We hear it all the time — “my skin feels dry, I need more moisture.” But more often than not, what our skin is really craving isn't just water — it’s protection. A soft shield. A way to hold in all that water.
Understanding the difference between hydration and moisture, and how they relate to the skin’s natural barrier, can change the way we care for our skin.
Hydration vs. Moisture: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Hydration is all about water content — both in the environment and within our skin. It comes from drinking water, applying water-rich products, or using ingredients known as humectants, which draw water into the skin’s outer layers. In skincare, hydration often comes in the form of water-based mists, toners, or botanical distillates like hydrosols.
Moisture, on the other hand, refers to oils and lipids — ingredients that help maintain hydration by creating a protective seal on the skin. These include botanical oils, butters, and waxes — ingredients commonly found in traditional plant-infused formulations like those we craft at Deschampsia.
Think of it this way: hydration is like morning dew on a leaf — ephemeral and delicate. Moisture is the waxy cuticle of that same leaf, keeping the dew from evaporating too quickly.
In a skincare practice, these two work best together. Hydrating the skin first — for example, by misting with a hydrosol — helps replenish water content. Following with a balm or infused oil helps seal that hydration in, supporting the skin’s natural barrier and leaving it feeling soft and nourished.
What Is the Skin Barrier, and Why Does It Matter?
The outermost layer of your skin — the stratum corneum — is often referred to as the skin barrier. It's made up of dead skin cells and natural lipids, arranged a bit like bricks and mortar. This layer helps your skin retain moisture and shields it from environmental stressors.
When the skin barrier is functioning well, your skin tends to feel soft, smooth, and resilient. But when it’s disrupted — by weather, stress, over-cleansing, or harsh products — you may notice signs like flaking, sensitivity, or dryness.
While everyone’s skin is different, many people find that using plant-infused balms or oil-based serums after hydration can help restore a sense of comfort and balance. These products don’t replace your skin’s natural barrier — they simply work with it, creating a gentle layer of support.
The Ancient Wisdom of Oils and Balms
Balms and oils are among the oldest ways humans have cared for the skin. Long before industrialization and emulsified lotions became the norm, people used simple combinations of plant oils, waxes, and whole herbs to tend to their bodies.
In many traditional systems — from early Mediterranean cultures using olive oil to cleanse and condition the skin, to Indigenous and folk herbalist practices incorporating animal fats, resins, and herbal infusions — oil-based preparations were central to daily and ceremonial care. These preparations weren’t just about appearance; they were functional, protective, and often made with ingredients gathered close to home.
Balms tend to be thicker and more occlusive — useful when the skin needs more protection. Infused oils are lighter, easy to layer, and adaptable to daily use. Both work best when used after hydration, helping to hold in water and support the skin’s natural barrier.
These are not new ideas. They’re steady, proven practices — and they remain relevant for how we care for the skin today.
Why They Feel Different
Unlike lotions — which are blends of water and oil stabilized with emulsifiers and preservatives — balms and oils are anhydrous, meaning they contain no water. This gives them a unique texture and potency. They’re concentrated, shelf-stable, and require only a small amount per use.
What makes them feel different isn’t just their richness — it’s how they engage with the skin. When warmed between your palms, an oil or balm softens and begins to mimic your skin’s own lipid barrier. There’s no rush to absorb, just a gentle merging.
Rather than sitting on top of the skin, a well-crafted balm or oil becomes part of it — not forcing transformation, but offering support.
Why Herb-Infused Oils Offer More Than Moisture
Not all oils are the same. While plain plant oils like jojoba or grape seed can soften and protect the skin, herb-infused oils carry the added properties of whole plants, offering more than just a basic layer of moisture.
At Deschampsia, we prepare infused oils by steeping dried herbs directly into organic carrier oils over several weeks. This method allows the oil to take on qualities from the plant — including its scent, color, and specific characteristics that support the skin.
For example, yarrow flower is often used for its toning properties and its ability to support skin that feels out of balance. Comfrey, known for its high allantoin content, can help support the skin’s natural repair processes and improve overall texture.
These oils aren’t essential oil blends or fragrances. They’re made using time, observation, and traditional techniques that reflect the complete plant. The result is an oil that offers both moisture and a broader range of support, depending on the herbs used.
🌙 A Simple Two-Step Ritual: Hydrate + Seal
For a simple yet deeply nourishing practice, try this:
- After cleansing, mist your skin with a hydrosol. Let it hydrate, soften, and invite a moment of calm.
- Warm a few drops of infused oil serum or balm between your palms. Inhale the scent. Let it anchor you.
- Press gently into the skin while it’s still damp. Focus on presence, not perfection.
- Breathe. Pause. Let the oil absorb at its own pace.
This ritual supports the skin in maintaining hydration by layering water and oil — a pairing rooted in both science and tradition.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between hydration and moisture changes how we care for the skin. It shifts the focus from constantly adding more to making sure what’s there can be held and protected.
Balms and infused oils are part of that. When used after hydration — like misting with a hydrosol — they help maintain balance, support the skin barrier, and bring consistency to daily care.
It’s a straightforward approach: water first, then oil. And over time, it works.