Dry skin is usually framed as a lack of moisture. Add more hydration, apply a thicker cream, reapply more often. But clinically, persistent dryness is often less about how much water you’re putting on the skin and more about whether the skin can actually keep it there.
That distinction changes how dryness should be treated.
The outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, acts as both a shield and a seal. Its job is to limit water loss while protecting against irritants, allergens, and microbes. Structurally, this layer is made up of flattened skin cells embedded in a lipid matrix composed primarily of ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids. When this structure is intact, the skin retains moisture efficiently and remains resilient. When it’s disrupted, water escapes easily, and the skin begins to feel dry, tight, or reactive.
This is why dryness often persists even in people who are using well-formulated skincare.
Many moisturizers rely heavily on humectants—ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid that draw water into the skin. These ingredients are helpful, but they address only part of the problem. If the barrier is compromised, that added moisture evaporates quickly. Skin may feel better immediately after application, only to feel dry again soon after. When patients describe this pattern, it usually points to barrier dysfunction rather than inadequate hydration.
Barrier disruption is common, particularly in colder months or in routines that include frequent cleansing, retinoids, or exfoliating acids. Sensitive and allergy-prone skin is especially vulnerable. In these settings, switching moisturizers or layering additional products often doesn’t resolve the issue, because the underlying barrier remains impaired.
From a dermatologic perspective, this is where balms play a role.
Balms reduce transepidermal water loss by forming a protective layer on the skin. Rather than hydrating on their own, they help the skin retain existing moisture and create the conditions needed for barrier recovery. This is why occlusive or semi-occlusive products are commonly recommended for very dry skin, winter-stressed skin, or skin undergoing active treatments.
Formulation matters. Many traditional balms rely on fragrance, essential oils, botanicals, or lanolin—ingredients that can be problematic for sensitive or allergy-prone skin. A balm designed for barrier support should prioritize function over sensation, avoid unnecessary additives, and integrate easily into an existing routine.
Most dry-skin routines stop after moisturizer. But when the barrier is compromised, that final sealing step is often what’s missing. Used thoughtfully, a balm can help lock in hydration, reduce ongoing water loss, and allow the skin to normalize over time.
This understanding is what informed the development of our Barrier Balm—a final step designed to support the skin barrier without introducing ingredients that add risk for sensitive skin. It’s intended to work quietly in the background, making the rest of your routine more effective.
Persistent dryness isn’t always a moisture problem. Often, it’s a barrier problem. Supporting the barrier is what turns short-lived relief into lasting improvement.
