Many people confuse dehydrated skin with dry skin, but they are not one in the same. When your skin is dehydrated, it is lacking water, but when it is dry, it is lacking oil. This is why it is so important to use the proper moisturizer for your skin type. If your skin is dry, you will want to use an oil-based moisturizer that is heavier and has emollients (softeners and soothers) that lubricate your skin while preventing water loss.