How to Revive a Dehydrated Face

If your skin hasn’t been feeling its best lately, there’s a good chance it could be dehydrated! We’re here to delve into the potential causes behind feeling so parched and how to help quench it again. Let’s dive straight in...

Signs to look out for and what’s behind them

What are some signs you have a dehydrated face?

Everyone’s different but some of the symptoms that your skin is dehydrated can include the obvious feelings of dryness, tightness or flakiness. But also, there’s plenty of more subtle signs like skin that’s looking a little dull or if you have more mature skin noticing fine lines more than usual.

Some key signs of a dehydrated face

• Skin that feels rough, dry or itchy 
• Skin that looks dull or flaky
• The increased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 

What causes a dehydrated face?

Having a naturally sensitive or dry skin type is different than having dehydrated skin, although the symptoms can be similar and you're likely well versed already in what can trigger flare-ups for you.

Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that all skin types can experience, so even if you’re more on the normal (or even oily) side of the skin spectrum you could easily have it too at different points of your life depending on your lifestyle and the environment you’re in. 

Here’s a few things that can lead to ultra-thirsty skin....

Seasonal switches

Sometimes a change in weather is all it takes for your skin to suddenly feel dehydrated. Your skin has a moisture barrier and once it’s compromised it can lead to transepidermal water loss, which is where water passes through the skin and evaporates into the air.  

Exposure to harsh weather conditions such as cold, wind or low humidity can all strip moisture from the skin, leading to dehydration.

Air conditioning and heating

Just like the seasons can interfere with your hydrated, happy skin, so can air conditioning and heating. They both reduce moisture in the air, so if your skin barrier isn’t functioning properly then this can aggravate it more. 

We know it’s not always possible to avoid, especially if you work in an office or you’re on a long-haul flight, so investing in some hydrating products will help keep your skin from stressing out. 

Hot showers

We hate to tell you this because we love a nice, hot shower but it can mess with your skin – on your body as well as your face.

Try your best to turn the dial down a tiny bit. Remember the skin on your face is also a little more delicate, so it’s worth doing your cleansing and exfoliating routine separately at the sink where you can use a more face-friendly temperature that’s less likely to strip it of its natural oils. 

Sun exposure

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage the skin's barrier function, leading to increased water loss and dehydration.

Getting older

As we age and our hormones shift, the skin's ability to retain moisture decreases, leading to a higher risk of dehydration.

Not using the right skincare for you

Sometimes the products your skin was loving in spring will be too drying when it comes to autumn, so switching out a few things in your routine seasonally can really help. 

Products containing harsh ingredients like alcohol or certain acids can strip the skin of moisture and lead to dehydration. So, if you’ve noticed a big increase in dryness since you changed to a new cleanser, toner or any other product then it could be that the ingredients just aren’t for you. 

It can be tempting to use a scrub or acid more when you start noticing flakes appearing, but over-exfoliating can lead to skin barrier damage, making a dehydrated face even more irritated. Try cutting back on this a little bit if you can or switch to a less harsh formula. 

How to hydrate your face again

OK, so now you’ve read up on the signs and causes, do you think you have a dehydrated face? If you do, we’ve got you. Here’s a few more fixes for desert-like skin...

The best skincare products to help hydrate your skin

If you think your current skincare regime has been dehydrating your skin, then it’s time to reach for something new. 

Look out for formulas that are enriched with ultra-replenishing ingredients and free from harsh chemicals. 

The entire Simple® range is formulated with sensitive skin in mind. Which means there’s no perfume, colour or ingredients that could irritate dehydrated skin.

First of all, consider switching to a gentler cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils, which can lead to further dryness and irritation. 

We love our Water Boost Micellar Facial Gel Wash with 9% hydration-powered Micelles that remove traces of impurities and drench skin in hydrating actives.

After cleansing, occasional exfoliation helps keep skin looking and feeling radiant (but remember not to overdo it and stress out your skin condition even more). 

Once your skin is feeling fresh, it's important to go for products that replenish and retain moisture. Adding a Hyaluronic Acid serum to your routine is the best way to supercharge your skin. This incredible skincare active has the amazing ability to draw moisture to the skin, keeping it feeling plump and hydrated all day.

Lastly, our Water Boost™ Moisturiser is the perfect way to finish this routine for dehydrated skin, working for up to 100 hours to restore lost nutrients.