Your skin feels tight, flaky and uncomfortable. You reach for the richest cream you can find - but an hour later, nothing has changed. Sound familiar? You might be treating dehydrated skin as if it were dry skin, or vice versa.
Dry skin: a skin type, not a temporary problem
Dry skin is a permanent skin type. It naturally produces less sebum, meaning the protective lipid layer is thinner.
How to recognise it
- Small to nearly invisible pores
- Year-round tightness
- Fine lines appear earlier
- Matte, sometimes flaky texture
What it needs
Lipids: ceramides, shea butter, squalane. La Roche-Posay Lipikar, CeraVe and Bioderma Atoderm specialise in this.
Compare La Roche-Posay Lipikar prices on PharmaCompare →
Dehydrated skin: a temporary condition
Dehydration isn't a skin type - it's a condition anyone can experience, even oily skin types. The issue isn't a lack of oil, but a lack of water.
How to recognise it
- Tight but sometimes shiny skin
- Sudden fine lines during facial expressions
- Dull complexion
- Makeup doesn't sit well
What it needs
Hydration: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, aloe vera. Vichy Minéral 89 and La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 are excellent options.
Compare Vichy Minéral 89 prices on PharmaCompare →
The ideal approach
Combine both: a hydrating serum under a lipid-rich cream. Gentle cleansing, hydration, sealing, SPF protection.
Common mistakes
- Over-cleansing with harsh products
- Not drinking enough water
- Heating too high in winter
- Over-exfoliating
Always compare prices on PharmaCompare before ordering. Differences between licensed Belgian online pharmacies can reach €15 per product.