How to Hydrate Skin For Healthy, Radiant Skin
Skin hydration is key to keeping your complexion healthy and looking radiant. Not only does it prevent dryness and flakiness, but it also minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin hydration is achieved by hydrating the skin from within and applying a moisturizer regularly. Keeping your complexion properly hydrated also means avoiding products or procedures that could dry out your skin.
Drink Plenty of Water
Hydration is a key component to healthy skin. It balances oil and sebum levels, preventing build-up and clogging of the pores, which is one of the primary causes of acne in people with dry skin. Proper hydration also prevents dry flakes and cracks on the surface of the skin. Hydration is important for all skin types but especially for those with dry skin, as it helps the outer layer of the skin to retain moisture.
The best way to hydrate skin is by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. It’s not only a good way to hydrate from the inside out, but it can help improve the function of your skin barrier by providing the necessary nutrients.
It is also important to avoid beverages that contain diuretic properties, like alcohol and coffee, as these can dehydrate the skin and cause it to become flaky. When it comes to showering and bathing, it’s also important to use lukewarm water to wash your face and body, as hot water can strip the natural oils that are vital for a healthy skin barrier. Avoid harsh environments and overexposure to cold or windy conditions, as these can further dehydrate your skin.
If you’re struggling to get your skin back into a healthy state, it may be time to see a professional. A dermatologist can provide individualized advice and recommendations, as well as prescribe prescription-strength products that can help restore the hydration of your skin. They can also recommend a skincare routine that will work to help restore your skin’s supple, soft appearance. They can also advise you on a diet that will promote skin health, as well as help you cope with any underlying conditions that could be contributing to your dryness.
Eat Water-Rich Foods
The skin’s moisture barrier is responsible for delivering nutrients to the cells in the outermost layer of the skin, which is why it’s so important to keep your complexion healthy.
Hydrated skin looks plump and smooth, and is often naturally glowy. It shouldn’t have a rough texture or feel tight or itchy, and should snap back quickly when you pinch the skin—the quicker it does, the more hydrated it is.
Drinking water is the most important way to stay hydrated, but you can also incorporate other hydrating foods into your diet to keep skin supple and strong. Water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and celery are naturally moisturizing and can help boost hydration levels in the skin from the inside out.
These foods are not only high in water but also contain antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients for the skin, such as vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid. They can also help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier by increasing ceramide production, which is another key element in maintaining healthy-looking, glowing skin.
You can also try eating more fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, which is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help protect the skin against damage and aging. Fatty fish also helps to reduce inflammation, which can be a cause of dry skin.
Wash Your Face With Cool Water
We know that staying hydrated is key to healthy skin. However, it can be hard to keep up with the best hydration habits when there are so many other things going on in our lives. Whether it’s scrolling through social media, revenge bedtime procrastinating, or working late into the night, some aspects of our skincare routine can take a backseat to other priorities. But keeping your skin hydrated is important for so much more than just glowing skin!
One way to do this is by washing your face with cool water. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and tight. It also dries out the tiny capillaries that supply blood to your skin, causing redness and inflammation. When you wash your face, dermatologists recommend using lukewarm or warm water instead of hot. It’s also a good idea to splash a bit of cold water on your face once you finish cleansing to close the pores, boost circulation, and help reduce puffiness.
Other factors that can cause dehydration include too-frequently cleansing, drinking alcohol or caffeine, a diet low in essential fatty acids and vitamins, and certain medications (especially diuretics). Even the air you breathe can have a big impact on your skin’s moisture level—the higher the humidity levels in your home, the drier your skin will be.
To counteract this, use a humidifier in the rooms where you spend most of your time, and choose gentle skincare products containing hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, niacinamide, and shea butter. And if you’re not getting the hydration your skin needs, talk to a Bodewell dermatologist! We’ll be happy to evaluate your skin and provide recommendations that fit your unique needs.
Exfoliate Regularly
A build-up of dead skin cells can clog pores and cause blackheads and acne. Regular exfoliation can remove these clogs and allow the pores to “breathe,” which helps prevent these types of blemishes. This type of exfoliation also improves the texture of the skin and makes it feel smooth and silky to the touch.
However, it’s important to note that overdoing this skin care step can cause the skin to become dry and irritated. As a result, it’s best to exfoliate two to three times per week, using the right product and method for your skin type. If you’re exfoliating using a physical scrub, make sure that the granules are gentle. If you’re exfoliating with a chemical peel, apply the product gently to avoid irritation.
In general, those with oily skin can benefit from more frequent exfoliation than those with sensitive or dry skin, but it’s important to find the right balance for your skin. If you’re unsure how often to exfoliate, contact a cosmetic dermatologist who can help you determine the best schedule for your skin type.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, it’s typically best to exfoliate no more than once or twice per week. You can also use a chemical exfoliator that contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acid (BHAs) to dissolve the dead skin cells without being too harsh on your skin.
Immediately after exfoliating, always apply moisturizer. This will help lock in the moisture and keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Try to use a body lotion that contains shea butter or another rich moisturizer to give your skin a super boost of hydration. Also, remember to wear sunscreen whenever you go outside.
Apply Moisturizer
Moisturizer is a crucial part of any skincare routine, as it helps ensure that skin stays nourished and soothed. It also helps protect against irritants and environmental stressors. Moisturizing is especially important for those with dry or irritated skin. When applied properly, moisturizer helps prevent the development of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as other signs of aging.
Applying moisturizer to a freshly cleansed face or body is best, as it helps seal in moisture. Try applying a serum or facial moisturizer before a heavier face cream or body lotion for even more nourishment. Make sure to use a non-comedogenic moisturizer, as those that contain oils or heavy fragrances may cause pores to clog. Using the right moisturizer for your skin type can help ensure that it’s fully absorbed without a greasy film, and that it doesn’t interfere with any other skincare products you use (such as a retinol or other targeted treatment).
Moisturizing after cleansing is key for those with oily or combination skin, as it helps prevent a buildup of sebum and keeps skin from becoming excessively dry. It’s also a good idea to moisturize after you shower or take a bath, as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils. Try to keep showers or baths short, and opt for lukewarm or cool water instead of hot when possible.
You’ll also want to make sure to moisturize more frequently in very dry conditions, such as in colder climates or when traveling on planes or working in indoor environments with harsh heating and cooling systems. Moisturizing can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as it will better help skin retain its elasticity and plumpness. Many moisturizers also have additional anti-aging ingredients to further support healthy skin.
