September 28, 2026

How to tell if you have dry or dehydrated skin

DRY AND DEHYDRATED SKIN

We are born with a skin type which we will have for all our lives and, at different times of life, will have temporary skin conditions.

Dry skin lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water and is likely to be a result of the weather, diet or harsh skincare products.

Anyone can have dehydrated skin, even oily types, whereas having dry skin means that you produce lower levels of sebum overall.

You might think that dehydrated skin wouldn’t suffer breaks outs… NOT TRUE! The skin can over-produce sebum in an attempt to make up for missing water leaving you feeling tight and spotty!

SYMPTOMS OF DRY AND DEHYDRATED SKIN

Dry Skin

  • Tightness, particularly noticeable after showering or washing

  • Stinging or burning especially when using products or outside in ‘weather’

  • Rough texture

  • Some flaking or scaling

  • Fine lines and early wrinkles

  • On brown or black skin dryness can appear as dull, grey or ashy patches

  • On white skin dryness can appear as redness or pink patches

Dehydrated skin

  • Dull, tired complexion

  • Shadows and dark circles under eyes

  • Fine surface crepe-like wrinkles

How to Test for Dehydrated Skin

The Pinch Test

According to dermatologists, a quick way to check if your skin is lacking water is the turgor pinch test.

1. Pinch a small amount of skin on your cheek or the back of your hand and hold it for a few seconds.

2. Let go of the skin.

3. If it snaps back immediately, your skin is likely well-hydrated.

4. If it takes a moment to bounce back or leaves a small "tent" shape or fine crinkles for a brief second, your skin is likely dehydrated.

HOW TO TREAT DRY SKIN

  • Avoid hot water on skin – choose lukewarm

  • Ditch foaming soaps containing chemicals like SLS and alcohols

  • Pat skin with towel, use gentle cloth exfoliators – like our muslin squares

  • Apply moisturiser while the skin is still damp to lock in extra moisture

  • Increase omegas in diet

SILVAN SKINCARE TOPICAL TREATMENTS FOR DRY SKIN

For dry skin you will be looking for thicker, richer, heavy formulas rather than watery lotions.
Radiance Facial Balm for cleansing £22.50 - 60ml
Our bestselling Facial Balm, rich in organic shea butter, rosehip and camellia. With rose geranium and immortelle to heal and protect, its multi-tasking properties cleanse, treat, nourish and protect your face.
Skin Therapy Face Oil £36.00 - 50ml with aluminium lid, £38.00 - 50ml with pipette dropper. Skin Therapy Face Oil is rich in replenishing botanical oils chosen to calm, soothe and nourish.
Nourish Face Cream £24.00 - 50ml. Nourish Face Cream is a gentle moisturiser with organic evening primrose oil and everlasting flower to rejuvenate and nourish dry skin.
Vitamin E Lip Balm £6.50 - 15ml. Packed with organic cocoa butter, jojoba, papaya and apricot oils plus nourishing vitamin E.

HOW TO TREAT DEHYDRATED SKIN

  • Hydrate from within, drink more water and eat water rich foods.
  • Consider using a humidifier if you work in centrally heated or air-conditioned spaces.

SILVAN SKINCARE TOPICAL TREATMENTS FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN

For dehydrated skin you will be looking for water based products and those that are rich in humectants.

Petitgrain and Everlasting Flower Cleanser for cleansing £17.00 - 50ml, £29.00 - 100ml. With gentle cleansing and moisturising plant oils rich in vitamins, omegas and antioxidants with petitgrain, mandarin and everlasting flower to refine and balance.

Soothe Face Oil £26.00 - 50ml with aluminium lid, £28.00 - 50ml pipette dropper. With organic rosehip, evening primrose, apricot, bergamot and mandarin.

Soothe Face Cream £24.00 - 50ml. With organic rosehip oil, apricot and everlasting flower to soothe and nourish.

Vitamin E Lip Balm £6.50 - 15ml. Packed with organic cocoa butter, jojoba, papaya and apricot oils plus nourishing vitamin E.