Skin concerns
1. What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same. Dry skin naturally produces less sebum (oil), making it more prone to tightness, roughness and flaking. It is generally a long-term skin type influenced by genetics, age and environmental factors. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, lacks water rather than oil. It can affect any skin type—including oily and combination skin. Common causes include cold weather, air conditioning, central heating, sun exposure, over-cleansing and using harsh skincare products. Signs of dehydrated skin often include dullness, increased sensitivity, tightness after cleansing and fine dehydration lines. The good news is that dehydrated skin can often be improved with a consistent routine focused on hydration and supporting the skin barrier. Ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and botanical humectants help attract water to the skin, while nourishing moisturisers help reduce moisture loss. If your skin feels both dry and dehydrated, combining hydrating and nourishing products can help restore comfort and improve your skin's overall appearance.
2. What causes dry skin? Healthy skin contains natural oils and lipids that help maintain a protective barrier and reduce water loss. When this barrier becomes weakened or produces fewer oils, the skin may become dry. Several factors can contribute to dry skin, including: Genetics Ageing Cold or windy weather Low humidity Hot showers Harsh cleansers Frequent exfoliation Certain medications Dry skin may feel tight, rough or itchy and can sometimes appear flaky or dull. In more severe cases, cracks may develop, making the skin more vulnerable to irritation. A gentle skincare routine can help improve dry skin. Look for products that cleanse without stripping the skin and moisturisers containing ingredients that support hydration and the skin barrier. Avoid over-cleansing and remember to apply moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp after cleansing. Daily sun protection is also important, as UV exposure can further weaken the skin barrier over time.
3. Why is my skin dehydrated? Unlike dry skin, dehydration is a temporary condition that develops when the skin loses more water than it retains. Common causes include: Insufficient hydration Air conditioning and indoor heating UV exposure Pollution Harsh cleansers Over-exfoliation Cold weather Lack of sleep Stress Dehydrated skin often looks tired and dull and may feel tight despite producing oil. Some people also notice that makeup sits unevenly or that fine dehydration lines become more visible. Improving dehydrated skin starts with restoring the skin barrier. Gentle cleansing, hydrating serums and moisturisers that help lock in moisture can all support healthier-looking skin. Drinking enough water contributes to overall health, but skincare plays an important role in reducing water loss from the skin's surface. If dehydration persists despite a good skincare routine, consider whether environmental factors or overly aggressive skincare products may be contributing.
4. What causes hyperpigmentation? Melanin is the natural pigment responsible for the colour of our skin, hair and eyes. When the skin produces melanin unevenly, darker patches or spots can appear. The most common causes include: Sun exposure Post-inflammatory marks following acne or skin irritation Hormonal changes, including melasma Ageing Certain medications Because UV exposure is one of the biggest contributors, daily sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to help prevent new pigmentation from forming and existing spots from becoming darker. Brightening ingredients, regular use of sun protection and patience are key, as pigmentation often fades gradually over several weeks or months. Although hyperpigmentation is harmless, many people choose skincare products that help promote a more even-looking complexion over time.
5. Why is my skin becoming oily? Sebum plays an important role in protecting the skin and preventing moisture loss. However, excessive oil production can contribute to shine, enlarged pores and blemishes. Several factors influence sebum production, including: Genetics Hormonal fluctuations Warm and humid weather Stress Over-cleansing Using harsh products that strip the skin Ironically, removing too much oil can encourage the skin to produce even more sebum in an attempt to compensate. Instead of trying to eliminate oil completely, focus on maintaining balance. Gentle cleansing, lightweight hydration and non-comedogenic skincare products can help support healthy-looking skin without disrupting its natural barrier.
6. What is the skin barrier? The skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin. It helps retain moisture, protects against environmental aggressors and supports healthy, resilient skin. Detailed answer The skin barrier, also known as the moisture barrier, is your skin's first line of defence. It consists of skin cells held together by natural lipids, creating a protective shield that helps keep moisture in while blocking irritants, pollution, bacteria and allergens from entering. When the skin barrier is healthy, your skin feels comfortable, smooth and well hydrated. However, factors such as over-cleansing, excessive exfoliation, UV exposure, pollution and harsh weather can weaken this protective layer. A compromised skin barrier may lead to dryness, redness, tightness, sensitivity and increased water loss. Supporting your skin barrier with gentle skincare, hydrating ingredients and daily sun protection can help maintain healthy-looking skin over time.
7. How can I repair a damaged skin barrier? A damaged skin barrier can often be improved by simplifying your skincare routine, avoiding harsh products and using ingredients that help hydrate and support the skin's natural protective barrier. Detailed answer Your skin barrier has the ability to repair itself, but it needs time and the right environment. If your skin feels tight, irritated or unusually sensitive, it may be a sign that your barrier has been weakened. Start by using a gentle cleanser and avoid over-exfoliating or combining too many active ingredients. Focus on products that help replenish moisture and support the skin barrier, such as those containing humectants, nourishing botanical oils or barrier-supporting ingredients. Daily sunscreen is also important, as UV exposure can further stress the skin and slow its recovery. With a consistent routine, many people notice improvements in comfort and hydration within a few weeks.
8. Why does my skin feel tight after cleansing? Skin that feels tight after cleansing is often a sign that the cleanser has removed too much of the skin's natural moisture and protective oils. Detailed answer A clean face should feel fresh, not tight or uncomfortable. If your skin feels stretched after washing, your cleanser may be disrupting the skin barrier or removing too many natural lipids. Hot water, harsh surfactants and cleansing too frequently can all contribute to this sensation. Dry and sensitive skin types are particularly prone to experiencing tightness. Choose a gentle cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin. After cleansing, apply a hydrating serum and moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp to help retain moisture and support the skin barrier.
9. What causes redness? Redness can be caused by sensitivity, irritation, sun exposure, changes in temperature or certain skin conditions. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step towards choosing the right skincare routine. Detailed answer Temporary redness is common and may occur after exercise, exposure to heat or cold, or using products that are too harsh for your skin. Persistent redness may be linked to increased skin sensitivity, a weakened skin barrier or underlying conditions such as rosacea. Environmental factors, UV exposure, pollution and over-exfoliation can also contribute. If your skin is prone to redness, choose gentle, fragrance-free skincare where possible, avoid overusing exfoliants and wear sunscreen every day. If redness is severe, persistent or accompanied by pain, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
10. What causes sensitive skin? Sensitive skin reacts more easily to environmental factors or skincare products. It may be linked to genetics, a weakened skin barrier or certain skin conditions. Sensitive skin is not always a permanent skin type. Many people experience sensitivity when their skin barrier becomes compromised. Common triggers include harsh cleansers, excessive exfoliation, fragranced products, pollution, UV exposure, cold weather and stress. Symptoms may include burning, stinging, itching, redness or discomfort after applying skincare. The best approach is to keep your routine simple and gentle. Introduce new products one at a time and focus on supporting the skin barrier with hydrating, well-tolerated ingredients.
11. What are enlarged pores? Pores are natural openings in the skin that release oil and sweat. They cannot be permanently reduced in size, but their appearance can often be minimised with the right skincare routine. Everyone has pores, but they may appear larger in people with oily skin, increased sebum production or reduced skin firmness. Genetics also play an important role in determining pore size. Although it is not possible to physically shrink pores, keeping them clear of excess oil, dead skin cells and debris can make them appear less visible. Ingredients that gently exfoliate the skin and regulate oil production may help improve the appearance of enlarged pores over time. Protecting your skin from UV damage is also important, as loss of collagen can make pores appear more noticeable with age.
12. Can you shrink pores? No. Pore size is largely determined by genetics and cannot be permanently changed. However, the appearance of pores can often be improved with consistent skincare. Pores do not have muscles, so they cannot open or close as is often claimed. However, when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, they can appear larger. Regular cleansing, gentle exfoliation and maintaining healthy skin can help keep pores looking cleaner and less noticeable. Daily sun protection also helps preserve collagen, which supports the skin's structure and can influence how visible pores appear. Rather than trying to "shrink" pores, focus on keeping them clear and maintaining balanced, healthy skin.
13. What causes dull skin? Dull skin is often caused by a build-up of dead skin cells, dehydration, reduced cell turnover or environmental factors such as pollution and UV exposure. Healthy skin naturally reflects light, giving it a radiant appearance. When dead skin cells accumulate on the surface or the skin becomes dehydrated, the complexion may appear tired and lacklustre. Lifestyle factors such as poor sleep, stress and smoking can also contribute to dullness. As we age, the skin's natural renewal process slows down, making dullness more common. A gentle exfoliation routine, adequate hydration, antioxidant-rich skincare and daily sunscreen can all help support brighter, healthier-looking skin.
14. Why does my skin change after 30? From your thirties onwards, the skin naturally begins to lose collagen, elastin and moisture more gradually. Cell renewal also slows down, making fine lines and uneven skin tone more noticeable. Skin changes are a normal part of ageing. From around the age of 30, collagen production gradually declines and the skin's ability to retain moisture becomes less efficient. Environmental factors such as UV exposure, pollution and lifestyle habits can further influence how these changes appear. You may notice that your skin feels drier, recovers more slowly or loses some of its natural radiance. Fine lines, pigmentation and a reduction in firmness can also become more visible over time. A consistent skincare routine focused on hydration, antioxidant protection and daily sun protection can help support healthy-looking skin and address the first visible signs of ageing.
15. What causes fine lines? Fine lines develop naturally as the skin loses collagen, elastin and moisture over time. Sun exposure, facial expressions and lifestyle factors can make them appear earlier or more noticeable. Fine lines are one of the earliest visible signs of skin ageing. They often first appear around the eyes, forehead and mouth, where the skin moves frequently. As collagen and elastin production gradually declines, the skin becomes less firm and less able to bounce back from repeated facial movements. Dehydration can also make fine lines appear more pronounced. While fine lines are a natural part of ageing, maintaining hydration, protecting the skin from UV damage and using antioxidant-rich skincare can help support smoother, healthier-looking skin over time.