Hydrate and Heal: The Secret to Repairing Sensitive and Dehydrated Skin
- mike05055
- Nov 14
- 4 min read
If your skin feels tight, flaky, or reactive, you’re not alone. Many people experience dehydration or sensitivity—especially in Australia, where climate changes, harsh UV exposure, and indoor heating can strip the skin of its natural oils. When your skin barrier becomes compromised, irritation increases and moisture escapes, leaving you caught in a frustrating cycle of dryness and discomfort.
The good news? With the right combination of hydrating, soothing, and barrier-restoring products, you can repair your skin and restore its natural balance. At Pt78 Skin and Body, we believe that hydration isn’t just a step in your routine—it’s the foundation of healthy, resilient skin.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to rehydrate, rebuild, and protect sensitive skin using science-backed formulas from Pt78 and SkinCeuticals, two brands that approach skin health from complementary perspectives: one natural, one clinical, both effective.
Understanding Dehydration vs. Dryness
Before diving into products, it’s important to know what your skin really needs.
Dehydrated skin lacks water. It can affect any skin type, even oily skin. Signs include tightness, dullness, and fine lines caused by lack of moisture.
Dry skin, on the other hand, lacks oil. It often feels rough or flaky because it produces fewer natural lipids to keep moisture sealed in.
Both conditions weaken the skin barrier—the outer layer that protects against pollutants, bacteria, and irritants. Repairing the barrier means focusing on hydration, lipid replenishment, and gentle, non-stripping care.
Step 1: Cleanse Gently
Sensitive or dehydrated skin should never be over-cleansed. Choose a cleanser that removes impurities without stripping essential moisture.
Pt78 Cream Cleanser — A gentle, nourishing formula enriched with Jojoba and Macadamia Oils. It effectively removes makeup and daily buildup while calming the skin with Bisabolol and Quandong Extract.
SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser — A silky foam that dissolves impurities with glycerin and botanical extracts, leaving the skin soft and refreshed.
Pro tip: Always use lukewarm water, not hot, to avoid further dehydration.
Step 2: Replenish Hydration with Hyaluronic Acid
Hydration begins with water—and hyaluronic acid (HA) is the most powerful ingredient for drawing and holding that moisture in your skin. HA acts like a sponge, pulling water into the skin and keeping it plump and supple.
Our top hydrating serums include:
Pt78 Brighten B Hyaluronic Acid + B5 + B3 Serum — A lightweight botanical formula combining Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5, and Niacinamide to hydrate and soothe. Ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Serum — A clinical-grade favourite that delivers deep hydration and smoothness. It layers perfectly under moisturiser or SPF.
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier — Boosts your skin’s natural HA levels by 30%, providing long-lasting plumpness and elasticity.
Apply these serums to slightly damp skin after cleansing for optimal absorption.
Step 3: Restore the Skin Barrier
Once hydration is replenished, it’s vital to lock it in and rebuild the barrier. Moisturisers rich in ceramides, cholesterol, and natural oils reinforce the lipid layer that keeps your skin protected.
Pt78 Moisture+ Hydrating Moisturiser — Vegan, natural, and lightweight, it blends Hyaluronic Acid with Rosehip and Green Tea to restore hydration and calm irritation.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 — A dermatologist-developed moisturiser proven to restore the skin’s natural lipids and improve elasticity and smoothness.
SkinCeuticals Emollience Rich Hydrating Moisturiser — Designed for dry, sensitive, or post-procedure skin, offering immediate comfort and replenishment.
These moisturisers not only hydrate but also shield your skin against future damage.
Step 4: Calm and Strengthen Sensitive Skin
If your skin is reactive or frequently irritated, soothing botanicals and antioxidants can reduce redness and sensitivity.
Try:
Pt78 Hydrate Eye Gel — A cooling, cucumber-infused gel that hydrates and soothes tired, puffy eyes.
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel — Contains hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts like thyme and cucumber to calm redness and inflammation.
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Mask — Ideal for post-sun or post-treatment use, instantly cooling and replenishing the skin barrier.
These formulas provide relief without heavy textures or artificial fragrances—perfect for those with delicate skin.
Step 5: Shield Your Skin with SPF
Even if you’re focusing on repair, daily sun protection remains essential. UV rays compromise the skin barrier and intensify sensitivity.
The best daily SPF for sensitive or dry skin:
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50 — Lightweight, fragrance-free, and hydrating. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but provides full-spectrum protection against UV rays.
Step 6: Overnight Recovery
Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so supporting this process with nourishing night care is key.
Pt78 Refine A 0.4% Retinol Serum — A gentle, encapsulated retinol that smooths texture and promotes renewal without irritation.
SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry — A hydrating, exfoliating night cream that improves clarity and softness by morning.
Retinol can be used carefully in sensitive routines when supported by barrier-strengthening moisturisers and hydrating serums.
A Simple Hydration and Repair Routine
Morning:
Cleanse — Pt78 Cream Cleanser
Hydrating Serum — Pt78 Brighten B Serum
Moisturiser — Pt78 Moisture+ Hydrating Moisturiser
Evening:
Cleanse — SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser
Retinol or Hydrating Serum — Pt78 Refine A 0.4% Retinol
Moisturiser — SkinCeuticals Emollience
The Bottom Line
Sensitive, dehydrated skin doesn’t need a complicated routine—it needs a consistent and gentle one. By focusing on hydration, barrier repair, and protection, you can calm irritation, improve resilience, and reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Explore the full hydration and barrier repair collection at Pt78 Skin and Body, featuring natural Australian botanicals and science-backed formulations from SkinCeuticals.
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