Why Your Skin Still Gets Dehydrated - Even If You Drink Water

Sometimes, even if we think we’re doing all the right things to hydrate our skin like drinking plenty of water and using hydrating products, our skin can still be dehydrated.

Many think that dehydrated skin is a winter issue, but this couldn’t be further from the truth! Thirsty skin can strike during any time of the year, especially summer. Keep reading to learn from our Skin Expert, Kimberley, what dehydrated skin is, the main causes of it and her tips to restore hydration to the skin.

What Is Dehydrated Skin?

Simply put, dehydrated skin is caused by transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in the skin, meaning your skin is losing more water than it can retain. Whether you have oily, dry or combination skin, you can experience dehydration in the skin. The signs of dehydrated skin are usually:

Dull looking skin.
Loss of elasticity.
Premature fine lines and wrinkles.

Reasons Your Skin Might Be Dehydrated

Your Barrier Is Damaged

A healthy skin barrier is crucial to retaining moisture. Your barrier is made up of a balance of water, lipids, and proteins, but when this balance is out of sync, your skin can suffer. When your barrier is damaged, water can escape the skin quickly, leading to dehydrated skin.

Your Environment Is Drying Your Skin Out

While holidaying in hot climates you’re likely to lose a lot of water from the skin. The hot weather, exposure to the sun, air conditioning and more can put stress on the skin and draw moisture away, leaving the skin feeling tight and parched.

Your Products Aren't Working For Your Skin

Sometimes, we might think our skincare routine is right for us and supporting our skin, but it could be doing the exact opposite. Harsh cleansers and chemical and physical exfoliants could be stripping the skin of its essential oils and water, leaving your barrier compromised and worsening the effects of dehydration.

The Best Ways To Hydrate Dehydrated Skin

Now that we have identified the main causes of dehydrated skin, here are some solutions to restore hydration to the skin:

Restore your skin barrier with gentle, hydrating products that lock in moisture. Humectants like hyaluronic acid, peptides and urea will draw moisture to the skin and slow down water loss.
Adjust your routine for hot climates depending on where you’re going. Heading somewhere hot and humid? Use lightweight, non-comedogenic products. If your destination is dryer, cleanse gently and layer your hydrating products.
Check in with your skincare routine. If you feel like your products aren’t doing the job they should do, it’s time to reassess in alignment with your skin type. Our handy summer skincare routine guide can help you figure out the perfect routine for your skin.

Kimberley's Favourite Products To Rehydrate Your Skin

The most important steps in your routine to restore hydration are gently cleansing, a nourishing toner or essence, treating with a serum to lock in moisture, topped off by a barrier-repairing moisturiser. These steps can be boosted by applying a hydrating mist throughout the day, and taking hydration supporting supplements that will hydrate from within. Check out Kimberley's favourites below!

Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser

The Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser is a great cleanser to clean and nourish the skin as it is rich in silk amino acids that are potent antioxidants, and also act as a humectant to enhance moisture absorption.

PCA Skin Hydrating Toner

The PCA Skin Hydrating Toner is a lightweight antioxidant essence that will balance the skins pH, rid the skin of any impurities and boost hydration.

Vichy Minéral Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

The Vichy Minéral Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum has been approved by the British Skin Foundation for use on all skin types, to deliver hydration through a blend of fifteen essential minerals, hyaluronic acid and a high concentration of Vichy's signature volcanic mineralising water.

Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

Avéne Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser for Dehydrated Skin

Enriched with thermal spring water, the Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser for Dehydrated Skin works to lock in long lasting hydration for supple and healthy skin.

Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist

For an extra boost of moisture through the day, the Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist is a great option on-the-go. It contains four different types of hyaluronic acid to support the skins water retention.

Avéne Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser for Dehydrated Skin

Rejuvenated H3O Hydration Supplement

Increase your hydration levels at a cellular level with the Rejuvenated H3O Hydration Supplement. Trans-resveratrol and electrolytes work together with added hyaluronic acid to hydrate the cells throughout the body for healthy and luminous skin.