Glossary
A skin type or condition characterized by insufficient sebum production, resulting in a tight, rough, flaky, or dull complexion with increased visibility of fine lines. Dry skin may be genetic (skin type) or acquired from environmental factors, aging, or harsh skincare practices.
Dry skin results from insufficient lipid production by the sebaceous glands. Without adequate surface oil, the skin's moisture barrier is weakened: water evaporates from the epidermis more rapidly (high transepidermal water loss), the stratum corneum becomes brittle and prone to cracking, and the skin's acid mantle may be disrupted, making it more vulnerable to irritants and pathogens.
Dry skin is a skin type (genetic predisposition to low sebum production). Dehydration is a skin condition (lack of water that can affect any skin type). You can have oily, dehydrated skin or dry, well-hydrated skin. The distinction matters because the treatment differs: dry skin needs oil-based emollients and occlusives (like our beeswax balms and body butter). Dehydrated skin needs humectants that attract water (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, honey).
Sebum production peaks during adolescence and declines steadily after age 30. By age 60, the skin produces significantly less sebum than it did at 20. Simultaneously, the production of natural moisturizing factors (NMF), hyaluronic acid, and ceramides in the skin also decreases. The result is a compound drying effect that makes older skin progressively more dependent on external moisturization.
The most effective approach combines three moisturizing mechanisms: humectants (draw water in), emollients (smooth and fill gaps between cells), and occlusives (seal moisture in by creating a barrier). Our products deliver all three: honey compounds act as humectants, shea butter and natural oils serve as emollients, and beeswax provides the occlusive seal. Apply to slightly damp skin for maximum hydration benefit.
No. Dry skin is a skin type with low oil production. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory condition involving immune dysfunction and severe barrier impairment. Dry skin can coexist with eczema and is a common feature of it, but many people have dry skin without having eczema.
Look for heavy emollients (shea butter, cocoa butter), occlusives (beeswax, petrolatum), humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, honey), and barrier-repairing ingredients (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids). Our body butter and lotion bars combine these mechanisms in a single product.
Keep Learning
Browse hundreds of terms covering honey, beekeeping, and natural skincare.