Why does my skin feel so dry? (And how to fix it)

When your skin feels tight, rough, flaky or uncomfortable, it's a sign that something in your skin's moisture balance isn't functioning as it should.

Dry skin is one of the most common skincare concerns we see, affecting people of all ages and skin types. The challenge is that dry skin isn't always caused by the same thing. Seasonal changes, ageing, hormones, skincare habits, active ingredients and even your environment can all play a role and because the causes vary, the solution isn't always the same.

Understanding why your skin feels dry is the first step in choosing the right products and ingredients and restoring a healthy, comfortable, well-hydrated complexion.

Dry skin or dehydrated skin?

Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they are actually two different concerns.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is a skin type. It naturally produces less oil (sebum) than normal skin, making it more prone to roughness, flaking and discomfort.

Common signs include:

  • Rough or flaky patches
  • Skin that feels tight after cleansing
  • Dullness
  • Fine lines that appear more noticeable
  • A lack of natural radiance

Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition caused by a lack of water within the skin.

Unlike dry skin, anyone can experience dehydration, including those with oily or combination skin.

Common signs include:

  • Tightness
  • Dullness
  • Increased sensitivity
  • More visible fine lines
  • Skin that feels both oily and dry at the same time

Expert tip: Skin can be both dry and dehydrated at the same time. This is particularly common during winter and throughout perimenopause and menopause.

Why does skin become dry?

There is rarely one single cause. In most cases, several factors contribute to dryness.

Ageing

As we age, our skin naturally produces less oil. Cell turnover slows, the skin barrier becomes less efficient and moisture is lost more easily.

This is one reason why skin often feels drier in our 40s, 50s and beyond than it did in our 20s and 30s.

Perimenopause and Menopause

For many women, hormonal changes can have a dramatic impact on the skin.

As oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate and decline, the skin produces less oil, collagen and hyaluronic acid. These are all essential for maintaining hydration, firmness and resilience.

Many women notice:

  • Increased dryness
  • Tightness
  • Loss of plumpness
  • More visible fine lines
  • Increased sensitivity
  • Skin that suddenly feels different to how it did previously

For some women, skin that was once oily or combination can begin feeling noticeably drier during perimenopause and menopause.

Weather and Seasonal Changes

Cold temperatures, wind and indoor heating can all strip moisture from the skin.

Winter is often when dryness becomes most noticeable because humidity levels are lower and the skin loses water more quickly.

Over-Exfoliation

Using strong exfoliants too frequently can compromise the skin barrier.

When this protective barrier becomes weakened, moisture escapes more easily and irritation can develop.

Common culprits include:

  • Overuse of scrubs
  • Excessive use of AHAs and BHAs
  • Using multiple active ingredients together

Harsh Cleansers

Some cleansers remove not only dirt and impurities but also the natural oils that help keep skin comfortable and protected.

If your skin feels tight immediately after cleansing, your cleanser may be too harsh for your skin.

The skin barrier: why it matters

Your skin barrier is your body's first line of defence.

Made up of skin cells, natural oils and lipids, it helps lock moisture in while protecting against environmental stressors.

When the skin barrier becomes compromised, moisture escapes more easily and the skin can become:

  • Dry
  • Sensitive
  • Red
  • Irritated
  • More reactive than usual

Supporting the skin barrier is often one of the most effective ways to improve dry skin.

How to fix dry skin

Step 1: Switch to a gentle cleanser

Choose a cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Look for:

  • Cream cleansers
  • Milk cleansers
  • Hydrating cleansers

Avoid cleansing with very hot water, which can further dehydrate the skin.

Step 2: Increase hydration

Hydrating ingredients help attract and retain water within the skin.

Look for:

  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Glycerin
  • Polyglutamic Acid
  • Marine extracts

Apply hydrating serums immediately after cleansing while the skin is still slightly damp.

Step 3: Strengthen the skin barrier

Barrier-supporting ingredients help reduce moisture loss and improve skin comfort.

Look for:

  • Ceramides
  • Niacinamide
  • Peptides
  • Squalane
  • Essential fatty acids

These ingredients help reinforce the skin's natural protective barrier and improve long-term hydration.

Step 4: Use a nourishing moisturiser

Moisturisers help seal hydration into the skin and prevent moisture loss throughout the day.

Look for moisturisers that contain:

  • Ceramides
  • Shea Butter
  • Squalane
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Peptides
  • Collagen

Dry skin often benefits from richer textures than oily skin.

Step 5: Don't skip SPF

UV exposure can weaken the skin barrier and accelerate moisture loss.

Daily sunscreen helps protect the skin while supporting long-term skin health.

The best ingredients for dry skin

Hyaluronic Acid

A powerful humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping it appear plumper and more hydrated.

Ceramides

Help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

Peptides

Support skin repair and help improve firmness and resilience.

Niacinamide

Helps improve barrier function while reducing redness and sensitivity.

Squalane

A lightweight lipid that helps soften and nourish dry skin without feeling heavy.

Common mistakes that make dry skin worse

  • Over-cleansing
  • Using water that is too hot
  • Over-exfoliating
  • Skipping moisturiser
  • Not wearing SPF
  • Using too many active ingredients at once
  • Ignoring early signs of barrier damage

When skin feels dry, the goal isn't simply to add more moisturiser.

The most effective approach is to understand why your skin is dry, restore hydration, strengthen the skin barrier and choose ingredients that support your skin's changing needs.

Healthy, comfortable, hydrated skin isn't about using more products. It's about using the right products for your skin.