Why Your Skincare Isn’t Working (And What You Haven’t Been Told About Hydration)
- Gregory Landsman PhD

- Aug 30
- 3 min read
If you’ve been layering moisturizers but your skin still feels dry, tight, or flaky, especially as you get older, you’re not alone.

The truth is, most skincare routines treat dryness on the surface but ignore the deeper issue… your skin’s ability to hold onto hydration.
And here’s what they don’t tell you - hydration is not about more product, it’s about activating your skin’s natural ability to retain moisture.
Why Your Moisturizer Might Be Failing You... and Why Your Skincare isn't working
Most moisturizers act like a temporary barrier. They sit on top of the skin, locking in surface moisture but doing little to address why your skin is dry in the first place.
This can lead to:
A cycle of constantly reapplying
Dryness that persists despite “hydrating” ingredients
Thinning skin, tightness, or itchiness, especially in mature skin
The Real Cause: Skin That’s Dehydrated From Within
As we age, the skin produces less sebum and less hyaluronic acid, making it harder to retain water. Add in stress, poor diet, or harsh products, and your skin becomes dry from the inside out.
Hydration isn’t just about putting something on, it’s about waking up your skin’s ability to hold water again.
The Hydration Activation Method
At the core of my approach is a natural method I’ve used with women all over the world, especially those navigating the changes of perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
Here’s how it works:
1. Breath to Balance
When you’re anxious or overwhelmed, your breath becomes shallow. This activates stress hormones that dehydrate your skin and constrict blood flow.
Try this:
Inhale deeply for 4 counts.
Hold for 2 counts
Exhale for 6 counts.
Do this three times before applying your skincare.
2. Nourish From Within
Feed your skin with foods that help it make its own hyaluronic acid, like:
Bone broth
Sweet potatoes
Leafy greens
Soy or miso
Almonds and seeds
These foods support your skin’s moisture network from the inside out.
3. Use Oils That Seal & Heal
Castor oil and rosehip oil are natural heroes for dry skin over 50. They mimic the skin’s own lipids and deeply nourish without clogging.
My Skincare Ritual:
After cleansing, apply warm castor oil in circular motions to your face and neck. Follow with rosehip oil as a finishing layer.
4. Touch With Intention
Massage your skin like you’re giving it life, not just applying product. This boosts circulation and signals the skin to wake up.
The Result? Skin That Holds Onto Hydration Naturally
This is what I call Hydration Activation - a daily practice that restores your skin’s natural moisture retention without dependence on endless creams.
When you breathe deeply, feed your skin well, and treat it with respect, your skin responds.
And if you’re 50 or over, this isn’t just about looking younger, it’s about feeling nourished, confident, and beautiful in your own skin.
FAQs
Q: Why is my skin still dry even when I moisturize every day?
A: Your skin may not be holding hydration from within. As we age, the skin loses its natural ability to retain moisture, and topical creams aren’t enough unless we also support skin from the inside.
Q: What helps dry skin over 50 naturally?
A: Breath work to reduce cortisol, nourishing foods like sweet potatoes and greens, and oils like castor or rosehip help naturally hydrate and support mature skin.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: Most people see and feel a difference in skin hydration and texture within 1–2 weeks of daily practice.
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