Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin: Know the Difference
Before you start treating your skin, it’s crucial to know what your skin needs. Dry skin is a skin type; it’s genetically determined, and the skin produces too little sebum (oil). Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a skin condition; it can affect anyone due to factors such as central heating, air conditioning, sun exposure, stress, or harsh cleansers.
At hannah, we don’t focus on “oiling” the skin, but on restoring the NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor). This helps your skin learn to retain moisture on its own again instead of letting it evaporate.
How can you tell if you have dehydrated skin?
Not sure if you have dry or dehydrated skin? Check this checklist:
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Tight feeling: Does your skin feel uncomfortably tight right after cleansing?
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Fine lines: Do you notice more fine lines under your eyes or on your forehead by the end of the day? This is often a sign of dehydration.
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Flaking: Do you see flaky patches on your cheeks or around your nose that don’t respond to a regular moisturizing cream?
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Dull complexion: Does your skin lack its natural glow and look sallow?
The Bestsellers: 24-Hour Skin Balancing & Touch of Silk
For skin that’s crying out for hydration, this duo is a must-have:
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24-hour Skin Balancing: This is the core of your skincare routine. It restores the skin’s natural balance and provides continuous hydration throughout the day and night.
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Touch of Silk: This product acts as an invisible “primer” and barrier restorer. It instantly leaves the skin feeling silky smooth and forms a protective barrier that helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Your daily hannah ritual for hydrated skin
Follow these steps for skin that feels supple and soft again:
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Cleansing (Cleansing Milk): Many cleansers “strip” the skin of its natural oils. The Cleansing Milk is specially formulated to remove impurities while leaving the skin’s natural lipid barrier intact.
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Activate (Prepare Potion): This is the key step for dehydrated skin. The Prepare Potion gently removes dead skin cells through enzymatic action without scrubbing, allowing the skin to “open up” to the active moisturizers that follow.
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Hydrate (24-hour Skin Balancing): Apply this cream generously to skin that is still slightly damp. This allows the active ingredients to penetrate much deeper into the skin.
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Protect (Touch of Silk): Always finish with a thin layer of Touch of Silk. This is the “finishing touch” that protects your skin from drying out due to external factors.
Advice from our hannah skin coach
Treating dry skin isn’t just about applying cream. A common mistake is that people with dry skin start exfoliating when they see flaky patches. Never do this! Exfoliating removes the protective layer that your skin desperately needs. Instead, use the Prepare Potion; it works with a gentle, organic exfoliation that purifies your skin without compromising its barrier.
Pro tip: In the winter, or if you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned spaces, mix a few drops of Primum Elixir into your 24-hour Skin Balancing. This provides an extra boost of essential fatty acids, helping your skin retain moisture and stay supple.
Frequently asked questions
Drinking enough water is essential for your health, but it reaches the epidermis (the stratum corneum) last. Topical hydration with ingredients that bind and retain moisture is much more effective at preventing moisture loss from the skin’s surface.
With consistent use, you’ll often notice that the tightness begins to subside within 3 to 5 days. After 28 days—the time it takes for a full cell renewal cycle—the skin barrier is back in optimal condition.
Absolutely! It's the perfect finishing touch. It instantly softens the skin, evens out the texture, and prevents your makeup from settling into fine lines throughout the day.
Start improving your skin today
Are you ready to say goodbye to that tight feeling and work toward optimally hydrated, radiant skin? Check out our full collection for dry and dehydrated skin here.