In skincare, we often use the terms “moisturizing” and “hydration” interchangeably, although they actually refer to two different processes.
Skin hydration involves replenishing and maintaining optimal water levels in the stratum corneum of the epidermis, which directly impacts its elasticity, firmness, and healthy tone. Moisturizing, on the other hand, creates an occlusive barrier on the skin's surface that prevents excessive water loss—known as TEWL (transepidermal water loss).
Why is this distinction so important? Because we can have well-moisturized skin yet suffer from dehydration. Dehydrated skin loses its radiance, ages faster, and is more susceptible to irritation. Furthermore, this problem affects not only dry skin— combination or oily skin can also become dehydrated , especially as a result of improper care, air conditioning, or UV radiation.
In this article, I'll show you how to recognize dehydrated skin, how to effectively hydrate it from the inside and out, and what mistakes can sabotage your skincare efforts.
How to recognize dehydrated skin?
Skin dehydration is a temporary condition in which the stratum corneum of the epidermis lacks adequate water. Unlike dry skin, which results from genetic predisposition or a chronic disruption of the hydrolipid barrier, dehydration can affect any skin type, including oily and acne-prone skin.
The most common symptoms of dehydrated skin:
- feeling of tightness , especially after washing the face,
- roughness and slight flaking ,
- fine dehydration wrinkles visible when smiling or making facial expressions,
- loss of natural glow – the skin looks “ dull ” and tired,
- increased sensitivity and tendency to irritation.
Factors contributing to skin dehydration:
- external – exposure to sun, frost, wind, air conditioning, heating, air pollution,
- internal – insufficient hydration of the body, a diet poor in healthy fats and antioxidants, stress, sleep deprivation, chronic diseases.
It's important not to confuse dehydrated skin with dry skin – in the former, the key is to supply water and retain it in the epidermis, while in the latter, it's to restore the lipid deficiencies in the hydrolipid barrier. Correctly diagnosing the problem is the first step to an effective skincare plan.
Hydrating the skin from the inside – the role of diet and lifestyle
Although we often focus on cosmetics in skincare, effective skin hydration starts from the inside . Our skin, like all body tissues, is largely composed of water. It's responsible for proper cell function, elasticity, firmness, and a healthy complexion. Without sufficient hydration, even the best moisturizer won't be fully effective, as the hydrolipid barrier in the epidermis won't have anything to "hold" in place.
Proper hydration of the body
The simplest and most important step is drinking water regularly . An adult should consume an average of 2–2.5 liters per day, with this need increasing in hot weather, during intense physical activity, or in heated or air-conditioned rooms.
It is worth remembering that hydration is not only about the amount of water drunk, but also about the way it is delivered :
- drink in small sips throughout the day, not large amounts at once,
- avoid long breaks without drinking,
- include medium-mineralized water, which provides valuable electrolytes.
Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) are responsible for maintaining water and electrolyte balance, and their deficiency can lead to dry skin, fatigue, and loss of firmness. Therefore, during intense exercise or high temperatures, it's worth drinking water with added natural electrolytes or sugar-free isotonic drinks.
A diet rich in ingredients that support skin hydration
Skin hydration is supported not only by water, but also by a proper diet , which provides ingredients that facilitate the retention of moisture in the epidermis and protect cells from damage.
Key elements of a skin hydration diet:
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids rebuild the hydrolipid barrier and reduce TEWL (transepidermal water loss). They can be found in oily marine fish, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, and sunflower seeds.
- Antioxidants – neutralize free radicals that can damage skin proteins and lipids, weakening its ability to retain water. Rich sources include blueberries, strawberries, green tea, cocoa, green and orange vegetables.
- Foods with high water content – fresh fruits and vegetables, e.g. watermelon, cucumber, tomato, pepper, orange.
- Protein – supports collagen and elastin production, thus maintaining skin elasticity. It's worth reaching for lean meats, fish, dairy products, and legumes.
Factors that impair skin hydration
To effectively hydrate your skin, you also need to avoid factors that contribute to its drying from the inside :
- excess alcohol – has a diuretic effect, increasing the loss of water from the body,
- high caffeine consumption – coffee and strong tea in excess can also accelerate dehydration,
- a diet low in healthy fats – the lack of lipids in the diet weakens the skin's protective barrier,
- high levels of simple sugars – intensifies the glycation of skin proteins and weakens its protective function.
Expert tip: If you want to maintain a healthy level of skin hydration, follow the "inside & outside hydration" principle - maintain a daily fluid balance and a diet rich in antioxidants, and at the same time use cosmetics with humectants and emollients.
Hydrating the skin from the outside – cosmetics and active ingredients
For effective skin hydration, drinking adequate amounts of water and eating a healthy diet isn't enough. The epidermis acts as a barrier, naturally restricting water from entering the skin in both directions . This means that even if you drink enough fluids, your skin can lose moisture through transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Therefore, in care it is crucial to provide ingredients that:
- attract and bind water in the stratum corneum (humectants),
- rebuild the lipid barrier (emollients),
- they create a protective layer that limits water loss (occlusion).
Humectants – water magnets
Humectants are highly hygroscopic substances that bind water in the epidermis. They can act in two ways: they draw moisture from the air or "attract" it from the deeper layers of the skin.
The most effective humectants for skin hydration:
- Hyaluronic acid – comes in various molecular weights; low molecular weight penetrates deeper and hydrates, high molecular weight works on the surface, creating a protective film.
- Glycerin – one of the most universal and stable humectants, well tolerated even by sensitive skin.
- Betaine – naturally occurring in sugar beet, soothes irritations and regulates cell water balance.
- Trehalose and sorbitol – protect cells against oxidative stress and support water binding.
Beautician's tip: For humectants to be truly effective, it's best to apply them to slightly damp skin and then seal in the moisture with a layer of emollients.
Emollients – rebuilding the lipid barrier
Emollients fill the intercellular spaces in the stratum corneum, strengthening the skin's protective barrier and reducing water loss. They are particularly important for dry and sensitive skin, but all skin types benefit from them.
Examples of plant emollients:
- Oils rich in EFAs – sesame oil,
- Vegetable butters – shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter.
- Squalane – a light emollient from olives or sugar cane, well tolerated by oily skin.
Emollients not only protect but also increase the elasticity of the skin, making it soft and smooth.
Occlusive substances – a shield protecting moisture
Occlusion involves the creation of a delicate film on the skin's surface that limits water loss. In natural cosmetics, this function can be performed by, among others:
- vegetable waxes (e.g. jojoba wax, candelilla wax),
- natural resins and plant gums (acacia gum, Caesalpinia Spinosa gums),
- vegetable lanolin.
Occlusion is often combined with humectants and emollients in one cosmetic to provide multi-level skin hydration.
Multifunctional cosmetics – synergy of ingredients
The best results are achieved by using cosmetics that combine humectants, emollients, and occlusive substances . This not only moisturizes the skin but also protects it from water loss.
Examples of plant ingredients that support skin hydration:
- Tremella fuciformis – so-called "plant hyaluronic acid", binds water more effectively than high molecular weight HA, giving the skin a silky smoothness.
- Date extract – improves elasticity and the skin's ability to retain moisture.
- Aloe – moisturizes, soothes and supports regeneration.
- Reishi – an adaptogen that strengthens the skin’s protective barrier and reduces water loss.
Expert tip: If your skin is severely dehydrated, incorporate a serum with humectants into your routine, followed by an emollient-rich cream. During periods of increased water loss (winter, summer, air conditioning), additionally use moisturizing masks 2–3 times a week.
A proper skincare routine to support skin hydration
Hydrating your skin is a multi-step process that requires consistency and the right product selection. It's not just about what you apply to your skin, but also the order in which you apply it . With a well-planned routine, you can effectively retain moisture in the epidermis and rebuild the hydrolipid barrier.
Gentle cleansing – the first step to skin hydration
Proper skin cleansing is the foundation of all skincare. Harsh detergents (e.g., SLS, SLES) can strip away natural lipids, increasing TEWL and exacerbating dehydration.
How to cleanse your skin to avoid drying it out:
- Choose gentle cleansing agents – gels, foams and emulsions with plant-based surfactants, e.g. Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate.
- Use the double cleansing method when using makeup or UV filters – first a cleansing oil or balm, then an SLS-free gel.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water – hot water dissolves protective lipids, accelerating water loss from the epidermis.
I recommend: Orientana foam and oil
Applying serum or essence to slightly damp skin
Humectants work best when the skin is slightly damp. This allows them to bind to water already present on the skin's surface.
Steps:
- After cleansing, pat your face dry with a towel, leaving minimal moisture.
- Apply serum with hyaluronic acid, betaine or trehalose .
- You can also use a tonic essence with humectants, e.g. aloe vera, tremella or date extract, to "enrich" the moisture level before applying the cream.
Layering cosmetics – the “sandwich” method
The "sandwich" method involves layering: humectant → emollient → occlusive. This is especially important for severely dehydrated skin or during winter and summer periods when TEWL is higher.
Routine example:
- Moisturizing serum with humectants, e.g. Hydro Tremella serum
- Cream with emollients (vegetable oils, butter, squalane).
- An additional protective layer – e.g. barrier cream or night mask.
UV protection – an ally in skin hydration
UV radiation damages the lipids in the stratum corneum and the structural proteins of the skin, which weakens its ability to retain water. Therefore, photoprotection is crucial for skin hydration.
- Use SPF 30–50 sunscreen every day, all year round.
- Choose mineral or mixed filters if you have sensitive skin.
- Remember to reapply every 2-3 hours if exposed to the sun.
Additional treatments to support skin hydration
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Moisturizing masks – 2-3 times a week, preferably in the evening, so that the skin can regenerate while you sleep.
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Moisturizing mists – for use during the day, especially in air-conditioned rooms.
I recommend our Rose Tonic in mist form.
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Office treatments – oxygen infusion, needle-free mesotherapy with hyaluronic acid or trehalose.
Expert tip: Remember that hydrating your skin is a continuous process – applying a moisturizing mask once a week isn't enough. The key is a daily skincare routine that combines hydration from the inside and out .
Mistakes that sabotage skin hydration
Many people complain that despite regularly using moisturizers, their skin still feels rough, tight, and lackluster. Often, the cause isn't a lack of appropriate cosmetics, but rather habits that make it difficult to maintain proper skin hydration . Here are the most common:
Using cosmetics with a high concentration of denatured alcohol
Denatured alcohol (Alcohol Denat.) in large quantities can severely degrease the skin and disrupt the hydrolipid barrier, which increases TEWL. As a result, the skin loses water more quickly and becomes susceptible to irritation.
How to avoid this: choose cosmetics that contain low levels of alcohol or are combined with a large amount of moisturizing substances.
Excessive skin exfoliation
Mechanical and chemical peels used too frequently can lead to a weakening of the protective barrier and a loss of the skin's ability to retain moisture.
How to avoid this: Exfoliate 1–2 times a week for oily skin, and every 10–14 days for dry or sensitive skin. Always use a regenerating and occlusive product after exfoliating.
No sun protection
UV radiation is one of the main factors accelerating skin aging and deepening dehydration. It damages lipids, collagen, and elastin, making the skin less able to retain water.
How to avoid it: Use SPF 30-50 sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather.
Washing your face with hot water
Hot water dissolves natural protective lipids and increases water loss from the epidermis.
How to avoid this: use lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.
Lack of protection of humectants with a layer of emollients
Applying only a serum with hyaluronic acid without "sealing" it with a cream may paradoxically increase dehydration, especially in dry air - humectants will start to draw water from the deeper layers of the skin.
How to avoid this: always use an occlusive-emollient cosmetic after applying humectants.
Neglecting body hydration
Hydrating your skin is a process that starts from the inside. A lack of adequate water in your diet will make even the best external skincare less effective.
How to avoid it: drink 2–2.5 liters of fluids a day and include foods rich in water and electrolytes in your diet.
Expert tip: Skin needs time to rebuild its protective barrier. Even after correcting these mistakes, the moisturizing effects may not be visible until 2–4 weeks of regular, proper care.
Effective plant ingredients for skin hydration – a cosmetologist's perspective
More and more people are seeking natural ingredients in their skincare routine that effectively bind water in the epidermis, rebuild the hydrolipid barrier, and protect the skin from moisture loss. Natural moisturizing ingredients are distinguished by their multifaceted action – they not only hydrate but also provide antioxidants, vitamins, and polysaccharides that support healthy-looking skin.
Below are four ingredients with proven effectiveness that are increasingly being used in plant-based cosmetics to moisturize the skin .
Tremella fuciformis – plant-based hyaluronic acid
Tremella, known as the "silver ear" or "snow mushroom", is a source of natural polysaccharides with a structure capable of binding water similarly or even more effectively than traditional high molecular weight hyaluronic acid.
- Binds water molecules in the stratum corneum, providing long-lasting hydration.
- It creates a silky, breathable protective layer on the skin surface.
- Strengthens elasticity and reduces skin roughness.
Studies have shown that Tremella extract increases skin hydration by up to 28% after 4 weeks of regular use , making it one of the most effective natural moisturizing ingredients .
Reishi – an adaptogen that supports the skin barrier
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been valued in Asian medicine for hundreds of years. It is used in cosmetology for its strengthening and regenerating properties on the skin barrier.
- Contains beta-glucans, which improve the skin's ability to bind water.
- It has an antioxidant effect, neutralizing free radicals.
- Supports skin regeneration under the influence of environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution.
Regular use of plant-based skin care products with Reishi helps maintain skin balance and reduces the risk of dehydration.
Vegetable glycerin – a classic in a natural version
Vegetable glycerin is one of the most commonly used humectants in cosmetology, but its origin matters. Derived from vegetable oils (e.g., coconut, soybean), it is fully biodegradable and safe for sensitive skin.
- Binds water in the epidermis, preventing it from evaporating.
- Improves skin softness and smoothness.
- Enhances the action of other active ingredients in the cosmetic formula.
In natural cosmetics, vegetable glycerin is often combined with plant extracts, which increases their effectiveness in long-term skin hydration.
Trehalose – a protective sugar
Trehalose is a natural disaccharide that, in the plant world, protects cells from water loss during drought. It has a similar effect in hydrating cosmetics:
- Stabilizes cell structures, protecting them from dehydration.
- Neutralizes free radicals and protects against oxidative stress.
- Supports the regeneration of skin exposed to extreme temperatures and dry air.
Trehalose is an ideal ingredient for people who want to not only hydrate, but also protect their skin against future moisture loss .
Expert tip: For best results, use cosmetics that combine several natural moisturizing ingredients. This synergistic formula hydrates the skin on multiple levels and provides protection from environmental factors.
Summary – A Holistic Approach to Skin Hydration
Hydrating your skin is a process that requires both internal and external action. Drinking enough water, eating a diet rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, and avoiding dehydrating factors are the foundation for healthy, supple, and radiant skin.
External skincare should be based on natural moisturizing ingredients such as Tremella, Reishi, vegetable glycerin, and trehalose, which work on multiple levels—binding water in the epidermis, rebuilding the hydrolipid barrier, and protecting against excessive moisture loss. A combination of humectants, emollients, and occlusives in your daily routine guarantees effective skin hydration.
The key is regularity and tailoring your skincare routine to your skin's needs. Even the best cream or serum won't deliver the full benefits if used sporadically or without proper hydration.
Expert conclusion: A holistic approach – combining hydration from the inside with care rich in plant ingredients – is the best strategy for healthy, firm and radiant skin all year round.
If you're looking to incorporate effective plant-based skincare products into your skincare routine, consider formulas with Tremella, Reishi, vegetable glycerin, and trehalose. You'll find them at Orientana – natural moisturizers that will provide your skin with long-lasting hydration, protection, and a radiant appearance.
