Hydration Inside &Out: How to Prepare Your Skin for Summer

Part 2: Smart Layering, Real Hydration & What Truly Works

 

Summer is almost here in New Zealand and Australia — warmer days, salty swims, more time outdoors. But here’s a question many people ask:

“If I drink plenty of water… why is my skin still dry?”

The truth is simple: Hydration is a two-way system. Your skin needs moisture from the inside — and the outside — to stay soft, plump, and glowing in the summer heat.

Let’s explore how it really works.

 

1. Hydration vs. Nourishment: Do You Know the Difference?

People often say, “I need a more hydrating product,” but what they actually need might be:

• a humectant,
• an emollient,
• or an occlusive.

These three are NOT the same, but together, they create long-lasting moisture.

Humectants (water attractors)

These ingredients pull water into the skin. Common ones include:

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Glycerin (Rich Moisturizer)

Think of them as “water magnets”. But here’s the catch: 👉 Humectants need something on top otherwise the water evaporates again.

Emollients (softeners & smoothers)

These are oils and butters that refill the tiny gaps in the skin barrier. Examples:

• Marula Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Shea Butter

They make the skin feel comfortable and nourished.

Occlusives (the moisture seal)

These create a light protective film to prevent water from escaping. One of the best for summer is:

• Squalane (Rich Moisturizer)
• Beeswax

Why? Because it seals in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy perfect for warm NZ/AU weather.

 

2. How to Combine Products So Moisture Actually Stays In

Layering matters, a lot. Ever applied hyaluronic acid and felt even drier afterwards? That’s because humectants pull water… but if the air is dry (like indoors with AC), they can pull it out of your skin.

Here’s the golden rule:

Humectants → Moisturiser → Oil (optional)

This order ensures:

• water is drawn in,
• nourishment fills the barrier,
• moisture stays inside.

 

3. Drinking Water vs. Topical Hydration & What Actually Works?

You’ve heard it a million times: “Drink more water for glowing skin.”

But is it true?

Yes and no.

YES:

Your body needs water for general health, circulation, and cell function.

NO:

Drinking more water does not directly hydrate the outer layer of your skin.

Here’s a simple example:

👉 If drinking water could hydrate your skin, you wouldn’t need lip balm.

And yet, dry lips always need something on the surface.

The skin barrier prevents inside water from reaching the top layers, which is why topical hydration is essential.

 

So what really works?

• Drinking enough water ✔
• Eating hydrating foods ✔
• Using humectants + emollients + occlusives on the skin ✔✔✔
• Protecting your skin from TEWL ✔✔✔

Your summer glow needs both, inside and out.

 

4. A Simple Summer Hydration Routine (AM/PM)

A routine doesn’t need 10 steps. It just needs the right ones.

☀️ Morning Routine (Light, Fresh, Hydrating)

1. Face water — avoid stripping foams
2. Humectant step (light moisturiser) or serum
3. Nourishing moisturiser
4. 1–2 drops of oil to lock in hydration (if your moisturiser is too light)
5. SPF — essential in NZ/AU sun

🌙 Evening Routine (Repair & Moisture Retention)

1. Cleanse — remove sunscreen, makeup etc
2. Humectant-rich moisturiser or
3. Richer cream (Rich Moisturizer)
4. Oil layer (optional) (You can find it here and here)

 

 

 

Sources & Literature

1. Verdier-Sévrain, S., & Bonté, F. (2007). Skin hydration: a review on its molecular mechanisms. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
2. Proksch, E., Brandner, J.M., & Jensen, J.M. (2008). The skin: an indispensable barrier. Experimental Dermatology.
3. Rawlings, A.V. (2010). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Cosmetic Science and Technology.
4. Farris, P. (2014). Topical agents in the management of skin hydration. Dermatology Research and Practice.