Two Different Realities, One Common Imbalance
Skin that feels tight, itchy, or flaky isn’t always “dry” — it may simply be dehydrated.
Dry skin lacks lipids, while dehydrated skin lacks water.
Two distinct conditions that require targeted care, yet are often confused.
Dry Skin: A Structural Lack of Lipids
Dry skin is structurally fragile:
it produces less sebum, and its lipid barrier can no longer retain moisture properly.
This leads to a rougher, more sensitive skin surface, prone to irritation and redness.
Typical signs:
- persistent tightness,
- visible flaking,
- increased sensitivity to everyday cosmetics,
- long-lasting discomfort despite regular moisturizing.
The solution lies in nutrition: restoring essential lipids (ceramides, squalane, essential fatty acids) and reinforcing the barrier function.
Dehydrated Skin: A Temporary Lack of Water
Dehydration can affect any skin type, even oily skin.
It results from excessive water loss through the barrier (TEWL), often worsened by cold weather, heating, stress, or harsh cleansers.
Typical signs:
- occasional tightness,
- dull or tired complexion,
- dehydration fine lines,
- discomfort that improves immediately after applying a hydrating product.
The solution is intelligent hydration: attracting and retaining water deep within the skin using biomimetic actives (Pentavitin®, Panthenol, CM-Glucan).
The Essential Role of the Skin Barrier
Whether dry or dehydrated, both conditions stem from a common issue:
a weakened skin barrier.
Restoring this barrier allows the skin to:
- retain moisture,
- protect itself from external aggressors,
- regain comfort and resilience.
Dermocosmetic care aims not only to relieve symptoms but to repair the structure of the skin for long-term balance.
The Skinalys Approach: Biotechnological Hydration & Maximum Tolerance
Each Skinalys formula combines biotechnology and biomimicry to rebuild the skin from within:
- Pentavitin® — a natural “moisture magnet” delivering up to 72 hours of continuous hydration.
- Phytosqualan® — a biomimetic lipid that strengthens the barrier and restores softness.
- CM-Glucan — a repair-and-defense active that calms inflammation and supports regeneration.
Together, these actives provide targeted, long-lasting hydration, perfectly adapted to sensitive and reactive skin.
In Summary: Nourish or Hydrate?
- Dry skin lacks lipids → it needs nourishing, lipid-restoring actives.
- Dehydrated skin lacks water → it requires intelligent hydration.
- Sensitive or reactive skin often experiences both → making a complete high-tolerance routine essential.
Scientific References
- Proksch, E. et al. The skin barrier function and its importance in dermatology. Clin Dermatol (2008).
- Rawlings, A. & Harding, C.R. Moisturization and barrier repair: advances in dermatologic therapy. Dermatologic Therapy (2004).
- Voegeli, R. Hydration strategies for sensitive skin. Cosmetics (2020).
- Misery, L. Skin sensitivity and neurogenic inflammation. JEADV (2018).
Scientific Note
Cutaneous physiology research shows that restoring both:
- the lipid barrier, and
- the skin’s water-retention capacity,
is essential to re-establish healthy, comfortable skin.
Next-generation biomimetic actives used in Skinalys formulations — such as Pentavitin®, CM-Glucan and Phytosqualan® — have clinically demonstrated their ability to reduce TEWL, restore hydration, and improve comfort and tolerance in sensitive skin.
