I know we sound like a bit of a broken record when medical professionals harp on about drinking water. But we honestly just can’t stress it enough. Beyond just drinking water though, what role does hydration really play in our skin health? It’s most likely playing a much bigger role than you think. From fine lines to flakiness, or that dull, ‘tired’ look, dehydration is often the silent culprit behind many common skin concerns. But it’s more complex than just sipping a few extra glasses of water.
Let’s explore the truth about hydration, how it impacts your skin from the inside out, and what you can do to truly support your skin barrier.
Dehydrated skin is a condition where the skin lacks water, not oil. This means that even oily skin types can be dehydrated. Dehydration is often confused with dry skin, but where dry skin is a skin type (meaning it produces less sebum), dehydration is a condition that can affect any skin type and is usually caused by external factors, internal imbalances, or a compromised skin barrier.
Yes — and it’s more common than you think. When your skin is dehydrated, it can overcompensate by producing excess sebum (oil) to try and protect itself. This overproduction, combined with sluggish cell turnover and a weakened barrier, can lead to clogged pores, congestion, and acne.
Additionally, dehydration affects the skin’s natural desquamation process (the shedding of dead skin cells). When this slows down, dead skin builds up on the surface, creating the perfect environment for breakouts and inflammation.
If you’ve been piling on exfoliants and acne treatments but still experiencing breakouts and irritation, you might actually be making the problem worse by stripping your skin of all hydration!!
Staying hydrated internally is essential. We all need to aim for at least 2 litres of water per day, and even more if active, pregnant or breastfeeding, or consuming dehydrating beverages like coffee or alcohol.
But it’s not enough to drink water alone. Your skin needs topical hydration to lock in moisture and support its barrier function.
Pay extra attention to this if you’re exposed to dry air, air conditioning, sun, wind, or skincare actives like retinoids or acids… which is basically everyone in Australia ever.
A naturally occurring sugar molecule that binds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain plumpness.
A humectant that mimics the skin’s natural moisturising factors and helps attract and retain moisture.
Lipids that hold skin cells together and reinforce the skin’s barrier. Essential for preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).
Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils that balance sebum production while sealing in hydration.
Not only improves hydration but also regulates oil production, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier.
✔ Avoid harsh cleansers that strip the skin — opt for a gentle, creamy or oil-based cleanser
✔ Limit hot showers, which can disrupt your barrier
✔ Exfoliate sparingly — no more than once a week if you’re dehydrated
✔ Layer your products from thinnest to thickest — serum before moisturiser
✔ Use a humidifier at home if you’re exposed to air conditioning or heating
✔ Finish with a nourishing face oil to lock in moisture and support repair
Nothing beats a personalised consultation and treatment plan tailored to your skin’s unique needs. Especially if you’re sick of the guesswork and product trialling. At PMAC, our team of doctors, nurses and dermal clinicians will assess your skin in detail and create a plan that actually works for you.
If you don’t have time to come in, here are some products we love, available online. You can buy them on our website for a convenient click and collect!
Hydration Booster from The Skincare Company (apply directly, or mix in with your other serums). $145
Hydrating Moisturiser from The Skincare Company (apply morning and night). $140
B5 (Hyaluronic Acid) Serum from The Skincare Company (apply morning). $145
5/12 Highfields Circuit, Port Macquarie
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