If you have a "Dry" skin type, it is lacking in oil. Dehydrated skin on the other hand is characterized by a lack of moisture in the Stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis).

The Stratum corneum cells normally contain about 10% water. Anything below that is classified as a "Dehydrated" skin condition.

Because Dehydration is really a lack of water in the skin, it can even be experienced by those whose skin type is "Oily".  And, it is a problem affecting more than 90% of the population.

Many factors can contribute to dehydrated skin. Poor cleansing is major reason, as many soaps can be really harsh to the skin being alkaline in nature. Air conditioning or exposure to extreme climatic conditions can lead to loss of moisture from the skin. So, adequate protection is very important. Hot showers can remove the sebum from the surface of the skin. This is because of friction as well as the heat of the water and it results in capillary damage and dehydration. When bathing in hot water, always try to wash your face with lukewarm water only. And, the skin has to be protected from extremities of cold as well as hot. Diet also plays a major role in affecting the skin tone. Dehydration of the skin can be caused by excessive salt intake. Even coffee can play a major role and you need to make sure you always drink plenty of water.

Dehydrated skin is most at risk from the cummulative results of over exposure to the sun and other environmental hazards and is thus more commonly found in a mature skin.

It is usually thin and delicate with barely visible pores because the sebaceous glands are less active and provide less moisture retaining components. This leads to accelerated evaporation of moisture through the skin, lack of elasticity and the premature appearance of fine lines.  

And, without proper care, those fine lines slowly become more pronounced - as wrinkles!!

The time when most people start to worry about the wrinkles is when they start to form on their face and neck --- these are normally the first locations where they appear. Two of the most common forms of wrinkles are crow's feet, which are located at the corners of the eye, and also what are termed the "mechanical lines" which occur on the forehead or near the mouth.

Truth is that for most of us, they canot be avoided however their appearance can be delayed and diminished with the adoption of an appropriate skin care regimen supported by a healthy life style.