Repairing the skin barrier: recognize the damage and repair it step by step

• The difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin
• How to recognize dehydrated skin
• What are the causes of dehydrated skin
• What does dehydrated skin need
• Practical tips for dehydrated skin
• How long does it take to restore dehydrated skin
• Frequently asked questions

• Dehydrated skin lacks water, not oil, and can occur in any skin type.
• Dry skin is a skin type; dehydrated skin is a temporary condition.
• You can recognize it by a tight, dull feeling, sometimes while the skin simultaneously looks shiny.
• Recovery depends on three things: attracting moisture, retaining moisture, and supporting the barrier.
• With a gentle routine, you will often see improvement within just a few days to two weeks.

Dry and dehydrated skin are often confused, but they are two different things. Dry skin is a skin type. Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that anyone can have.

You can have both at the same time. Skin that is both dry and unable to retain enough moisture is dry and dehydrated.

Dehydrated skin often shows these signs.

• A tight feeling, especially after cleansing
• A dull, tired complexion
• Fine lines that appear more quickly than usual
• Your skin feels dry, but may also look shiny or greasy
• Makeup absorbs into the skin or doesn't sit well

A quick self-test. Gently pinch your cheek. If fine lines appear and then disappear, this is often a sign of dehydrated skin. If your entire face continuously feels sallow and rough, you probably have a dry skin type.

Dehydrated skin is usually caused by external factors, not your skin type.

• Dry air from air conditioning, heating, or cold weather
• Cleansing too often or using water that is too hot
• Using too many exfoliants or harsh active ingredients
• Not drinking enough water, or consuming too much caffeine or alcohol
• A damaged skin barrier, which allows moisture to evaporate more easily

It is often a combination of factors. The key is to put less stress on your skin and retain moisture more effectively.

Dehydrated skin needs three things. Attracting moisture, retaining moisture, and supporting the barrier. Only hydrating without the other two often only works for a short time.

1. Cleanse gently. Avoid hot water and harsh cleansers.
2. Apply moisture with humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
3. Lock in the moisture with emollients such as squalane, and support the barrier with ceramides and niacinamide.
4. Be sparing with exfoliants during recovery.

The ingredients that help with this work in three ways. Humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin attract water. Emollients such as squalane soften the skin and retain moisture by limiting evaporation. Barrier supporters such as ceramides and niacinamide repair the protective layer, so moisture does not escape. The combination of all three is more effective than hydrating alone. In Barrier+ you can see this structure reflected: hyaluronic acid in three molecular sizes, glycerin and ectoine attract water, squalane locks it in, and ceramides and niacinamide support the barrier.

• Apply humectants to slightly damp skin, then immediately seal them in with your cream. This draws moisture into the skin rather than allowing it to escape.
• Consider using a humidifier if the air indoors is dry due to heating or air conditioning.
• Protect your skin during the day with sunscreen, as UV rays put extra strain on sensitive skin.

Because a dehydrated skin condition is temporary, you will often see improvement within just a few days to two weeks with the right skincare. Keep your routine gentle and consistent. If your skin remains tight, dull, or irritated after a few weeks, consult a skincare professional or doctor.

You can recognize a dehydrated skin by a tight, dull feeling that is independent of your skin type. With a gentle routine, humectants and a cream that supports the barrier, you can often quickly restore balance to your skin.

If you want to support your skin with this daily, the Syrene Barrier+ Cream was developed for that purpose. The cream combines niacinamide, five ceramides, ectoin and squalane to support the skin barrier, so that your skin retains moisture better.

If you want to know more about your skin's protective layer, also read how to repair your skin barrier.