Why Skin Loses Moisture — and How to Keep It Hydrated This Summer

Part 1: Hydration & Preparing Your Skin for the Warmer Months

 

Summer in New Zealand and Australia is beautiful.

Long days, warm weather, salty beaches. But for your skin? It can be a challenge.

 

Have you ever wondered why your skin feels tight, flaky, or rough even though you’re drinking enough water? Or why your moisturiser “stops working” once the temperatures rise?

The answer lies in one key process: how your skin loses water. Let’s break it down simply, scientifically, and in a way your skin will thank you for.

 

Your Skin Is Dehydrating… Even While You Sleep

Yes, even when you’re not sweating or out in the sun, your skin is constantly losing water. This is normal. But during summer, hot showers, UV exposure, salty water, and air-conditioning increase that water loss dramatically.

So the big question is…

How do we stop this moisture escape and keep the skin soft, balanced, and glowing?

 

1. What Is TEWL — And Why Should You Care?

TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss) is a scientific term that simply means:

👉 How much water naturally evaporates from your skin into the air.

Your skin barrier — especially the outermost layer (the stratum corneum) — works like a beautiful brick wall:

• Skin cells = bricks
• Lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids) = mortar

When this “wall” is strong, water stays inside. When it’s damaged, cracked, or weakened, water escapes faster… leaving your skin dry, dull, sensitive, or irritated.

 

What increases TEWL?

• Hot air
• Wind
• Sun exposure
• Air-conditioning
• Salty or chlorinated water
• Harsh cleansers
• Over-exfoliation
• Long, hot showers

 

Sound familiar?

 

2. Ceramides, Oils & Skin Barrier Lipids — Your Summer Protection Team

Your skin barrier needs lipids — especially ceramides, plant oils, and fatty acids — to hold moisture in.

Ceramides:

Ceramides are like the glue holding your skin cells together. Without enough of them, water leaks out quickly.

Plant Oils:

High-quality oils (like marula, argan, jojoba, grape seed, avocado) help:

• Lock in moisture
• Reduce TEWL
• Soothe irritation
• Strengthen the skin barrier
• Keep the skin soft and flexible

You can find these oils in our products: Rich Moisturizer, Q10 Elixir Face Oil, Floral Face Oil.

Squalane:

A lightweight lipid naturally found in the skin. It’s especially beneficial in summer because it hydrates without heaviness. We added it in Rich Moisturizer (5%)!

Hyaluronic Acid & Glycerin:

Humectants that pull water into the skin — essential in hot, dry weather. They are essential ingredients in our Rich Moisturizer and My First Moisturizer.

 

A Strong Skin Barrier Means:

• Less dehydration
• Fewer dry patches
• Less sensitivity
• A smoother, more radiant complexion

If you want your summer glow to last, your barrier must be your No. 1 priority.

 

3. Everyday Habits That Quietly Dehydrate Your Skin

You might not notice them at first, but these everyday habits make a huge difference:

🔥 Hot, long showers: They strip away natural lipids.

🧼 Harsh cleansers: Anything that leaves your skin “squeaky clean” is usually too strong.

☀️ Sun exposure: Even without burning, UV weakens the barrier and increases TEWL.

❄️ Air-conditioning: Dry indoor air = dry skin.

🧽 Over-exfoliating: Breaks down the protective outer layer and accelerates water loss.

 

How many of these do you do without even thinking about it?

 

4. How to Reduce TEWL & Keep Skin Hydrated This Summer

Here are simple, practical steps:

✔ Use a gentle cleanser

Avoid stripping foaming washes.

✔ Apply moisturiser on damp skin

Locks in more moisture.

✔ Choose products rich in:

• Hyaluronic acid (Rich Moisturizer)
• Glycerin (My First Moisturizer, Rich Moisturizer)
• Squalane (Rich Moisturizer)
• Nourishing oils (My First Moisturizer, Rich Moisturizer, Q10 Elixir Face Oil, Floral Face Oil)
• Ceramide-supporting lipids

✔ Shorten shower time

Skin barrier stays intact.

✔ Wear sunscreen & protective clothing

Less UV = less dehydration.

✔ Use richer creams at night

Night is repair time.

✔ Moisturise immediately after swimming

Salt and chlorine are both drying.

 

Remember:

Skin hydration is not only about adding water — it’s about preventing water from escaping. That is the true key to summer-ready, healthy, glowing skin.

 

 

Sources & Literature

1. Rawlings, A.V., & Harding, C.R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy.
2. Lodén, M. (2003). Role of topical emollients in the treatment of dry skin. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.
3. Elias, P.M. (2005). Stratum corneum defensive functions. Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
4. Proksch, E. et al. (2008). The skin barrier and its importance in skincare. Frontiers in Physiology.