EverGlow Bliss

In one of our latest posts we revealed how important it is to hydrate skin to keep it healthy. Water plays a crucial role not only in maintaining healthy balance in our bodies but also in the beauty and youth of skin too. Our skin is made up of nearly 64% of water. Dry air, heat, sun and low humidity can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dehydration.

Dehydrated skin looks dull, and shows signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Besides, water loss may lead to damage of the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to irritants, bacteria and allergens.

Here we talk about both inside and outside hydration. So what exactly should we do for good skin hydration?

1. Use moisturizer for face and body 

When it comes to face skin, all skin types require hydration to look healthy, smooth and radiant. Select a moisturizer for your skin type and use it regularly on a daily basis: in the morning and in the evening. Make it a routine just like brushing teeth twice a day!  

In order to help prevent water loss, it is recommended to apply moisturizer to clean and a bit damp skin straight after taking a shower or bath – here we talk about both face and body. In this case it can help moisturizers work much more effectively at hydrating your skin and keeping moisture. 

2. Don’t ignore moisturizing cleansers, toners, face masks, serums

Your daily face care routine should include various skincare products with moisturizing properties. We already mentioned a moisturizer which is a must for every day beauty routine. What about moisturizing cleansers, toners, face masks? The clue here is to always choose products right for your skin type and your current needs. For example, winter skincare is not the same as summer skincare. Read labels and search for such ingredients as Hyaluronic acid, Jojoba oil, Shea butter, Aloe vera, Vitamin E, Niacinamide, Glycerin. 

3. Use face mist in hot days

Face mists are probably one of those unpopular products which actually require a special attention on hot summer days! These not only refresh your skin and provide hydration instantly but also help to revitalize tired skin. Face mists normally contain calming ingredients to avoid skin irritation, therefore you can use them as many times as needed during the day. However, use it carefully with makeup to not melt it. 

4. Use sunscreen

Sun exposure and heat can lead to skin dehydration while ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes cellular damage. In addition to this, ultraviolet rays lead to pigmentation, premature aging and increased risk of skin cancer. That is why sun protection and hydration are especially important all year round, not only in summer. In order to protect the skin, you should use sunscreen products which protect against UVA and UVB rays on a daily basis. Don’t forget about sunscreen in winter too!

5. Exfoliation 

When it comes to skin hydration you should always include exfoliation in your routine. It’s all because dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of skin and prevent your moisturizers from penetrating to the dermis effectively. Exfoliation helps to dissolve the proteins between the layers which helps moisturizers to hydrate new skin cells underneath. With regular exfoliation you will notice a better absorption of moisturizers, reduction in breakouts and improvement of skin texture. Both mechanical scrubs and chemical exfoliants (AHA, BHA) work well. However, remember that over-exfoliation may lead to dry skin. 

6. Avoid hot and long showers 

You should avoid hot and long showers, as they can actually dehydrate skin. Dermatologists recommend using warm water and limit showering to 5 – 10 minutes. It is beneficial to use gentle fragrance-free body wash and don’t forget to apply a body moisturizer immediately after shower. 

7. Drink water

Does drinking plenty of water improve skin hydration? Experts say that it’s actually a myth that for proper skin hydration we need to drink plenty of water. There is no evidence that drinking more or less water has an effect on skin condition. As we are all aware, skin is made of cells which are made of water. Cells lose water throughout the day which makes skin prone to fine lines and results in dry texture. Water is vital to our overall health and we must drink 6 to 8 glasses of water to maintain our body’s functions. So stay hydrated! 

8. Eat hydrating foods (fruits and vegetables)

Does adding hydrating foods to the diet help maintain skin’s health? Experts say that hydrating foods don’t moisturize skin directly. Of course, drinking water and eating certain foods are beneficial for your health, including healthier skin. For example, fruits and veg with high water content such as watermelon, melon, strawberries, lettuce, cucumber contribute to getting your daily dose of water. It’s healthy to add a variety of fruits and veg to your every day diet. Don’t forget about nuts and seeds which are rich in essential fatty acids and other healthy nutrients as these help to hydrate cells, improve circulation and protect cells from free radicals. 

9. Use humidifier

Humidifiers help to restore the humidity levels in the air and provide skin with the moisture it needs, especially when the air is extremely dry. Low humidity levels can damage skin’s natural moisture barrier which can lead to itching, flaking or cracked skin. In winter months the problem of indoor dry air becomes even more evident and here humidifiers help to combat indoor dryness. Best advice to prevent dry skin is to keep indoor humidity levels at 30% – 50%!  

10. Limit caffeine and alcohol

Did you know, alcohol has a dehydrating effect on your skin which leads to the formation of wrinkles and faster skin aging? Generally, both caffeine and alcohol are well-known dehydrators. Simply put, heavy regular drinking of alcohol can lead to permanent changes in your skin and can cause redness and inflammation. Overconsumption of caffeine leads to water loss. Besides, caffeine washes away important nutrients from the body such as vitamin B, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. We love coffee and sometimes like alcohol too, so how much is too much? The clue is moderation. The suggestion here is to limit drinking both coffee and alcohol and making sure you drink enough water for hydration. 

Hydrating your skin is essential for maintaining its health, youthfulness, and beauty. With the right products and practices, you will keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and protected all year round! Make sure you keep to a healthy diet too, drink plenty of water and limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol to maintain healthy water balance in the body.