Because the skin barrier, the outer layer that holds moisture in like a protective wall, gets worn down by sun, sweat, and heat. When it’s damaged, water escapes, and your skin feels tight and dehydrated even if you’re drinking lots of water.
A strong barrier is essential to ensure water remains in skin cells – as a result, the body is then able to maintain a plump, bouncy and hydrated complexion.
What Are the Main Signs of Skin Dehydration?
- Tightness and discomfort (especially after washing your face)
- Fine lines appearing suddenly, especially around your eyes and forehead
- Dullness and a lack of glow
- Flaky or rough texture
- Foundation looking patchy or uneven
Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin? Let’s talk about how these are different:
- Dry skin lacks oil. This is a skin type, meaning your skin naturally produces less sebum (oil), leading to flakiness, rough texture, and sometimes irritation.
- Dehydrated skin lacks moisture. This is a skin challenge that anyone can experience, even if you have oily skin. It happens when your skin isn’t retaining enough water, leading to tightness, dullness, and fine lines.
If you are not sure which one you may have, let us help you with a quick test:
Gently pinch your cheek—if it wrinkles instead of bouncing back, your skin is likely dehydrated.
What To Do (And Not To Do) To Keep Your Complexion Hydrated:
Add a Hydrating Serum with Humectants
Look for serums with hyaluronic acid, a powerhouse ingredient that attracts and retains moisture. Apply it to damp skin to lock in hydration. Try the Dew Drops Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Three Ships
Use a Face Mist
A facial mist is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support dehydrated skin—especially in the summer. Try the Mastic Face Mist by Aphaéa, instead of plain water, it's powered by mastic water and olive fruit water to reinforce the skin barrier and provide antioxidant protection. With hydrating heroes like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and soothing aloe juice, it locks in moisture while calming the skin.
Moisturize Wisely
Use a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer if you have oily skin and a richer cream if you’re on the drier side. Ingredients like ceramides, squalane, and niacinamide help strengthen your skin barrier. Try the Moringa All Beauty Crème by Ere Perez suitable for all skin types and the perfect amount of hydration for summer skin.
Protect with SPF
Dehydrated skin is more prone to damage. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ shields your skin from harmful UV rays that can worsen dehydration. Opt for mineral sunscreen and ensure active ingredients are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and that it is fragrance free. Try Mother Mousse Light Tint SPF50 by MotherSPF, it ticks all the boxes.
Use a Hydrating Cleanser and Face Mask
Ditch harsh foaming cleansers that strip moisture. Instead, choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser with ingredients like glycerin or ceramides to keep your skin soft. The Fig All Beauty Jelly Cleansing Balm by Ere Perez is your perfect companion, it's a cleanser and face mask in one! Use dry as a cleanser or add water to create a soothing cleansing milk. Wear the jelly overnight as a mask to lock in product & hydration.
Skip the Harsh Exfoliators
Over-exfoliating can strip your skin of moisture. Stick to gentle chemical exfoliants (like lactic acid) once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.
Verdict?
If your skin is feeling tight, dull, or flaky, it’s probably dehydrated and in need of extra care.
We’re right here every step of the way with products you’ll love that leave you refreshed and glowing. With the right skincare routine and healthy habits, you can restore your skin’s hydration.
It’s time to pamper yourself because you deserve it! And well, your skin is telling you too!
With love & light,
Kalovy