Not all dry skin is the same: Generally, a distinction is made between dry and dehydrated skin. Dry skin is a skin type characterized by a lack of lipids, or skin oils. This makes the skin barrier more porous, allowing water to evaporate more easily. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a temporary condition in which the skin lacks moisture in the stratum corneum (the outermost layer). This condition can occur in any skin type—including oily or combination skin.

Dry skin—that is, skin low in lipids—often manifests as roughness, flaking, a feeling of tightness in the face, and fine cracks—typical symptoms associated with, for example, genetic predisposition or skin aging. 

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand—that is, skin with low moisture content—appears dull, shows fine lines, and seems less elastic, without necessarily being flaky. This is usually caused by environmental factors such as heated air, the sun, harsh cleansers, or cold winter weather, which lead to water loss, while the skin’s lipid levels may be normal or even elevated. Cold air, for example, contains less moisture, causing the skin to lose more moisture to the environment. 

These two conditions are often linked: When the skin barrier is weakened, transepidermal water loss increases, leading to dehydration. As a result, the enzymes responsible for natural desquamation function less effectively, and the skin becomes rough and irritated. This feedback loop of barrier disruption, dehydration, and inflammatory processes perpetuates dry skin conditions over the long term. The most effective skincare routine therefore combines hydration (supplying water) with moisturization (retaining water) and strengthens the barrier to break the vicious cycle of dryness, moisture loss, and irritation.

In general, any skin type can become dehydrated—even oily skin can be lacking in moisture at the same time.

In winter, humidity is lower, so the skin loses more moisture to the environment. At the same time, heated air further dries out the skin. That’s why the so-called “Seasonal Switch” is worth it: In summer, a lighter skincare product like the Barrier Boost CPA Barrier Cream may be sufficient, while in winter, the Barrier Boost+ Rich Cream is ideal—always paired with SPF in the morning, of course.  

Dehydrated skin looks dull, shows fine lines, and appears less elastic. In contrast, dry skin on the face may be red, feel tight, look dull, and show dry flakes or cracks. It can occur all over the face or in specific areas, such as the forehead, chin, nose, or cheeks. Very dry skin or dry, wrinkled skin is also commonly found under the eyes. An eye care product can help here—for example, the Daily Depuff Total Eye Treatment. It can reduce puffiness and dark circles, refresh the eye area, and plump up fine lines and dryness-induced wrinkles.

Good to know: There isn’t “one” specific cream for flaky skin or dry patches. The most important step for dry skin is to restore the skin barrier. This requires three groups of active ingredients that work together optimally:

• Occlusive ingredients such as shea butter or plant-based waxes form a protective film over the skin and reduce water loss.
• Emollients—which include ceramides, squalane, and cholesterol—smooth the skin's surface and strengthen the "mortar" between the cells.
• Humectants such as glycerin, urea, or hyaluronic acid bind moisture in the stratum corneum, making the skin plump and elastic.
• One active ingredient in particular is ectoine—it protects skin cells from stress, reduces inflammation, and can help stabilize the skin barrier over the long term.

At DR EMI ARPA SKIN, these principles form the basis of the formulations: Whether it’s Barrier Boost CPA Cream or Barrier Boost+ Rich Cream—both products rely on a combination of ceramides, ectoine, and moisture-binding ingredients to provide long-lasting support for dry skin.

Dry skin is often sensitive as well. Dry patches of skin and a weakened barrier allow irritants to penetrate more easily, which can lead to redness, a burning sensation, or itching. The classic “bricks-and-mortar principle” helps explain this: The cells (bricks) are held together by lipids (mortar). When this mortar becomes brittle, the skin loses its stability.

Sensitive skin also reacts more quickly to temperature changes or fragrances. That’s why, when it comes to skincare, less is often more: mild, fragrance-free formulas with ceramides, ectoine, and pre- and postbiotic ingredients help maintain the balance of the skin’s microbiome. You’ll find them, for example, in Barrier Boost+ Rich Cream, which envelops the skin like a protective “cocoon”—the ideal face cream for dry and sensitive skin.

Are you looking for the right skincare for dry skin? The key lies in a minimalist but targeted routine:

• Step 1: Cleanse – Use The Ten out of Ten Gentle Gel Cleanser to cleanse your face gently but effectively. 
• Step 2: Prepare – The Essential Essence Skin Balancing Toner strengthens the skin barrier, hydrates the skin, and promotes skin regeneration. 
• Step 3: Treat – The Daily Depuff Total Eye Treatment can reduce puffiness and dark circles, refreshes the eye area, and plumps up fine lines and dryness-induced wrinkles.
• Step 4: Moisturize – The Barrier Boost+ Rich Cream for dry and sensitive skin strengthens the skin barrier, supports collagen synthesis, and locks in moisture.
• Step 5: Defense – The Daily Defense SPF 50 Fluid, with its light texture, offers high sun protection and skincare benefits with a silky, sheer finish.

Dry skin occurs when the skin lacks oil or water—its protective barrier becomes more permeable, moisture escapes more quickly, and the skin becomes more sensitive. Lipid-deficient skin produces too little of its own oils, while dehydrated skin does not retain enough water. Often, both conditions occur together—which is why dry skin needs both hydration and moisturization.

Active ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid replenish the skin’s moisture reserves, while ceramides, shea butter, or squalane stabilize the skin barrier and limit water loss—these ingredients are therefore well-suited for use in skin creams for dry skin. External factors such as cold weather, heated air, or over-moisturizing can exacerbate dryness, as can stress or hormonal changes. Especially in winter, it’s worth switching to richer textures like Rich Cream. In addition to using cream for dry facial skin, daily UV protection remains essential even during the cold season.

Dry skin is often sensitive as well—soothing, fragrance-free formulas containing ceramides, ectoine, and pre- and postbiotics help maintain the balance of the microbiome. At night, the Barrier Boost+ Rich Cream supports skin regeneration, acts like a protective ceramide cocoon, and ensures your skin is strengthened by morning. In short: A consistent, minimalist routine that includes gentle cleansing, hydration, barrier reinforcement, and sun protection is the key to caring for dry skin.