If your skin has been feeling a little on the drier side lately, it’s probably low on hydration and could really use a long drink. Let’s break down the five most common signs of dehydrated skin and what to do about it.
Firstly, there’s a difference between dry skin vs dehydrated skin.
Dry skin is a skin type. It naturally produces less oil.
Dehydrated skin is a condition. Any skin type can experience it - dry, oily, combo, sensitive… even breakout-prone skin.
And yep, you can have oily and dehydrated skin at the same time.
Dehydration happens when skin doesn’t have enough water. And when water levels drop, your skin barrier struggles to do its job properly. Moisture escapes faster than it should and skin starts sending out subtle (and not-so-subtle) SOS signals.
Here are some of the common signs:
1. Flaky patches (especially in random places)
Little rough bits around your nose, chin, cheeks, elbows or arms are often one of the first signs your skin needs a surge of moisture. When skin is dehydrated, it struggles to shed dead skin cells. Cell turnover slows, texture becomes uneven and suddenly you’re dealing with dreaded flakes. This means your skin is lacking the water it needs to function normally.
2. Tightness after cleansing
If your skin feels tight, stretched or uncomfortable after cleansing, it could mean that it’s over-stripped. Tightness is one of the clearest signs your skin barrier needs support. When the barrier is compromised, water escapes faster than your skin can hold onto it (a process known as transepidermal water loss).
That doesn’t mean your skin is ‘failing’ - it just means it needs a bit of extra support right now. Healthy, hydrated skin should feel calm and comfortable after cleansing, not like it’s stretched thin.
3. Dullness
Well-hydrated skin reflects light better. Dehydrated skin? Not so much. When moisture levels dip, skin can start to look flat, dull and tired, even if you’re sleeping well and doing all the right things.
4. Itchiness or sudden sensitivity
Ever notice your skin gets itchy, tingly or reactive for no obvious reason? Dehydrated skin is often more sensitive because the protective barrier that keeps irritants out is weakened. When that barrier isn’t doing its job, skin reacts more easily to weather, air conditioning, heating and even products you usually tolerate just fine. Result: skin that feels uncomfortable, reactive and generally a bit cranky.
5. Fine lines looking more noticeable
Fine lines are more visible when skin is dehydrated. Because when skin lacks water, it loses plumpness. Texture looks more pronounced. Lines look deeper than they actually are. And while hydration won’t completely remove fine lines and wrinkles, it can help skin look smoother, plumper and more rested, which makes those lines less pronounced. And just as importantly, help skin feel more comfortable, calm and supported.
So… what actually causes dehydrated skin?
A few very common culprits: Hot showers. Over-cleansing. Cold weather. Hot weather. Air conditioning. Indoor heating. Exfoliating too often. Harsh products. Forgetting to seal in moisture properly. Not drinking enough water. In other words: modern life.
The good news? Thirsty skin is usually very fixable once you know what you’re dealing with.
Hydrating vs moisturising
Hydrating products help draw water into the skin. Think water-loving ingredients that quench thirsty skin and boost bounce. For a serious skin drink, reach for Raindrops Hydrating Mist and FG Serum 01 - both designed to boost hydration and leave skin feeling fresh and bouncy.
Moisturising products, on the other hand, help seal that hydration in, slowing moisture loss and keeping skin comfortable. If you prefer something lighter, Perfectly Happy Light Vitamin C Cream is a great daytime option. For drier skin or extra barrier support, Over The Moon Rich Repair Cream brings the cosy comfort.
And don’t forget your cleanse. Using a gentle, non-stripping cleanser like Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm or 3 Cheers Cleansing Oil helps prep skin properly, so all that hydration stays where it belongs.
A handy way to picture it:
- Hydration works like a magnet, pulling water into the skin'
-
Moisturisation works like a fortress, locking it all in
Most skin types need both, especially when dealing with dehydration.
Hydrate first. Seal second. That’s the sweet spot.
So if your skin feels tight, flaky, dull, itchy or like fine lines are suddenly more noticeable, it’s probably just thirsty. Alongside avoiding obvious dehydration culprits (hello, sun, air-con and over-cleansing) and keeping your water intake up, it can really help to build a skincare routine that supports and repairs the skin barrier while locking in all that juicy hydration.
Drink up!
