Ever stand in front of the mirror wondering why your skin feels tight, looks shiny, but also seems flaky? You’re not alone! The tricky part is figuring out whether your skin is dehydrated (lacking water) or dry (lacking oil). They sound similar, but the way you treat them is totally different. Let’s break it down so your skin can get what it’s actually asking for.
First things first… what’s TEWL?
Fancy term alert: TEWL stands for Transepidermal Water Loss. Basically, it’s how water sneaks out of your skin and evaporates into the air. Totally normal, but when it happens too much—thanks to things like weather, air-con, or even hot showers—your skin barrier can get cranky.
That’s where hydration heroes like hyaluronic acid and glycerin come in. They help hold onto water so your skin stays plump, calm, and comfy.
Dehydrated vs. Dry Skin: What’s the Difference?
Here’s the scoop:
Dehydrated Skin (Thirsty for Water)
- It’s all about water loss. Your skin might still be oily but dehydrated at the same time (yep, both can happen).
- Often triggered by lifestyle and environment—think dry climates, too much sun, harsh skincare routines.
- To protect itself, skin might pump out extra oil, which can leave you shiny and tight at the same time.
- Fine lines can look more noticeable, but they’ll soften once the skin is properly hydrated.
- Sensitivity and breakouts can flare when the barrier is struggling.
Dry Skin (Missing Oil)
- This one’s about oil, not water. Dry skin doesn’t produce enough natural oils (aka sebum).
- Unlike dehydration, you can’t have dry + oily skin—it’s one or the other.
- Skin consistently feels tight, rough, or flaky.
- Expression lines tend to stick around, even after moisturiser.
- Naturally more sensitive because the barrier is always a bit fragile.
- Breakouts are less common compared to dehydrated skin.
Why Everyone Loves Hyaluronic Acid
Here’s the best part—Hyaluronic Acid helps both! It’s basically a big drink of water for your skin, holding up to 1,000 times its weight in hydration.
Perks include:
- Plumper, bouncier skin
- Calms redness + irritation
- Boosts elasticity
- Keeps the barrier strong and happy
The Takeaway
Think of it like this: dehydrated skin is a thirsty plant, dry skin is cracked soil. Both need love, but in different ways. Once you know which one you’re dealing with, it’s so much easier to pick the right products and see results.
So next time your skin feels “off,” ask yourself: Is it craving water? Oil? Or a bit of both? Your routine can be the difference between “meh” skin and “glow from within” skin ✨.
Pevonia products containing Hyaluronic Acid:
Dry Skin Line
CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser
Rejuvenating Dry Skin Cream
Combination Skin Line
”C” Complexe with Oxyzomes
Eye Line
“C” Évolutive Eye Gel
Évolutive Eye Cream
Age-Correction Eye Contour
Special Line
Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist
EyeRenew™ Conceal & De-Age Serum
YouthRenew™ Tinted Cream
Resurfacing Glycocides Cream
Stem Cells Line
Phyto-Elite Intensive Serum
Phyto-Elite Intensive Cream
Micro-Retinol® Line
Micro-Retinol® Essential Foaming Cleanser
Micro-Retinol® Essential Toner
Micro-Retinol® Essential Serum
Micro-Retinol® Essential Moisturiser
Power Repair® Age-Correction Line
Hydrating Toner
Marine Collagen Cream
Firming Marine Elastin Cream
Hyaluronic Acid Hydra-Serum
Lumafirm Line
Eye Contour
Men’s Line
Collagen Boost Eye Contour
Crepe-No-More Body Cream
Body Balm - Papaya & Pineapple
Sun Line
Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF40
Phyto-Aromatic Mist
Find out more about Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid here.
