Do you know the difference between moisture and oil in skincare ? And above all – do you know what your skin needs? In this guide, we'll break down the difference between skin type and skin condition, why both moisture and oil are crucial for balanced skin, and which products make a real difference.
Skin type vs. skin condition – what is what?
A common misconception is that dry skin always needs oil, or that oily skin doesn't need to be moisturized. But the reality is more nuanced.
Skin type is something you are born with – it is genetically determined and rarely changes. For example: dry, oily, normal or combination skin.
Skin conditions, however, can change over time – and are affected by factors such as:
🌿Stress
🌿Hormones
🌿Climate
🌿Improper skin care
So you can have an oily skin type with a dry condition – or a dry skin type with a sensitive condition. To properly care for your skin, we need to understand both perspectives.
What does dry skin really mean?
A dry skin type means that the skin produces too little oil (sebum) and often also has a moisture deficit. The result is:
🌿Dry, flaky surface
🌿Tightening feeling
🌿Weakened skin barrier
🌿Reduced ability to retain moisture
The top layer of the skin is made up of about 50% ceramides – natural fats that help keep the skin soft, supple and protected. When we lack these, the skin leaks moisture and becomes even drier.
The solution:
A dry skin type needs both oil and moisture . Here it is important to:
🌿Rehydrate with a serum that binds water in the skin, e.g.
🌿Restore the barrier with an emollient, oilier cream
🌿Repair and nourish with facial oil
Dry but oily? This is how your skin can become unbalanced
Have you ever felt both dry and shiny? Then you probably have dry skin with an overproduction of sebum . When the skin becomes dehydrated – for example, from harsh cleaning products – it tries to compensate by producing more oil. The result:
🌿Surface dryness and tightening skin
🌿Clogged pores
🌿Increased shine and impurities
The solution:
Focus on restoring moisture first – and choose products that are gentle on the skin's microbiome.
How to build up your skin with the right moisture and fat
1. Moisturizing serum – like a cooling drink for the skin
Serum with hyaluronic acid binds moisture in the skin and provides an immediate plumping effect.
👉Recommended product:
Inika Organic Hyaluronic Hydration Complex – lightweight serum with botanical hyaluronic acid that deeply moisturizes without clogging.
2. Day cream – lock in moisture
A moisturizing day cream acts as a protective layer that retains moisture in the skin throughout the day.
👉Recommended product:
Moonsun Organic Face Cream – organic cream with shea butter and carrot oil that nourishes, soothes and strengthens the skin barrier.
3. Facial oil – for night or extra dry skin
Oil is rich in fatty acids and boosts the skin with nutrition. It helps the skin repair itself and maintain its suppleness.
👉Recommended product:
Inlight Beauty Face Oil – nourishing facial oil with rosehip, lavender and jojoba. Perfect for your evening routine – or morning and night if your skin is very dry.
Skincare tips for balanced skin:
🌿 Avoid overly drying cleaning products
🌿 Use moisturizing serum before day cream or oil
🌿 Adapt your routine according to season and skin condition
🌿 Supplement with a face mask once a week
🌿 Use products with natural and organic ingredients
The skin needs both moisture and oil.
Understanding the difference between skin type and skin condition , and between moisture and oil , is key to balanced skin. Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive or mature, it thrives on the right combination of hydration and nourishment.
👉 Explore our handpicked range of natural skincare products here and find your new skincare routine 🌿