Dryness & Skin Barrier

Tight skin after washing. Flaking around the nose. That papery feeling by mid-afternoon no matter how much moisturiser you apply.

Dry and dehydrated aren't the same thing. Dry skin lacks oil — it's a skin type, usually genetic. Dehydrated skin lacks water, it's temporary, and it happens to oily skin as often as dry. Usually the cause is something you're doing: a cleanser that strips too hard, over-exfoliating, or an active introduced too fast.

Start with your cleanser, because a harsh face wash undoes everything that follows. Then layer humectants under occlusives — Glycerin draws water in, something heavier holds it there. Apply to slightly damp skin.