water isn't enough and I learned that the hard way

Right so I used to think staying hydrated in summer was just... drinking loads of water. Job done. Turns out that's only half of it and my skin spent about three summers looking dull and tight before I actually clocked what was going on. The bit that actually made a difference for me was layering — like putting something damp on my face before moisturiser rather than waiting until it's completely dry. I have no idea why it works but it does, my skin just holds onto moisture better. I also switched to a lighter moisturiser round May and honestly stopped fighting it, because the thick one I use all winter just sits on top when it's warm. The other thing I noticed — and this took ages to admit — is that air conditioning absolutely wrecks my skin. I sit near one at work all day and by 3pm I look about 10 years older than I did at 9am. I keep a little facial mist on my desk now which feels a bit ridiculous but I don't care tbh. Three years on collagen has helped as well, I genuinely think my skin bounces back faster when it gets a bit dehydrated, mind you I can't prove that it's specifically that.