A new report by Neutrogena has revealed a national skin hydration crisis, with 70% of Australians experiencing dehydrated skin and nearly 80% saying it affects them emotionally. The HydroNation report, based on a survey of 1,023 Australians aged 18 and over, highlights the growing impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on skin health, particularly for women, frequent travellers, and younger generations.

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to suffer from dehydration on a weekly basis or more frequently, with 46% affected compared to 28% of men. The consequences extend beyond skincare concerns, as 41% of those impacted report feeling uncomfortable in their own skin, 38% say it reduces their confidence, and 27% feel more self-conscious in social settings.

The report identifies hot, dry climates (67%) and air-conditioned or heated indoor spaces (44%) as the biggest environmental culprits behind skin dehydration. Frequent flyers are particularly affected, with 81% of those travelling more than three times a year experiencing dehydration compared to 68% of occasional travellers. The research also reveals that younger generations—Gen Z (73%), Millennials (73%), and Gen X (75%)—are significantly more likely to experience dehydration than Baby Boomers (60%), with factors such as frequent travel, stress, long working hours, and lack of sleep playing a major role.

As part of the HydroNation study, Neutrogena’s skin expert, Jayde Taylor, travelled across Australia to investigate the impact of dehydration firsthand. She found that harsh climates, air-conditioned offices, and active lifestyles were key contributors to poor skin hydration. “Australia’s environment is incredibly tough on the skin, and many people don’t realise how much factors like indoor heating, hot showers, and even avoiding moisturiser can make dehydration worse,” Taylor said.

She also shared solutions for maintaining hydration, emphasising the importance of using a moisturiser regularly, incorporating hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, avoiding hot showers, and choosing gentle skincare products. One of her key insights was that people with oily skin often avoid moisturisers, mistakenly believing it will make their skin greasier, when in fact it can lead to increased oil production.

Neutrogena is owned by parent company Kenvue, the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue. Kenvue’s portfolio includes other trusted brands such as Aveeno, Band-Aid, Johnson’s, Listerine and and Codral.

Read the SUMMER ’25 issue of Retail Beauty below:

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