Hydration is key to healthy, nourished skin. And a moisturiser is a go-to skincare product needed for most people. But what you may not realise is that your moisturiser is not enough for dry skin. According to a Harvard Medical School study, moisturisers help dry skin by creating a seal on the skin’s surface—which prevents water from evaporating—but doesn’t actually hydrate the skin. Dry oils, on the other hand, are effective in keeping your skin hydrated. We break down the basics of dry oils, and why you should invest in one.

What are dry oils?

Dry oil is a category of lightweight oils that easily get absorbed into the skin. Only a few drops are enough to provide instant nourishment and hydration to the skin. Unlike your regular oils (like coconut and castor), which are also called wet oils, dry oils are non-greasy and leave no residue on the skin. While dry oils have been a popular term in the skincare business, they have been used in aromatherapy for years, thanks to their light-weight and quick-absorbing qualities.

What are the benefits?

Provides hydration

An alternative to moisturisers, dry oils hydrate the skin deeply. According to Healthline, most dry oils contain linoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps maintain the water permeability barrier of the skin. The purity of dry oils also contribute to an unobstructed and largely-enhanced nourishment.

Repairs damaged skin

While dry oils maintain and hold moisture in the skin, they also have healing properties. Dry oils help dry and cracked skin, work to restore sun damage, and can help treat sunburns, due to the high fat content in the oil.

Treats acne

A common misconception is that oils cause acne. Facial oils, especially dry oils, can actually help balance the pH levels of the skin and help achieve a clear, flawless skin. Dry oils are effective not only on normal and dry skin but also on oily and combination skin types. The soothing and natural properties of the oil help with skin irritation, which, in turn, prevents acne. The fatty acids present in the oil are effective in treating skin inflammation, and can be used for skin that is flaky or red.

Promotes collagen production

Dry oils have the same nourishing properties as other oils. Certain dry oils (like grape seed and pomegranate) helps reduce free-radical damage on the skin. They also help boost skin’s collagen production. Collagen is a skin protein that is known to increase the flexibility of the skin, promote cell growth and repair, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps skin look radiant and youthful.

Delays Ageing

Daily moisturisation is the secret for older women who have healthy skin. The highly nourishing qualities of a dry oil is beneficial in the short term, but it also has long-term effects—think delayed signs of ageing. The oil’s ability to promote collagen production helps tighten the skin and makes it look youthful. The antioxidant content in dry oil reduces oxidative stress, while linoleic acid maintains the water permeability barrier of the skin.

Perenne’s Nectar Dry Oil Serums

There are several benefits of using dry oils but you must choose one that suits your concerns and is made with high-quality ingredients. We recommend using the Perenne Instant Hydration Nectar Dry Oil Serum for daily moisturising and firming. The active ingredients in it will help dehydrated skin while the antioxidants work to firm and lift your face. In addition to its skin benefits, this also works as a great primer before applying makeup. Try the Perenne Eternal Glow Nectar Dry Oil Serum to prevent digital ageing. A dry oil packed with natural actives like chamomile, lavender, neroli, and turmeric oils, this product reduces blue-light skin damage such as pigmentation and dark circles, and soothes your skin. Both are great for reducing dullness and energising the skin. For best results, use it twice daily, morning and night.