What Is The Difference Between Eczema and Dry Skin?

Eczema vs. Dry Skin: How to Spot the Difference and Soothe Them Both

Let's face it, when it comes to skin health, knowing the difference between dry skin and eczema is critical for when understanding how to manage it and the right treatments.

At LIHA Beauty, we’re all about skin that feels nourished, balanced and truly cared for. Whether your skin is temporarily dry or dealing with something deeper like eczema, we’re here to help you understand the difference - and guide you toward nourishing solutions.

What Is Dry Skin?

Dry skin, or "xerosis," happens when your skin lacks moisture. It can feel rough, tight or flaky and is usually caused by external factors. Think cold winter weather, hot showers, harsh soaps, dehydration, or even ageing skin that naturally produces less oil.

Common Causes of Dry Skin:

• Cold or dry air

• Long hot showers

• Harsh soaps and detergents

• Dehydration

• Ageing skin

Common Symptoms:

• Flaky, rough or dull skin

• Tightness after washing

• Mild redness or irritation

Luckily, dry skin is usually short-term and responds well to hydration and barrier-repairing ingredients.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Unlike dry skin, it has genetic and immune system components and tends to flare up in response to stress, allergens or irritants.

Common Eczema Triggers:

• Pollen, pet dander or dust

• Fragrances and detergents

• Sudden temperature changes

• Stress

Common Eczema Symptoms:

• Intense itchiness

• Red, inflamed patches

• Dry, cracked or thickened skin

• Oozing or crusting during flare-ups

Eczema often needs ongoing care and a gentle, consistent skincare routine.

How Are Eczema and Dry Skin Different?

While they can look and feel similar, the causes and treatments are different.

Feature	Dry Skin	Eczema
Cause	External/environmental	Genetic, immune and environmental
Duration	Usually short-term	Chronic, recurring
Symptoms	Tightness, flakiness, dull appearance	Intense itch, redness, inflammation
Treatment	Hydration, barrier support	Medical + hydrating + anti-inflammatory care

How To Care For Dry Skin

Living in the UK (with freezing winters and the occasional scorcher), our skin is constantly battling the elements. Here are a few steps to help restore your glow:

1. Moisturise Regularly

Raw Shea Butter is your skin’s best friend. Our Gold Shea Butter and Ivory Shea Butter are packed with vitamins A and E to deeply moisturise and protect. Apply all over after bathing and leave overnight to wake up with soft, supple skin.

2. Avoid Overheating Your Skin

Hot showers might feel like a dream, but they strip natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water and try adding to your bath. 

3. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water, especially in dry indoor heating or AC. Add a pinch of mineral salt for extra hydration support.

How To Manage Eczema-Prone Skin

While eczema can’t be cured, the right skincare and lifestyle tweaks make all the difference.

1. Use a Gentle Cleanser

Avoid stripping your skin with harsh soap. Our Orinrin Cleansing Balm is ideal – fragrance-free, nourishing and full of calming oils like frankincense and geranium.

2. Moisturise Frequently

Many of our customers with eczema swear by our Raw unrefined Gold Shea Butter and Ivory Shea butter. They help calm inflammation and supports the skin barrier. Founder Abi uses it daily on her daughter’s eczema-prone skin.

3. Choose Soothing Fabrics

Soft cotton over synthetic fibres helps avoid irritation. Wash clothes in fragrance-free detergent.

4. Minimise Stress

Stress is a major trigger for flare-ups. Consider mindfulness, yoga or just taking five minutes to breathe with our Queen Idia Candle burning nearby.

Raw Shea Butter: The Hero for Both Conditions

Whether you have dry skin or eczema, raw, unrefined shea butter is a multitasking must-have. Ours is sourced sustainably and retains every drop of its natural goodness.

Benefits of Raw Shea Butter:

• Rich in fatty acids that seal in moisture

• High in antioxidants to protect skin

• Natural anti-inflammatory properties to calm irritation

Use it head to toe, even as a natural lip balm, hand cream or scalp soother.

Glow Gently: The Final Word

Dry skin and eczema may share symptoms, but they need different care. The good news? A gentle routine using nature-led ingredients can make all the difference.

At LIHA, we believe beauty comes from balance. No harsh chemicals, no quick fixes. Just real, radiant skin that feels as good as it looks.

Start with our Raw Gold Shea Butter, build a calming ritual, and let your skin (and you) breathe a sigh of relief.

• Raw Shea Butter: Gold

• Raw Ivory Shea butter

• Orinrin Cleansing Balm
• Queen Idia Candle

FAQs

Q: Can you use shea butter on eczema?
A: Yes. Our Raw Shea Butter is unrefined and free from additives, making it suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

Q: Can eczema be temporary like dry skin?
A: Eczema is usually chronic, while dry skin is typically short-term. But dry skin can lead to irritation that mimics eczema if not treated properly.

Q: Is it okay to use LIHA products during a flare-up?
A: Always patch test first. Our products are made with gentle, natural ingredients and loved by many with sensitive or reactive skin.

If you have questions about how to apply our Shea Butters, ping us on info@lihabeauty.com and we're always happy to help!

If you fancy reading other blogs, check out:

How To Look After Your Décolletage?

What Is The Story of Queen Mother Idia?

How To Use an African Wash Net?