Is your skin thirsty?

Does your skin look dull, feel tight or uncomfortable, or seem rougher than usual? You might notice fine lines looking more pronounced or makeup not sitting as smoothly. These can be signs of dehydration—a lack of water in the skin’s outer layers, which can happen to any skin type.

Why does skin lose moisture?

Water continually moves through your skin and evaporates into the air. This natural process is called transepidermal water loss, or TEWL. Your skin barrier helps regulate that loss, but dry conditions and a weakened barrier can increase it.

Several things can contribute:

• Weather and indoor air. Cold weather, low humidity, wind, indoor heating, and air conditioning can make it harder for skin to retain moisture.

• Skincare habits. Harsh cleansing and excessive exfoliation can disrupt protective lipids. Foaming cleansers and treatment ingredients aren’t automatically a problem—it depends on the formula, how often you use it, and what your skin tolerates.

• Hot water. Long, hot showers and frequent washing can remove protective oils and worsen dryness.

• Aging. As skin gets older, changes in oil production and barrier recovery can make moisture harder to maintain.

• Medications and skin conditions. Some medications and treatments contribute to dryness. Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and certain thyroid disorders can also affect skin hydration.

• Stress. Research suggests psychological stress can slow the skin barrier’s recovery, making it harder to retain moisture. Stress can also disrupt sleep and daily skincare habits, adding to the challenge.

  
  

Make a few small adjustments

• Your cleanser may need to change with your skin. After cleansing, your skin should feel clean and comfortable—not tight or stripped. Having more than one cleanser in your skincare toolbox lets you adjust to what your skin needs, whether that’s removing makeup and sunscreen or taking a gentler, hydrating approach when it feels dry or sensitive.

• Use lukewarm water. Very hot water can worsen dryness, so keep showers comfortably warm and avoid prolonged soaking.

• Choose exfoliation that suits your skin. I believe exfoliation is an important part of skincare, but the type and frequency should reflect what your skin needs. When skin is dehydrated, a gentler exfoliant may help smooth the surface without adding irritation. 

• Give your skin overnight support. Your skin continually loses water through evaporation, and this loss can increase overnight. Apply a moisturizer before bed that helps reduce moisture loss and supports your skin’s protective barrier. The right formula matters more than simply choosing a heavier cream.

• Layer hydration. When your skin feels dehydrated, a hydrating toner, serum, or both can add support after cleansing. Follow with moisturizer to help retain that hydration and keep your skin comfortable. If your skin needs extra protection, finish with a thin layer of an occlusive balm over dry areas to further reduce moisture loss.

  
  

Stay ahead of dehydration

When skin becomes dehydrated, it may produce more oil to compensate—but that oil doesn’t replace the water it needs. Skin can look shiny yet feel tight or uncomfortable. Pay attention to small changes and adjust your routine early. It’s easier to maintain hydration than to restore it once dehydration sets in.

Good skincare starts with paying attention to your skin and supporting its barrier. Gentle cleansing, hydration, nourishment, daily sunscreen, and consistent nighttime care all play a part. Regular facials can complement that routine, giving us time to assess your skin, provide extra hydration, and make adjustments as your needs change. They’re also an opportunity to slow down and recharge—something my clients often tell me they value just as much as the skincare itself. Small, consistent steps can make a meaningful difference in how your skin looks and feels.