A Korean routine for dehydrated skin
in 6 steps
Your skin feels tight after cleansing, your foundation settles into fine lines, and yet your T-zone is shiny by midday? This routine can make a real difference, as long as you don't confuse a lack of water with a lack of lipids.
Dehydrated skin or dry skin: the difference that changes everything
Dehydrated skin lacks water — a temporary state that can affect every skin type, including oily, acne-prone skin. Dry skin naturally produces fewer lipids and needs richer textures over time. Skin can be both: it then calls for humectants to draw in water and lipids to limit its evaporation.
If your skin is oily but feels tight, don't try to strip it further — it probably needs comfort, not more control.
1. Cleanse without leaving your skin “squeaky”
Effective cleansing shouldn't leave that bare, taut feeling. In the morning, a gentle gel cleanser at a skin-friendly pH may be enough. In the evening, double cleansing makes sense if you wear SPF or make-up.
2. Rehydrate straight away with a lotion or essence
This is the signature step not to underestimate. After cleansing, the skin quickly loses water through evaporation. Apply an essence to still slightly damp skin to rebuild a first reserve of hydration.
3. Choose a serum that soothes and supports the skin barrier
For dehydrated skin, the best serum isn't necessarily the one with the highest concentration of actives. Centella asiatica is an excellent ally if your skin flushes or reacts easily. Niacinamide, at a low or medium concentration, helps strengthen barrier function without irritating.
4. Seal in water with a cream suited to your texture
Without a layer that limits water loss, it gradually evaporates. Dehydrated combination to oily skin will love a fresh gel-cream with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
5. Protect your skin every morning
Daily sun protection is essential to keep your skin barrier stable. For dehydrated skin, opt for a hydrating, non-drying texture.
6. Use exfoliants and masks strategically
AHA, BHA, PHA and retinoids can deliver lovely results, but on dehydrated skin, too much exfoliation easily fuels the vicious circle: irritation, tightness, more sebum.
- Essence — ANUA Peach 77% Niacin Essence — 26,90€
- Cream — MEISANI Niacinamide Cucumber Gel Cream — 27,90€
- SPF — BENTON Air Fit UV Defense — 24,90€
- See the full Moisturisers collection →
- Dehydration (lack of water) and dryness (lack of lipids) call for different responses.
- Rehydrate straight after cleansing, on still-damp skin.
- Always seal in hydration with a cream suited to your texture.
- Pause exfoliants if your skin is uncomfortable — soothing comes before performance.
- Daily SPF is essential to keep your barrier stable.
At Haru & Bom, the longest-lasting glow isn't the one that shines at all costs — it's the glow of skin that finally feels good. Discover our moisturisers →
