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The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin
The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

All year round many of us experience dryness, tightness, or dullness—but is it dry skin or dehydration? While they may appear similar, their causes and treatments differ significantly. Understanding the difference is key to keeping skin balanced and resilient through the winter season.

Dry Skin: A Lack of Oil

Dry skin is a skin type, meaning it is part of your genetic makeup. It lacks essential lipids that keep the skin barrier strong, leading to flakiness, irritation, and a rough texture. Cold air and indoor heating can worsen dryness, making rich, nourishing care essential. To combat dry skin, focus on lipid-rich ingredients like botanical oils and ceramides.



How To Manage It

1. Gentle Cleansing


Keep it simple and gentle and avoid harsh foaming cleansers that strip natural oils. Use warm water and a soft muslin cloth or try a gentle oil cleanse – jojoba oil is very rich in ceramides which is great for dry skin.



2. Layer Hydration


Apply a serum first that boosts hydration, then seal it in with a rich cream or oil.

Try our two-step Hydrate + Nourish Duo. The Hyaluronic Face Serum penetrates deeply and binds water within the skin which helps to layer your hydration. The Nourishing Face Oil is thick without being greasy or comedogenic and helps to lock in the hydration while further nourishing the skin with antioxidants.



3. Protect the Skin Barrier


Use balms, creams and oils infused with fatty acids to shield against the elements. The Nourishing Face Oil is clinically proven to nourish and protect the skin barrier which is laregly thanks to its essential fatty acid profile that contains Omega-3, -6, -7 and the rare Omega-9.

The All-Over Balm is a good idea to keep with you on the go to re-apply a protective layer on your cheeks, around your eyes and moisturise dry lips.


Don't forget about your body – use the Hydrating Hand and Body Lotion, rich in ceramides and botanical oils to moisturise, re-balance and strengthen the skin barrier.

Dehydrated Skin: A Lack of Water

Dehydration is a temporary condition caused by external factors like cold air, caffeine, or skincare that disrupts moisture balance. Unlike dry skin, it can affect all skin types—even oily skin. Dehydrated skin feels tight, looks dull, and may show fine lines more prominently. The solution? Restore hydration with humectants like hyaluronic acid and seaweed while maintaining a healthy skin barrier.



How To Manage It

1. Hydrate from Within


Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to support skin hydration. Maybe take the chance to give your skin a herbal steam while you're enjoying your tea.



2. Use Water-Binding Skin Ingredients


Hyaluronic acid, algae extracts and other water-binding ingredients are essential to replenish and retain moisture.


The Hyaluronic Face Serum features plant-based hyaluronic acid with a low molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate deeply and bind water within the skin for long-lasting, regenerative benefits. It is combined with Tremella Mushroom and Nordic Sea Oak Seaweed extract to deliver maximum hydration power and plumping effects.



3. Soothe and Restore


Look for calming ingredients like aloe vera and oat extract to maintain balance.


The Nourishing Face Oil is formulated with calming chamomile flower to help soothe and rebalance dehydrated skin. It also helps to lock in the water-binding ingredients in the serum.



An Extra Tip:


A refining cleanse will allow for your products to be properly absorbed into the skin and effectively restore hydration from deep within. The Clarifying Clay Mask is designed to reset your skin while also soothing the skin with Aloe Vera and removing impurities with its natural Blue Clays. This will help you make the most of your skincare.

As winter settles in, understanding the needs of your skin ensures you can care for it properly. Whether your skin craves moisture or hydration, embracing slow beauty and Nordic-inspired rituals can help restore harmony—leaving skin soft, luminous and resilient against the northern winds.