Skin dehydration: The Main Culprits Behind Dehydrated Skin
Understanding how our skin works is a first step to take care of it.
We all want nourished, bright, and soft skin. However, this is not always possible because skin dehydration is a condition that appears very often in our bodies. In Sweden, there are specific variables that you should consider to prevent skin dehydration. Dehydrated skin isn't just about forgetting to drink water—it's a complex issue with multiple environmental, lifestyle, and product-related factors working against your skin's natural moisture balance. Understanding these culprits is the first step to achieving that healthy, hydrated glow.
What is skin dehydration?
Skin dehydration is a condition, according to researcher Zoe Diana Draelos in “Proper Skin Hydration and Barrier Function”. This condition happens when your skin barrier loses water, either for internal or external reasons. Your skin barrier is one in charge of regulating the dehydration of your body. Remember, your body needs water to function. In a way, your skin barrier helps retain useful water for your body. But if there are some internal or external anomalies, your skin won’t be able to maintain the necessary water. This is what is called “transepidermal water loss” (TEWL). Summarising, skin dehydration happens when your skin barrier can no longer “trap” water and prevent excessive loss.
Why does it happen?
There are many reasons for skin dehydration, mostly linked to lifestyle, environmental factors or genetics that you will find elaborated below.
Environmental Aggressors: Nature's Moisture Thieves
Sun and Heat Exposure
UV radiation doesn't just cause sunburn—it actively breaks down your skin's protective barrier, the stratum corneum, which is responsible for keeping moisture locked in¹. Research shows that prolonged sun exposure increases trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) by up to 25%, literally evaporating the water from your skin cells². Wind compounds this effect by creating additional moisture-wicking conditions, which is why your skin feels particularly tight after a day at the beach or hiking outdoors. Considering “Solar UV radiation reduces the barrier function of human skin” , this radiation may hurt the skin if you spend too much time outdoors. This means that if you expose your skin for many hours to the sun, it may end up dehydrated.
Indoor Climate Control
Modern life's conveniences come with a hidden cost. Air conditioning and heating systems create environments with humidity levels as low as 10-20%—far below the 40-60% your skin needs to maintain optimal hydration³. This constant exposure to dry indoor air disrupts your skin's natural moisture equilibrium, leading to that tight, uncomfortable feeling.
Lifestyle Factors: Internal Influences on Skin Health
Insufficient Hydration
When your body lacks adequate water intake, your skin is among the first organs to show signs of dehydration. The skin contains approximately 30% water, and when internal hydration drops, skin cells lose their plump, healthy structure⁴. Dermatologists recommend at least 8 glasses of water daily, but individual needs vary based on activity level and climate.
Hot Water and Over-Cleansing
That steamy shower might feel relaxing, but water temperatures above 37°C (98°F) strip away your skin's natural lipid barrier⁵. This protective layer, composed of ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, is essential for preventing moisture loss. Over-cleansing compounds this issue by removing beneficial oils your skin needs to retain water effectively.
Product-Related Dehydration: When Skincare Backfires
Harsh Chemical Ingredients
Alcohol-based products, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances can compromise your skin barrier function. Studies show that sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can increase TEWL by up to 20% even 24 hours after use⁶. These ingredients create microscopic gaps in your skin's protective layer, allowing precious moisture to escape.
Mismatched Product Choices
Using products not formulated for your skin type or climate can exacerbate dehydration. Heavy, occlusive moisturizers might clog pores in humid conditions, while lightweight formulas may be insufficient in dry environments.
Age-Related Changes: The Natural Evolution
Declining Barrier Function
As we age, our skin's ability to produce natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) and sebum decreases by approximately 10% per decade after age 30⁷. The skin barrier becomes thinner and less effective at preventing water loss, making mature skin more susceptible to dehydration.
The Solution: Gentle, Natural Nourishment
The key to combating dehydration lies in protecting and supporting your skin's natural barrier with gentle, nourishing ingredients. Organic, cold-pressed oils and upcycled botanicals work in harmony with your skin's natural processes, providing deep hydration without disrupting the delicate moisture balance.
Choose formulations that respect your skin's natural intelligence—products made with minimal processing that deliver concentrated nutrients while maintaining the integrity of your skin's protective barrier..
Gentle Summer Skincare Rituals
Morning Protection: Start with lightweight, nourishing products that won't feel heavy in the heat. Look for formulas with organic, cold-pressed oils that absorb quickly while providing deep nourishing, natural glow and are filled with vitamin C and antioxidants like our Radiance Face Serum.
Evening Recovery: After sun exposure, your skin needs gentle repair. Choose products with natural, upcycled ingredients that work in harmony with your skin's overnight renewal process. Moisturiser like The Gentle Face Cream is a good example of using these ingredients in Sweden. Specifically, using upcycle oats from Skåne, this natural cream repairs and hydrates the face skin. Combining different active ingredients the cream is effective against skin dehydration, giving a nourishing and calming sensation after application.
Monthly Treats: Incorporate gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and allow better absorption of hydrating products. Natural ingredients like upcycled coffee grounds provide effective yet gentle renewal.
Nourish from inside-out
Start with Your Water Bottle. True skin hydration begins internally. Water flushes toxins from your system and keeps skin cells plump and bouncy. When you're properly hydrated, your skin naturally glows from within.
Upgrade Your Hydration Game
Sip herbal teas like green tea or chamomile throughout the day—they deliver antioxidants while keeping you hydrated
Try cucumber and lemon water for an extra skin boost. The silica in cucumber strengthens your skin's structure while vitamin C from lemon supports collagen production
Remember: your skin reflects your hydration habits over time, not just what you drink today
Fill your diet with antioxidants and superfoods
The foundation of radiant, healthy skin starts with what you eat, not just what you apply topically. Scientific research shows that antioxidant-rich foods like berries and dark leafy greens can increase skin hydration by up to 9% and reduce wrinkles by 11%, while healthy fats from avocados and fatty fish improve skin elasticity and reduce inflammation by up to 40%. Water-rich vegetables like cucumbers provide silica for stronger skin structure, citrus fruits deliver essential vitamin C for collagen synthesis, and complete proteins from eggs support skin repair. The most effective approach combines these nutrient-dense foods consistently in a Mediterranean-style diet, which has been proven to improve overall skin health and reduce ageing signs more effectively than any single superfood alone, creating the perfect foundation that works synergistically with gentle, organic skincare routines.
Ready to glow this summer?Let us know your best tips in the comments :)
Sources:
Fluhr, J.W., et al. (2006). "Stratum corneum pH: formation and function of the 'acid mantle'." Exogenous Dermatology, 5(4), 201-211.
Diffey, B.L. (2002). "Sources and measurement of ultraviolet radiation." Methods, 28(1), 4-13.
Uter, W., et al. (2010). "Indoor air humidity and skin barrier function." Contact Dermatitis, 63(5), 242-251.
Verdier-Sévrain, S., & Bonté, F. (2007). "Skin hydration: a review on its molecular mechanisms." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 6(2), 75-82.
Ananthapadmanabhan, K.P., et al. (2004). "Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier." Dermatologic Therapy, 17(1), 16-25.
Agner, T., & Serup, J. (1990). "Sodium lauryl sulphate for irritant patch testing." Contact Dermatitis, 23(4), 292-294.
Ghadially, R., et al. (1995). "The aged epidermal permeability barrier." Archives of Dermatology, 131(11), 1291-1296.