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Dry vs Dehydrated skin

Believe it or not dry skin and dehydrated skin are completely different things. Although they have similar symptoms there is a huge difference between the two skin concerns and how to treat them. Put simply dehydrated skin lacks water, whereas dry skin lacks oil.

Firstly, let’s delve into what it means to have dehydrated skin and how we treat it.

What does it mean to have dehydrated skin?
External factors such as diet, excessive caffeine, sugar can also contribute to dehydrated skin as well as free radicals such as lifestyle factors, wind and sun. Some medications can negatively affect your skins barrier function which can also be a contributing factor to transepidermal water loss.

What is transepidermal water loss?
Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is the amount of water that passively evaporates through the skin to the external environment. This passage is due to the water vapor pressure gradient on both sides of the skin barrier and is used to characterize skin barrier function. Most importantly, how do we stop it? ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS are the answer, regardless of your skin concern if you suffer from dehydration your skin will be impossible to rehydrate if your barrier function is impaired. Essential fatty acids help achieve this by assisting cells retain water.

The importance of diet
As we know diet has a massive impact on our skin’s health. Here are some tips for your diet to assist with dehydrated skin,
- Drink plenty of water
- Limit caffeine consumption
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Take an EFA (Essential Fatty Acid)

Our go to products for a dehydrated skin

O Cosmedics Comfort Cream
TLC in a jar!
As the name suggests this treatment hydrator provides total comfort and skin barrier repair for even the most compromised skins. Containing precious oils, EFA’s and super antioxidants intense hydrators and V8 Peptide Complex® this luxurious textured treatment hydrator will not only heal protect hydrate and repair but also go into battle against UV stress and signs of aging. Cosmedical luxe! Perfect for all normal dehydrated dry sensitive compromised damaged and aging skins.



O Cosmedics Hylauronic  Serum

Rockstar product!
A multi-dimensional approach to skin hydration with Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer Complex (derived from sugar) and an advanced skin delivery for enhanced penetration. Supports instant and long-term skin hydration, skin health and skin youth across all ages and skin concerns.



O Cosmedics B3 Plus

Boosts skin’s immunity!
Boosts the skin’s immune system and treats hyperpigmentation, acne, rosacea and is a vital source of cell energy optimising cellular communication and reinforcing skins barrier functions. All skins looking to improve their immune function and protection, induce skin health and radiance as well as even out skin tone and improve skin texture will be addicted to this serum. Perfect for all skins especially acne hyperpigmentation and rosacea


O Cosmedics
EFA’s Max Complex

Contains natural Essential Fatty Acids such as Omega 3, 6 & 9 and Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) to support healthy skin and hair.

  • Supports healthy blood circulation and flow to the peripheral areas of the body (legs, hands and feet)
  • Supports the improvement of general well-being
  • Maintains healthy skin and hair
  • Maintains healthy cardiovascular system
  • Quality and potency certified laboratory analysis
  • Complies with strict Australian Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards
  • Therapeutic claims based on documented evidence


What does it mean to have a dry skin?

Dry skin lacks oil (sebum), and is a skin type rather than a skin condition. Although it can be managed a skin type doesn’t typically change. Dry skin usually feels dry all over , this includes hands and often the scalp. A typical dry skin is also more prone to premature ageing because of the lack of oil. So how do we help treat the symptoms of dry skin?

Essential Fatty Acids
EFA’s are an essential part of relieving the symptoms of a dry skin. EFA’s help to normalize oil production, leading to less irritated and dry skin. Essential Fatty acids also assist in retaining moisture in the skin, leaving your skin feeling more hydrated and less aggravated.

Using products that contain Fatty acids and or oil based serums will also help with a typical dry skin type. Here are some of our favorite go to products.



O Cosmedics Vitamin C Hemp Oil Serum
Liquid gold!
Every skin’s essential oil. Rich in Omega Fatty Acids with intense hydration, nourishing and soothing properties, Vitamin C Hemp Seed Oil offers something for every skin condition.
Good to Know: This simple yet potent formulation combines two oil-soluble actives to offer an extensive range of skin benefits:

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is the only oil-soluble form of Vitamin C with unique penetrating qualities to even out skin tone, stimulate collagen synthesis and age-proof the skin. Hemp Seed Oil is every skin’s essential oil, rich in Omega Fatty Acids with intense hydration, nourishing and soothing properties.



O Cosmedics
Repair Serum
This super potent Repair Serum contains a unique blend of next generation ultra-strength antioxidants ceramides and anti-irritants to help fortify the skin’s barrier to assist in healthy cell production and support the reduction of inflammation. V8 Peptide Complex® ensures the skin is super hydrated and protected. Pure TLC! Perfect for weakened, irritated, red reactive skins.




O Cosmedics
EGF Booster
A biomimetic breakthrough!
'Bios' meaning life and 'Mimesis' meaning to imitate. This serum uses 3 biomimetic peptides that imitate the optimum conditions found in healthy skin. This serum is perfect for all skins looking for age prevention or correction. Like weights for the skin, this gentle hero improves visible signs of ageing and is a true contributor to skin health and ultimately skin youth.


What does a dehydrated skin and dry skin have in common?



Unsure what products or skin treatment is best for your skin and skin concerns? Why not book in for a FREE skin consultation with one of our Skin Therapists and have them answer any questions you might have.


Elise has been in the beauty industry for 10yrs.  She is a passionate brow tattoo artist and loves educating clients on their skin.The best part about her job is she loves seeing clients confidence grow after visiting the salon. In her free time she teaches karate and loves to spend time with her family.  

Elise M
Senior Beauty Therapist
Complete Skin & Beauty Albany Creek