Skin longevity

Hydration, inside and out

Hydrated skin looks plump, smooth and reflects light evenly — that coveted ‘glow’. But hydration is often misunderstood, so here's what actually helps.

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Dry vs dehydrated

These aren't the same thing. Dry skin is a skin type — it produces less oil. Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition — it lacks water — and can happen even to oily skin. Dehydrated skin often looks dull, feels tight, and shows fine ‘crepey’ lines that plump back up once water is restored.

Knowing which you're dealing with changes what you reach for: dry skin wants more nourishing oils and lipids; dehydrated skin wants water-binding humectants.

The barrier does the real work

Your skin's outer barrier is what holds water in. When it's intact — supported by lipids like ceramides — skin stays hydrated. When it's compromised by over-cleansing, harsh actives or weather, water escapes and skin feels dry and reactive no matter how much you drink.

So ‘hydration’ is really two jobs: drawing water into the skin (humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) and sealing it in (a moisturiser with barrier lipids).

Inside and out

Drinking enough water supports overall hydration, but you can't ‘drink your way’ to plump skin if the barrier is leaking — topical care matters just as much. Apply humectants to slightly damp skin, then seal with moisturiser, and avoid stripping cleansers and very hot showers.

If your skin feels persistently tight, flaky or reactive despite a good routine, it's worth having it assessed rather than layering on more product.

This page is general skin-wellness education, not medical advice. For anything health-related, speak to your GP; your skin is always assessed individually in a consultation with our qualified team.

Good to know

Common questions

What's the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?

Dry skin is a type that lacks oil; dehydrated skin is a temporary state that lacks water and can affect any skin type. Dehydrated skin looks dull and tight with fine lines that plump back once water is restored.

Does drinking more water hydrate my skin?

Staying well hydrated supports your skin, but water alone won't fix skin whose barrier is letting moisture escape. Topical humectants plus a barrier-supporting moisturiser do the day-to-day work of keeping skin hydrated.

Why does my skin feel tight after cleansing?

That tight, squeaky feeling usually means the cleanser has stripped natural oils and disrupted the barrier. Switch to a gentler cleanser and follow with a hydrating, barrier-supporting moisturiser.

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