrier repair serum.

The result? Beautiful skin for life from LONGEVITY by Elizabeth Renee.