3 Reasons Your Skin Just Won't Stay Hydrated, From Dermatologists

Dry skin is a skin type, but dehydrated skin is more of a skin situation. See, any skin type can experience increased dehydration, especially as the seasons shift to colder months. 

For oily skin types, a lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizer can be just the right fit—well, most of the time. Even oily skin types may need a heavier product to get by in the colder, drier months of the year. 

Rather than opting for a gel-like product, consider a gel cream—these products tend to include richer hydrators, like fatty acids and botanical oils, rather than quick-absorbing, water-based ingredients. These moisturizing players are classified as emollients and occlusives, helping to deeply nourish your skin's moisture barrier and keep it hydrated. 

You may even consider a category of moisturizers called barrier creams. "A barrier cream is a product used on the skin with the intention and function to create a physical barrier between the outermost layer of skin and the outside world," board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, M.D., told mbg about these products.

Using too hot water—like steamy showers—has the incredible ability to strip skin of its natural oils and lipids, thereby stealing from the skin its natural defense system.

Additionally, "Hot water evaporates faster," said board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, M.D., founder of Visha Skincare, so you don't have as long to trap in the droplets post-wash. 

Now, if your dry skin also feels irritated, inflamed, highly sensitive, and flushed, you may be dealing with a damaged skin barrier. 

This could happen for a number of reasons, from overdoing retinol and exfoliants, increased cold weather and wind, sun damage, allergic reactions, and so on. While physical signs may be the first to show up, they aren't the only reasons to address the compromise. 

"It protects us from mechanical injury, low humidity, cold, heat, sun, wind, chemical exposure, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens," board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., says about the barrier, adding that "a healthy barrier is critical to normal skin function."

In addition to layering moisture on your skin, consider pausing harsh topical treatments, like exfoliants and retinol, until your skin barrier feels aptly rehydrated. More tips on identifying and mending a damaged skin barrier here. 

Now, whether your lack of skin moisture is from your product lineup, water temperature, compromised barrier, or other factors, consider pairing your topical routine with hydrating skin supplements—look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and collagen (our top picks here).