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Keeping your skin hydrated is key to unlocking that radiant, healthy glow we all strive for. When your skin is well-hydrated, it not only looks more vibrant and smooth but also stands up better to the daily challenges of living like sun exposure and stress that can take a toll on our skin, so think of staying hydrated as giving your skin the resilience it needs to stay supple and youthful.
With that, let's talk about skin hydration: first, why it's important, then, how to set the stage for a complexion that feels plump and looks dewy.
What Is the Skin Barrier?
The skin barrier, often referred to as the natural moisture barrier, is your skin's frontline defense against the outside world. It's a protective layer that helps retain moisture while shielding your skin from environmental aggressors like pollutants and harsh weather. When this barrier is functioning well, your skin stays hydrated, smooth, and resilient.
However, several factors can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to skin dehydration. Over-cleansing, exposure to extreme weather conditions, and using harsh skincare products can strip away essential oils, weakening the barrier. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as inadequate water intake and poor diet can further compromise your skin's ability to maintain moisture.
Dehydrated skin often appears dull and lacks its usual radiance. You might notice that it looks a bit tired, with fine lines and wrinkles appearing more pronounced. The texture can feel rough or tight, and there may be areas of flakiness or sensitivity. Unlike dry skin, which is a skin type, skin dehydration is a condition that can affect any skin type, leaving it feeling uncomfortable and in need of moisture.
Step-by-Step Hydrating Skincare Routine
1. Start with a hydrating cleanser.
Begin your routine by gently cleansing your face with a hydrating cleanser. You want a product that effectively removes impurities while preserving your skin's natural moisture, setting the stage for optimal absorption of your following products.
2. Gently exfoliate (2-3 times per week).
By sloughing away dead skin cells, exfoliation helps to clear the surface of your skin, allowing hydrating serums and moisturizers to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively. This process not only enhances the absorption of moisture but also promotes a smoother, more radiant complexion. Regularly exfoliate 2-3 times per week, adjusting as needed based on your skin type.
3. Use a hydrating, nourishing serum.
After cleansing and exfoliating, apply a hydrating peptide serum to deliver concentrated moisturizing ingredients directly to the skin. Peptides are known for their ability to support skin's natural hydration and plumpness, and can help boost your skin's moisture retention so your skin remains hydrated and vibrant throughout the day.
4. Seal it in with a rich moisturizer.
Seal in the hydration with a nourishing moisturizer, which should act as a barrier to lock in the moisture and nutrients provided by previous products. Moisturizers should include humectants and/or emollients to boost your skin's hydration. Humectants attract and retain moisture in the skin, enhancing hydration, while emollients soften and smooth the skin by filling gaps between cells, locking in moisture. A common and very effective humectant is hyaluronic acid, and it's at its best in triple weight form when all three weights of it are included in the formula.
Our LightBoost Face & Neck Rich Cream nourishes and strengthens the skin barrier, reducing visible signs of aging while visibly firming and lifting, and it includes both an emollient and humectant in the form of ceramides and vegan collagen, respectively.
5. Finish with sunscreen (for day routines).
Finish your routine by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can deplete moisture and damage the skin barrier, leading to skin dehydration. Opt for a non-clogging sunscreen made specifically for the face, with an SPF of at least 30.
6. Refresh as needed with a facial mist.
A facial mist is a lightweight, hydrating spray designed to provide an instant boost of moisture to your skin. A refreshing facial mist helps keep your skin hydrated by delivering a fine layer of hydration that refreshes and revitalizes your complexion throughout the day. A mist is perfect for a quick pick-me-up whenever your skin feels parched, ensuring that your skin remains dewy and comfortable, no matter the time or place.
Additional Tips for Keeping Skin Hydrated
Maintaining hydrated skin goes beyond using the right topical products. Modifying a few choice lifestyle habits can also make a big difference when it comes to your skin's moisture levels and overall health. Here are some additional tips to help keep your skin looking and feeling its best:
- Drink Plenty of Water: Stay well-hydrated to maintain your skin's moisture levels and overall health. The standard recommendation for most adults is eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
- Use a Humidifier: Add moisture to the air with a humidifier to help prevent your skin from drying out, especially in dry climates or heated environments (i.e. during cold winters when your furnace is on and drying out your indoor air!).
- Avoid Hot Water on Your Face: Opt for lukewarm water when washing your face. This also means avoiding hot water on your face during hot showers, as prolonged exposure to hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness.
- Incorporate Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Consuming foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds can support your skin's hydration and barrier function, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.
- Don't Forget the Rest of Your Body: Keep your entire body hydrated by regularly using a rich, non-greasy lotion. This helps maintain moisture and keeps your skin feeling soft and smooth all over.
Conclusion
When it comes to how to keep skin hydrated, understanding what may be causing your dry skin, like environmental stressors and certain lifestyle habits, is your first step toward that well-hydrated glow. Then, start your dry skin transformation with a solid skincare routine that specifically uses hydrating products at each step: cleansing, exfoliating, using hydrating serums, moisturizing, and finishing with sunscreen. You can also make some lifestyle changes to boost your hydration, like drinking plenty of water, using a humidifier, and eating omega-3-rich foods.
Looking for more guides like this to get to your perfect skin? Explore the rest of our skincare guides here!
Sources:
- Signs Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged
- Exfoliative Skin-peeling, Benefits from This Procedure and Our Experience - PMC
- Managing Humidity Levels | Center for Energy and Environment
