Dehydrated skin is one of the most common yet misunderstood skin concerns. It happens when your skin loses too much water through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL), leaving the surface feeling tight, rough, or dull.
Many people confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin, but they are different. Dry skin is a skin type that lacks both water and oil and usually affects the whole body. Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition caused by a lack of water and can affect anyone, even those with oily or combination skin.
Overuse of active ingredients, harsh products and seasonal changes can all affect your skin’s hydration levels. The good news is that it’s easy to bring comfort and balance back. Here are five ways to fix dehydrated skin and help it stay that way.
1. Simplify Your Routine
When your skin feels dehydrated, it’s often a sign it’s doing too much. Layering several actives, cleansing too often or switching products too quickly can all weaken the skin barrier. A busy routine might seem effective, but it often leaves skin stressed and more prone to losing water.
Once your skin feels settled, slowly add back targeted actives if needed.
Ingredients and Products to Avoid When Skin Feels Dehydrated
- Strong exfoliating acids such as glycolic used daily
- Physical scrubs or rough cleansing brushes
- Foaming cleansers containing sulfates (SLS or SLES)
- Astringent toners with denatured alcohol
- Overuse of retinoids without enough moisture support
2. Check Your Environment
Sometimes dehydration starts in the air around you. Central heating, air conditioning and even long hours in front of screens can reduce indoor humidity, encouraging moisture to escape from your skin.
Place a humidifier where you work or sleep to help replace lost moisture. A small change in air quality can make a visible difference in how soft and comfortable your skin feels by morning.
3. Focus on Hydration Supporting Ingredients
Certain ingredients help keep moisture where your skin needs it most. Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid to attract water, ceramides to strengthen the barrier, vitamin E to soothe and squalane to nourish without heaviness.
These ingredients are most effective when combined with a light occlusive layer that seals them in, preventing water from escaping while keeping the skin breathable and calm.
4. Adjust with the Seasons
Your skin behaves differently throughout the year, and adapting your routine helps it stay balanced.
When temperatures drop, focus on comfort and protection. Choose richer, barrier-repairing formulas that help prevent moisture loss and soothe sensitivity. Adding a hydrating mist or layering a balm over your moisturiser can provide extra protection against harsh weather.
As the seasons shift to warmer months, lighten textures rather than stripping back care. Opt for breathable hydration and replenishing serums that maintain moisture without heaviness.
Whatever the season, daily sun protection is essential. UV exposure accelerates dehydration and barrier damage even on cloudy days, so make SPF your final skincare step every morning.
5. Stay Consistent
Hydration takes time. The skin barrier needs regular care to recover fully, and frequent changes often set progress back. Stick to your simplified routine for at least a few weeks before judging results.
Skin doesn’t get used to good skincare, it learns to function better with consistent support. Over time, you’ll notice fewer dry patches, a smoother texture and a more even glow.
When Your Skin Needs Extra Comfort
If your skin still feels tight or depleted, a gentle occlusive balm can help. Comfort Multi Balm is formulated with vitamin E, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and 5 % squalane to soften, hydrate and support the barrier. It melts in easily, creating a breathable layer that helps lock in moisture and restore calm.
In summary: dehydration is temporary and reversible. Keep your routine simple, maintain a healthy environment and stay consistent with barrier-friendly care. With patience, your skin will regain its natural softness and balance.
