One of the things I’ve learned through studying skincare is that dry skin and dehydrated skin aren’t necessarily the same thing.

I didn’t always know that.

For years, I probably would have described any skin that felt tight or uncomfortable as simply “dry.” But understanding the difference has changed the way I look at skincare, especially as my own skin has changed with age.

Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin Need Different Things

Here’s the simplest way I think about it:

Dry skin is generally lacking oil.

Dehydrated skin is lacking water.

Dry skin tends to be a skin type, while dehydration can happen to any skin type, even skin that is normally oily.

And sometimes we can have a little of both.

That distinction matters because our first instinct when skin feels dry or tight may be to reach for a heavier moisturizer.

But if the skin is actually dehydrated, it may be asking for hydration first.

Hydrate First. Moisturize Second.

This has become one of my favourite simple skincare lessons:

Hydrate first. Moisturize second.

Hydration gives thirsty skin the water it needs.

Moisturizer helps support the skin and keep that moisture where we want it.

They work together, but they don’t have exactly the same job.

As we get older, maintaining good hydration becomes particularly important. When skin is dehydrated, it may look duller, feel tighter and make fine lines appear more noticeable.

That doesn’t mean we need a complicated routine with a shelf full of products.

Sometimes we simply need to understand what our skin is asking for.

I Was Taking Care of My Face — But What About the Rest of Me?

This week also made me laugh at myself a little.

I’ve been very good about taking care of the skin on my face.

My arms and legs?

They may have a few complaints. 😂

I’ve talked about Climate Control for years because hydration is such an important part of my facial skincare routine.

Then along came Climate Control Recovery Body Mist, and it gave me an easy way to think about hydration below the jawline too.

The two products aren’t identical, but the philosophy is wonderfully simple:

Climate Control for your face.

Climate Control Recovery Body Mist for the rest of you.

Because healthy looking skin doesn’t stop at your jawline.

Skincare at 77

At 77, I’m not trying to turn back the clock.

I’m certainly not trying to make my skin look 27 again.

What I am interested in is understanding my skin and giving it what it needs to look and feel its best today.

That’s one of the biggest things I’ve learned about skincare over the years.

More isn’t always better. Understanding is better.

Cleanse.

Hydrate.

Moisturize.

Then add targeted products when your skin gives you a reason to.

Good skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to make sense.

Not Sure What Your Skin Needs?

If you’re wondering whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, or perhaps a little of both, I’d be happy to help.

You don’t need to figure it all out on your own, and you definitely don’t need to buy everything at once.

Let’s start with your skin and go from there.