Dr Tanya’s 7 Tips for Soothing Dry or Dehydrated Skin

Struggling with tight, rough, or dull-looking skin? Did you come here seeking answers when you got ‘Dry & Dehydrated’ as your Skin Quiz result? 

Don’t panic – you're not alone.

Whether it’s from seasonal changes like the onset of winter, an underlying skin condition, or (most commonly) using the wrong products in your morning-to-night skincare ritual, dehydrated skin can be incredibly frustrating.

We asked Dr Tanya about her top tips for dealing with dryness and which products she recommends for effective, long-lasting results.

Before diving into the solutions, let's distinguish between dry and dehydrated skin (yes, there are some subtle differences, though of course it’s possible to have both).

Dry skin lacks oil, resulting in a dull and flaky appearance, while dehydrated skin lacks water, leading to tightness and roughness. Both conditions need targeted care to restore moisture balance and promote a healthy complexion.

Not sure if dry skin sounds right for your skin type? Determine your skin type using a quick at-home test you can do yourself.

There are plenty of dry or dehydrated skin causes like lifestyle factors (hello, stress) and harsh cleansers or exfoliators (a major culprit). Another big reason is seasonal changes.

Winter skincare is often the most challenging because it’s so tricky to balance:

• Exfoliation (keep it up, but don’t dry out your skin more!)
• Hydration (you need more than usual, but don’t clog your pores!)
• Excess heat (shed a tear for those deliciously long, hot showers)

Sometimes, though, dry skin could be caused by another underlying skin condition. If you still don’t see improvements after implementing Dr Tanya’s tips below, we recommend you consult a dermatologist, or even chat with your GP first, to find some answers.

Now, let’s get into it with Dr Tanya’s first tip!

Related: Battling Dry Skin? Here’s How to Quench the Thirst

While dry skin might prompt us to reach for the thickest, creamiest, most ingredient-filled moisturiser on the shelves, Dr Tanya recommends starting with something else.

“Optimal skin hydration starts from the inside out,” she says. “Real hydration that comes from water and water-rich foods is essential for your skin elasticity, and for promoting a radiant complexion.”

So, while it might sound basic, the best way to start combatting dehydrated skin is to drink more water. Dr Tanya swears by these little life hacks:

• Upgrade your water bottle: Try investing in a larger water bottle, or place multiple water bottles strategically around the house. This makes accessing water much easier.
• Set a reminder: Simple yet effective. Set a series of reminders (your smartphone calendar works well) to take a drink of water.
• Eat water-dense foods: Include foods with high water volume in your diet, like cucumber, watermelon, celery, oranges, skim milk, plain yoghurt, and broth-based soups.

Related: Top 5 Foods for Skin Health

Harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness and irritation. 

At our Skin Clinic in Hope Island, one of the main questions we ask women who come in about dry skin is: are you using a foam cleanser?

Often, the answer is yes, and it’s probably just because there are so many reasonably-priced foam cleansers on the market.

But Dr Tanya says foam cleansers are a big NO when it comes to dehydrated skin products, mainly because they usually contain additional ingredients that dry out your skin.

Instead, opt for gentle oil or cream-based cleansers that effectively remove impurities without compromising the skin's moisture barrier. 

Look for ingredients like glycerin and lactic acid to help replenish hydration. 

Hint: the Miracle Cream Cleanser has both of these, plus a carefully-curated formula of other ultra-hydrating and cleansing ingredients.

For a lot of us, exfoliating when you’re dealing with dry or dehydrated skin can feel wrong. ‘My skin is already rough or scaly, I can’t scrub it!’

Correct – you shouldn’t scrub or over-exfoliate your skin (this isn’t just specific to dry skin sufferers!). You should, however, incorporate regular, gentle exfoliation into your skincare ritual.

Why? Because regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, revealing fresh, radiant skin underneath. 

It’s essential to work with the right products, like a facial exfoliating brush, to ensure you’re not stripping your skin’s moisture barrier further.

Opt for gentle exfoliating products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or enzymes to slough away dull skin without causing irritation.

Our recommendation: Try Dr Tanya's NuSonic Facial Exfoliator, designed to gently remove dead skin build-up for a brighter, smoother complexion. You can use this with your cleanser for a dual cleansing-exfoliating step that streamlines your ritual.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a powerhouse ingredient for dehydrated skin. It’s a bit of a celebrity around the Dr Tanya digs. If you’re searching for the best dehydrated skin products, hyaluronic acid serum should also take centre stage in your skincare routine.

So, what makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating?

Known for its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the skin, plumping and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

This tip may seem obvious, but it can’t be overstated: Consistent moisturising is key to maintaining smooth and supple skin. 

Dr Tanya implores anyone dealing with dehydrated skin to invest in a high-quality dry skin moisturiser, which helps to replenish lost moisture and strengthen the skin's natural barrier. 

Look for products enriched with nourishing ingredients such as: 

• Ceramides
• Shea butter
• Natural oils like Holy Basil and Jojoba Seed Oil
• Squalane

Application morning and night is ample for most people, but if your skin is feeling tight or rough throughout the day, try applying a light layer around lunchtime as well.

If you’re like us and you just don’t have time for separate AM and PM moisturisers, the Holy Basil Day & Night Cream is for you. 

It’s lightweight (perfect for pre-makeup in the morning) but also rich enough to provide that much-needed soothing, flexible feel. 

Enriched with vital skin-transforming components, Dr Tanya's day and night moisturiser is meticulously crafted to rejuvenate skin, boost hydration, and effectively address signs of ageing.

There’s nothing better than a rejuvenating, relaxing, effective clinic treatment. From cosmelan peels to laser therapy and even the famous ‘vampire facials’, clinical skin treatments are incredible at diving deep into your skin concerns and achieving real results quickly.

But the treatment shouldn’t stop at the clinic.

“Treatments like peels can leave your skin a little inflamed afterwards, especially if you have dry or dehydrated skin,” Dr Tanya tells us. “It’s not damaging, but it can be uncomfortable if you don’t have the right recovery products at home.”

There’s a reason the Luxe Recovery Gel is a bestseller. Its unique formula is designed to reduce redness and inflammation while revitalising and hydrating your skin, revealing a smoother, more nourished complexion. 

Packed with Vitamin B, it attracts water into the skin, promotes healing, and fights acne for a radiant glow.

Finally, if you're still struggling to manage dry or dehydrated skin despite your best efforts, consider seeking professional guidance from a dermatologist. 

A dermatologist can assess your skin condition, identify any underlying issues, and recommend tailored treatments or skincare products to address your specific concerns.

While we all believe in the scientific, doctor-formulated effectiveness of Dr Tanya’s incredible products, an underlying skin condition may require more targeted medical-grade treatment.

Don’t wait until you have a potential reaction to something – if your dehydrated skin or facial dry skin patches are starting to interrupt your daily life, it’s time for the pros to take charge.

Did you know that you can now shop by skin concern on the Dr Tanya online store? We’ve curated the best products for a range of common skin concerns like Dry & Dehydrated, which includes the:

• Holy Basil Face Serum
• Holy Basil Day & Night Cream
• Luxe Recovery Gel
• Hyaluronic Acid Serum

So go on, your top products are ready and waiting for you in one easy, effective, magical dry skincare ritual. Happy hydrating!