Hydration

Dry or dehydrated?

Dry skin lacks oil; dehydrated skin lacks water. Oily skin can be dehydrated too, and often is, because harsh cleansers strip the water and the skin answers with more oil.

What actually helps

• Hyaluronic acid pulls water into the skin. Apply it to slightly damp skin and always follow with a moisturiser to seal it.
• Vitamin B5 (panthenol) soothes and helps the barrier hold on to water.
• Ceramides and glycerin rebuild the barrier so water stops escaping.
• A gentle, non-foaming cleanser. If your skin feels squeaky after washing, the cleanser is too strong.
• Sunscreen. Sun damage weakens the barrier and dehydrates skin.

A simple routine

Morning: gentle cleanser or just water, hydrating serum, moisturiser, sunscreen. Evening: cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturiser.

Quick tips

Drinking water helps your body, not your skin barrier. Shorter, cooler showers and a humidifier in air-conditioned rooms do more than you would think.