Skin hydration isn't a one-step fix, it's a ritual. If you've ever wondered how to hydrate skin properly, or why it seems to lose that dewy, plump look by mid-afternoon, the answer usually isn't a single "miracle" product. It's about layering the right steps in the right order, so skin can hold onto moisture instead of losing it a few hours later.
Here's how to hydrate your skin, how to help dehydrated skin, and, just as importantly, how to rehydrate your skin once it's already lost that moisture.
Step 1: Prepare the Skin
Hydrating skincare works best when it has something to hold onto. That's why the first step in any ritual focused on how to keep skin hydrated is preparation, not moisturiser. Jurlique's Activating Water Essence+ is designed for use right after cleansing, priming skin for better absorption of everything applied afterwards. It's clinically proven to increase hydration by 55% within 10 minutes¹, and to improve elasticity, suppleness and hydration further with 7 days of twice-daily use², powered by two Marshmallow Root extracts.
Before that, though, cleansing matters more than people think. A cleanser that strips the skin can undo your hydration efforts before you've even started. "Effective cleansing is the foundation of every skincare ritual," says Katie Morris, Jurlique's Retail & Spa Educator. "Our Nourishing Cleansing Oil gently dissolves makeup, sunscreen and daily impurities leaving skin perfectly prepared to absorb the benefits of the rest of the ritual to follow." It's formulated with a blend of eight farm-grown botanicals, including Black Elderflower and Calendula, and is gentle enough for the eye area.³
Step 2: Layer in Targeted Hydration
Once skin is cleansed and prepped, this is where a hydrating face serum earns its place. Jurlique's Herbal Recovery Bi-Phase Serum combines a water phase and an oil phase in one formula, the former to deliver hydration, the latter to lock it in. It's clinically shown to boost hydration by 25% immediately after a single application and improve skin barrier function with continued use,⁶ good if your skin needs hydration and recovery support at once, particularly after poor sleep, travel, or environmental stress.
If you want an even lighter, more portable option, a hydrating mist like Jurlique's Rosewater Balancing Mist is one of the easiest ways to hydrate your skin naturally throughout the day. "Infused with our farm grown Jurlique Rose extract, it is perfect for on-the-go hydration and a moment of self-care," says Katie, especially when skin starts to feel dry or tight between your morning and evening rituals.
Step 3: Seal It In
Hydration doesn't last if it isn't sealed in. This is where a moisturiser or a facial oil comes in.
For an everyday cream, "a Jurlique cult favourite for a reason, our Moisture Replenishing Day Cream is enriched with farm grown botanicals and a blend of plant oils to replenish and protect the skin like no other," says Katie. Avocado, Safflower and Jojoba oils work alongside Shea Butter and Beeswax to help lock in moisture long after application.
For those who prefer an oil-based finish, Jurlique's Rare Rose Face Oil is a dry-finish facial oil enriched with an extract of Jurlique Rose shown to improve skin suppleness.⁴ In a consumer trial, 93% said their skin looked and felt smoother 30 minutes after a single application,⁵ a nice way to end a ritual focused on how to get hydrated skin that stays that way.
A Few Extra Habits Worth Building In
Rehydrating your skin isn't only about what you apply topically:
- Don't skip water intake. Topical hydration works best alongside genuine hydration from within.
- Reapply through the day, rather than only hydrating once in the morning. A mist or light layer of serum midday makes a real difference.
- Protect what you've hydrated. Pollution and UV exposure are major contributors to moisture loss, so daily protection matters as much as daily hydration.
Explore More
Browse the full face range, our dedicated moisturisers collection, or face mists and essences. For body dryness, explore the body range. Not sure which combination is right for you? Get in touch with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to rehydrate your skin?
Layer a hydrating essence or mist onto damp, freshly cleansed skin, then seal it in with a moisturiser or facial oil while skin is still damp. This traps far more moisture than applying the same products to dry skin.
How can I hydrate my skin naturally?
Look for naturally derived humectants like glycerin, botanical extracts such as Marshmallow Root (known for its moisture-retaining mucilage), and plant oils that support the skin barrier, alongside water intake and protection from environmental stressors.
How can I really hydrate my skin?
Consistency matters more than any single product. A full ritual, cleanse, hydrate with an essence or serum, then seal with a moisturiser, outperforms any one "hero" product used on its own.
What hydrates extremely dry skin?
Richer emollients and oils, such as Jojoba, Squalane and Shea Butter, combined with barrier-supporting humectants. Extremely dry skin generally needs layered hydration rather than a single lightweight formula.
Claims & Sources
¹ Clinical evaluation of 32 subjects using Activating Water Essence+ measured 10 minutes after application
² Clinical evaluation of 29 subjects using Activating Water Essence+ morning and event for 7 days
³ Ophthalmological in-use safety evaluation of 20 subjects, Nourishing Cleansing Oil.
⁴ Clinical evaluation of 33 subjects (hydration, 30 minutes after a single application) and 32 subjects (skin barrier function, twice daily for 28 days) using Herbal Recovery Bi-Phase Serum.
⁵ In vitro study conducted by POLA Chemicals on Jurlique Rose extract, Rare Rose Face Oil.
⁶ Consumer trial of 54 subjects using Rare Rose Face Oil, 30 minutes after a single application.
