Dehydrated skin is not the same as dry skin – it can even be oily. The difference lies in the lack of water, not oils, which the skin loses more rapidly due to a weakened skin barrier. It’s not a permanent skin type, but a temporary condition.
Any skin type can become dehydrated. Such skin feels tight and dull, fine lines become more visible, and its texture may appear uneven. The disruption of the skin barrier can be caused by many factors – unsuitable cosmetics, environmental stress, cleansing products, air conditioning, heating, frequent flying, lack of fluids, or stress. Dehydration is often the starting point for many skin issues, which is why it should be the first to address, regardless of your skin type.
Ingredients that bind moisture play a key role: hyaluronic acid, tremella, aloe vera, plant-based glycerin, betaine, and other natural extracts. Plant hydrosols are also an excellent first step in any hydrating routine, instantly refreshing and replenishing the skin with moisture.
When applied after cleansing, they help restore the skin’s natural pH, which is essential for a healthy barrier and hydration retention. To lock moisture in, combine hydrating ingredients with light oils or richer creams that create a protective film on the skin’s surface.
Hydration begins from within — by drinking enough water, herbal teas, and eating water-rich foods (fruits and vegetables). Adding electrolytes — minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride — helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body.
It’s also beneficial to include supplements that support skin hydration from the inside — such as hyaluronic acid, tremella, collagen, vitamins C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and betaine. Dehydrated skin is a signal to slow down — it needs rest, hydration, and less stress. Combined with properly layered skincare — a hydrosol, serum, and cream (or facial oil) — the skin gradually returns to balance.
