How to hydrate and soothe tight skin on your face

Like your heart or your liver, your skin is an organ (it’s actually the body’s largest organ) and when it’s functioning correctly it acts as a protective barrier, keeping moisture in and bad stuff like UV damage and irritants out. If your skin is feeling unusually tight, it’s a sign that your skin has been damaged and external aggressors could have played a part.

The weather, in particular, can have a significant impact on your skin’s condition. Your skin barrier needs to stay hydrated to function properly, so colder, harsher temperatures in the winter months can be especially drying on sensitive and dry skin. Hot showers and harsh chemicals can also dehydrate and irritate skin, while UV exposure can reduce its barrier function, leaving it to feel tight and uncomfortable.

To prevent a weakened and compromised barrier, keep your skin clean and hydrated. Steer clear of harsh products that can strip the surface of essential oils, and instead choose nourishing and gentle creams that will lock in moisture. Over washing can also dry out your skin and strip it of the good oils that keep it hydrated, healthy and protected. If you notice your skin is feeling tight, dry or flaky, consider ditching your morning and evening wash for a thorough evening cleanse.

Our Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster is a daily dose of strength for your skin barrier. Enriched with our highest concentration of Vichy Thermal Mineralizing Water (89%) and Hyaluronic Acid, it’s a hydrating gel serum designed to rehydrate and protect the delicate skin barrier from daily aggressors such as pollution that can compromise it. Apply daily to cleansed skin before your serum or moisturiser.

To help soothe the delicate and sensitive eye area, follow with our Minéral 89 Eyes Hyaluronic Acid Eye Fortifier. Gently tap this hydrating serum around your eye contour to instantly soothe skin and help tired eyes appear more awake and revitalised.

It’s no surprise that our skin can feel dry and tight when it loses around 500ml of moisture each day. For an easy way to keep your moisture levels topped up, use Aqualia Thermal Rich Day Cream daily. Inspired by isotonic rehydration used by athletes to replenish the body’s natural fluids, it targets moisture loss with a hydrating formula enriched with naturally sourced Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter and 15% Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water providing intense hydration for up to 48 hours.

Finally, for a bit of instant relief, apply Vichy’s Minéral 89 Instant Recovery Sheet Mask to soothe tired or dehydrated skin. This 10-minute mask provides instant hydration that can last up to 24 hours.