HOW TO HYDRATE SKIN NATURALLY WITH THESE 5 STEPS

Have you noticed that your skin looks dull? Maybe even flaky? That’s what happens when your skin gets too dry. Dry skin can be frustrating and unappealing, but the solution to the problem is relatively simple – it’s hydration. When your skin gets enough hydration and moisture, it will be smooth, even, and bright instead of dull and flaky. But how do you get enough hydration?

Skin moisturizer is one way to hydrate skin, and it’s an important one. But it’s not enough by itself, so if you don’t know any other ways to hydrate, you’re probably not doing enough. Take a look at some of the things that you can do to hydrate your skin effectively and naturally.

1. START WITH WATER

Someone has probably already told you how important it is to drink an adequate amount of water every day for some reason, even if it wasn’t about your skin. There’s a reason for that. You need water for all kinds of things: digestion, nutrient absorption, circulation, immunity, energy, cognition, and more. So, it should be no surprise that you also need it for your skin. If you’re not taking enough water in, it’s not going to matter what you use to moisturize on the outside of your skin, you’re still going to be dehydrated.

You may have heard that you need to get eight glasses of water a day, but there’s no science to back up that number. Instead, women should be taking in about 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of water every day, but that’s from all sources, not just glasses of water. And like most things, the exact number varies based on the individual.

Your best bet to make sure that you’re getting enough water is to be aware of your thirst, to reach for water instead of a sugary drink or a coffee refill, and to choose foods that are high in water content whenever possible – foods like cucumbers or watermelons for example. You should also pay attention to feelings of thirst. Water is sugar and calorie-free, so if you’re feeling thirsty, there’s no reason to wait or put off having a glass.

2. PRIORITIZE SUNSCREEN

Wearing sunscreen is another bit of all-purpose advice that you’ve probably heard before. Notably, you’re advised to wear sunscreen because it gives you protection against harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer – and in and of itself, that’s definitely a good reason to make sure that you’re wearing sunscreen daily.

But you may not be aware that even without the risk of cancer, UV rays can be harmful to your skin. They reduce moisture and break down the collagen and elastin that keep your skin strong and elastic. That’s why, when someone spends too much time in the sun without protection, their skin can become leathery and look cracked. Keep your face smooth and younger-looking by making sunscreen a priority in your skincare routine – don’t skip it!

3. FIGHT DRY AIR WITH A HUMIDIFIER

Depending on where you live, dry air might be a problem. Some areas are dryer than others, and it may be dependent on the season. You can’t do much about the outdoor weather, but the fact is that most people spend a large amount of their time indoors, and you can control the weather inside with the right tools.

A humidifier can give you indoor humidity even if the air outside is very dry. You may notice a number of positive benefits from using a humidifier at home. The right amount of humidity can help you avoid dry eyes, sore throats, nose bleeds, and asthma and allergy skin. It can also help you avoid chapped lips, and dry, flaky, or itchy skin by exposing your skin to the moisture it needs in the environment to stay hydrated. So, if you live in a dry area or experience dry seasons, a humidifier could be an important skincare tool for you.

4. LEAVE THE SHOWER WATER LUKEWARM

It sounds counterintuitive to say that showers could be contributing to dry skin. After all, you’re literally standing in water. But the truth is that if you take long hot showers, you could be doing more harm than good for your skin.

The fact is, exposure to high water temperatures for extended periods of time will break down the oils that serve as a barrier for your skin. This barrier protects your skin and keeps moisture in, so breaking it will result in dull, dehydrated skin instead of hydrated skin.

This doesn’t mean that you have to take cold showers, but if you’re used to taking very hot showers, make the water a bit cooler than you’re used to – lukewarm is a good choice. And don’t spend longer than you need to in the shower. Shortening your exposure to the water can also help to protect your skin.

5. APPLY MOISTURIZER TO DAMP SKIN

Of course, in any attempt to keep your skin hydrated, moisturizer plays a vital role. But even when you have a great moisturizer that’s perfect for your skin, there may still be more that you could be doing to ensure that you’re getting the most out of it. And one thing that you can do is to make sure that you’re applying moisturizer to damp skin.

Did you know that skin can absorb moisture-boosting ingredients better if it’s already damp? A lot of people don’t realize that, but it’s true. You need to cleanse as well as moisturize, so a good choice is to use your cleanser first (and choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser) then apply the moisturizer once you’re done. That way, you’re applying it to skin that’s still a bit damp.

Don’t forget to get your neck as well as your face. Also, follow the same principle when you’re applying lotion to the rest of your body – it will absorb better when the skin is a little bit damp, and that will help you stay smooth and hydrated all over.

CONCLUSION

To find out more about avoiding skin dehydration and finding the right moisturizer for your skin, contact Iconic Skin Clinic.