Are you dealing with dry skin?

Achieving healthy, comfortable skin is both a journey and a commitment. Managing dry skin is possible — I say this from personal experience — but there is no quick fix. It’s about consistency, understanding your skin, and working with it instead of fighting it.

DISCLAIMER: If you’re dealing with severe dermatitis, eczema, or persistent skin issues, please consult a dermatologist. This guide is supportive, not a substitute for medical care.

Understanding Dry Skin

Dry skin occurs when the skin doesn’t produce enough natural oils to maintain softness, elasticity, and comfort. Common signs include rough texture, tightness, irritation, redness, and flaking — especially on the face, where dryness can exaggerate fine lines.

Sebum (your skin’s natural oil) plays a crucial role in keeping the skin healthy. Too much can lead to congestion and breakouts; too little leads to dryness and sensitivity. Hydration also matters: when the skin lacks water, it looks dull, rough, and depleted. When both oil and water are missing, dryness becomes much more pronounced.

Is there a Difference Between Dehydrated & Dry Skin?

They might trick you as they can look and feel the same, but there are differences between the two:

And now, to make it even more complicated, there is a twist! Your skin can be dry & dehydrated at the same time! Or you could have highly dehydrated skin (for a number of reasons) and think you have a dry skin type.

To make things even more confusing, dehydrated skin often produces more oil to compensate for the lack of water. This can result in:

• Skin that feels dry but looks oily
• Breakouts
• Dry patches where the foundation clings or separates

So what can you do about all this?

Hydration is always step number one — regardless of your skin type. If you notice tightness, dullness, flaking, or irritation, start by addressing dehydration first.

If you’re unsure about your skin type, assume dehydration and go from there. Even oily skin can be dehydrated.

Start here (pick what feels easiest first):

• Drink more water and clean up your diet where possible (less processed food, moderate dairy, coffee, and alcohol)

• Prioritise topical hydration — the skin is the last organ to receive water

  Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Aloe Vera, and Seaweed

• Add an overnight hydrating sleeping mask

• Check whether your current products are too harsh or stripping

• Improve sleep quality — earlier nights, consistent routine

• Switch to silk pillowcases to reduce friction and moisture loss

Try this consistently for a few weeks. If your skin improves, dehydration was the main issue. If not, you’re likely dealing with true dry skin — or both.

Once you Know You Have Dry Skin Here's what You Need to do:

At this point, routine matters.

• Build a solid morning and evening routine: cleanse, hydrate, nourish, seal
• Use gentle cleansers and avoid alcohol-based products
• Exfoliate weekly using chemical exfoliants (AHAs or BHAs), not harsh scrubs
• Choose products with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Aloe Vera, Seaweed, Lactic Acid, Shea Butter, Marula Oil
• Apply oils as the last step to lock everything in
• My personal favourites: Calendula Oil and Prickly Pear Oil
• (Natural oils won’t smell like perfume — that’s a good sign.)
• Use a humidifier, especially in dry climates or winter
• Wear sunscreen daily
• Support your skin through nutrition — it matters more than you think

About Vaseline:

Petroleum jelly does work as an occlusive and is affordable. It locks moisture in but does not hydrate. Personally, I prefer oils — they nourish the skin and seal hydration. If you do use petroleum jelly, never apply it on dry skin alone — only on top of hydration.

If you try it, stick to trusted brands like Vaseline or Aquaphor.

The Real Secret: Consistency

Consistency is the cheapest skincare product you’ll ever own.

Even the best products won’t work if you use them sporadically. Skin responds to repetition, not perfection. On busy days, cleanse and moisturise — that’s enough.

Have a routine for your best days and one for your lazy days. Your skin doesn’t need punishment. It needs care.

And trust me — it notices when you show up.