Dealing With Dehydration: Emulsions for All Skin Types
Tori Douglas
Global Digital
4 min read
Learn about face emulsions and how they address dehydration in skin.
Confidence starts with how you feel in your own skin. When it’s well-hydrated, it looks smoother, feels softer, and has a natural radiance that makes you feel like you can take on any challenge. But, on those days when dehydration sets in, your confidence can take a knock – fine lines seem to have appeared out of nowhere, your skin feels tight, and it looks dull and tired.
Dehydration can become a concern regardless of your skin type, but the right emulsion can help restore the skin’s oil-water balance, resulting in a healthier, brighter, more hydrated complexion. Let’s explore how these versatile formulas work and why they are a must-have for your skincare routine.
Dehydration is caused by a lack of water in the skin and can happen to anyone, whether you have a dry, oily, or combination skin type. When skin is dehydrated, it often appears dull, flaky, and tight, and may show fine lines or wrinkles more prominently, especially when you move your facial muscles. This can lead to itchiness, discomfort, and even excessive oiliness.
When skin is dehydrated, it can start to overcompensate and ramp up oil production in an attempt to protect itself and lock in what little hydration it has left, leading to a shiny or greasy appearance, even though the deeper layers lack water. This excess oil can result in clogged pores and breakouts. The key to dealing with all these concerns ultimately comes down to one critical aspect: restoring balance to the skin. Hydrating skincare products with lightweight, water-based formulas (like emulsions) can help restore moisture and balance skin without clogging pores.
When your skin is balanced and able to retain moisture, you can feel and see the difference. Hydrated skin looks a lot more plump, supple, and naturally radiant. Instead of dry, flaky patches and redness, hydrated skin feels soft and smooth, with minimal redness and oiliness. A well-hydrated complexion also maintains a more even tone, enhancing its healthy glow.
Before we get into the benefits of face emulsions, let’s first define what they are. Emulsions are skincare products formulated with water, oil, and emollients to lock in hydration and prevent water loss. These products feature tiny oil droplets that are evenly suspended within a water base, creating their distinctive smooth, milky texture. This unique structure enables emulsions to penetrate the skin more effectively and deliver targeted hydration to the areas where it is needed most.
While they may perform a similar function to moisturisers, the unique formulation of emulsions means they absorb into the skin quickly without leaving a heavy, greasy layer behind, making them ideal for those looking for a non-greasy yet effective hydrating skincare solution. By replenishing both hydrating (water) and nourishing (oil) components in the skin, the right emulsions help ensure skin remains well-balanced and healthy.
Hydration is essential for all skin types — not just dry skin — and emulsions balance water and oil levels in the skin to achieve this. For oily skin, their delicate formula provides the necessary moisture without clogging pores or adding to the skin’s natural oiliness. For combination or dry skin, they work as an additional hydrating layer before richer products are applied. Their fluid consistency also makes them ideal for layering with other products, so they can fit effortlessly into any skincare routine. Because of their unique design, emulsions not only hydrate but also help maintain the skin's natural barrier, promoting resilience and vitality for all skin types.
Face emulsions are incredibly adaptable, catering to the hydration needs of all skin types and filling multiple roles in a skincare routine. They layer seamlessly with other skincare products, serving as a hydrating middle layer between toners or serums and heavier creams or oils. To maximise their benefits, emulsions should be applied after cleansing and toning, and before heavier moisturisers or oils. Their non-greasy consistency makes them ideal for daytime wear under makeup, helping skin stay hydrated throughout the day. At night, their hydrating properties make them equally beneficial in restorative nighttime routines, where they work together with your skin’s natural repair processes so you wake up to revitalised, healthy skin.
If you’re thinking of incorporating emulsions into your daily skincare routine, consider the Rose Deep Hydration Balancing Emulsion from fresh. Infused with skin-strengthening damask rose, plumping hyaluronic acid, soothing rose flower oil, and refining yarrow extract, this emulsion works to rebalance skin, restoring hydration while improving skin texture.
Healthy, hydrated skin isn’t just about appearance; it’s about feeling confident and comfortable in your skin every day. The lightweight, non-comedogenic formula is proven to balance hydration in all skin types* while also minimising the look of pores and those pesky fine lines, helping your skin reveal its healthiest and most vibrant self.
*normal, dry, oily, combination
Written by Tori Douglas for Fresh. Tori is a NYC-based digital and brand strategist. Tori has worked for various publications and brands such as Kiehl's, The Body Shop, Deux Hommes Magazine, and Elite Daily with her expertise lying in the fashion & beauty space.