A recent study of 2,000 Americans revealed that more than half aren't comfortable in their own skin, and 67% report the reason is related to skin issues. We all want healthier skin, and a huge part of healthy skin is keeping it hydrated.
Are you wondering how to keep your skin hydrated? There's more to it than drinking more water and using a moisturizer (though both are still important!)
If you want to know the answer, read on for eight of our top tips on how to hydrate skin.
1. Understand Your Skin Type
First things first, understanding your skin type can give you better insight into how to keep your skin hydrated. Here are the basic skin types:
Normal - Few imperfections, no sensitivity, and small or nearly invisible pores
Dry - Dull complexion, less elastic skin, redness, visible age lines
Oily - Larger pores, dull or shiny complexion, blemishes, and blackheads
Combination - Skin is dry in certain areas and oily in others, larger pores, and blackheads
Sensitive - Skin prone to redness, dryness, itching, or burning
Identifying your skin type is the first step toward treating your skin better and achieving that glowing complexion we all want.
2. Start With a Gentle Cleanser
Washing your face removes all the buildup of the day that accumulates on our skin, including dirt, oil, pollutants, and so on. However, it's also easy to overdo it and dry out your skin, and harsh cleansers can do that.
Many facial cleansers have a surfactant, which is a compound or chemical designed to move through the skin's surface tension to absorb dirt and oil. Cleansers interact with the skin's outermost layer, and they can also remove the good oils. Removing too many of these good oils results in dry skin.
Irritation, dryness, and burning are all signs you're overdoing it and stripping the skin of those useful oils. Often that 'squeaky clean' feeling people are used to can actually dry out your skin too much.
If your skin is dry, try swiping out that foaming cleanser for a rich cleansing balm or cleansing oil instead. These types of cleansers help to replenish moisture and relieve redness. Remember we never want to overdue do it and exfoliate more than one to two times a week!
3. Always Use a Moisturizer
No matter which skin type you have, using the right moisturizer is vital when it comes to keeping your skin properly hydrated.
Moisturizers also help replace some of those essential oils we lose when cleaning our faces with a cleanser. Choosing an oil-rich cream if your super dry will help replenish moisture and repair your skin's lipid barrier.
Even if you have oily skin, you should moisturize. Neglecting to do so can result in the skin overcompensating and overproducing oil. Using a hydrating gel or lightweight moisturizer would be a great option for oiler skin.
When shopping for moisturizers, choose one with a broad spectrum SPF to protect your delicate skin from the harsh rays of the sun during the day. It's also best to apply a moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration! During the winter months it's great to use a humidifier to help replenish lost moisture in your skin's top layer.
4. Remember to Exfoliate
Exfoliating, one to two times a week, removes all those excess dead skin cells, giving skin a fresh and bright complexion. If you notice dry skin, it may be time for a gentle exfoliation.
Knowing how to exfoliate without drying out your skin is key to maintaining that balance. For instance, if you have dry skin, you'll want to avoid harsh exfoliating tools and cosmetic ingredients. This can impact the skin's moisture barrier that will cause redness and irritation.
Using the right exfoliant for your skin will help clear dead skin cells and smooth rough, dry skin. It will also help remove impurities to help brighten the skin's appearance and shrink pores.
Get a skincare consultation to learn the best tips for healthy skin. The next time you go in for your facial, ask for some tips on how to hydrate your skin type and how to exfoliate the right way.
5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Chemicals exist in our daily cleaning products and detergents, but many cosmetics also contain irritants that can hurt our skin.
Chemicals disrupt hormones in the body and can even increase the risk of cancer. Common products that contain these chemicals include shampoos, deodorants, skincare products, cleansers, and more.
Sound scary? Thankfully, it's easy to make the switch to natural beauty care products, which are free of these irritating or harsh ingredients. To protect your skin, avoid products that include chemical ingredients like parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils, propylene glycol, or sodium lauryl sulfates.
There are plenty of natural ingredients out there that can provide hydrated, bright, and healthy skin.
6. Skip the Hot Shower
Sometimes a long, steamy shower is the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. However, hot water strips the skin of vital oils and moisture. Nobody wants dry, irritated skin, so keep the water temperature lukewarm. If this is not possible then it would be best to limit them to no more than 10 mins.
To further pamper and treat your skin, use a moisturizer after your shower to restore lost moisture. It's best to do this while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
Remember to skip the hot water when you wash your face, too. Stick to lukewarm water to avoid drying out and irritating your skin.
7. Pamper Yourself
Even if you follow a dedicated beauty routine and religiously apply your moisturizer with SPF, you need to take time to pamper your skin.
One of the easiest ways to achieve and maintain hydrated skin is to get a facial or use face masks with hydrating ingredients.
Our organic facials use all-natural ingredients and pure vitamin infusions for the ultimate skin hydration.
Never had a facial before and not sure where to start? No worries! We have facials for all skin types and can address a variety of skin concerns you may have.
8. Check Your Diet
While applying moisturizers and pampering your skin with a hydrating facial can do wonders, you can do even more with the right diet.
Make sure to eat foods high in water content and fruits and veggies with Vitamin C. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are good for this. Foods with Vitamin B3 and Vitamin A are also a must-have for skin health.
Around 20% of our daily fluid intake comes from food, so remember to drink enough water to make up for the rest! You can also enhance your skin's ability to retain moisture by adding healthy fats to your diet. Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils support skin health by fighting inflammation and boosting the skin's moisture barrier. These foods include salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds.
Need More Tips on How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated?
These eight tips should help you on the path toward healthier, more hydrated skin. Remember, the key with any beauty routine is consistency, so keep it up!
Are you interested in more pro tips on how to keep your skin hydrated? We have a full-service menu for you to check out, and we'd be happy to help walk you through addressing any skin concerns you may have. Reach out or book your appointment today to treat your skin right.