Proper hydration levels, internally and externally, can have significant effects on the function of the body’s largest organ, the skin. Our skin cells consist of 64% water, and many factors can make that essential moisture evaporate. Luckily, there are also several ways in which we can prevent tight, dry, flaky skin caused by a lack of moisture. Keep reading for tips on how to keep skin hydrated.
Staying Hydrated
One of the most important things you can do for your skin is drink water. Drinking water helps create a barrier between the sun and your skin, carry nutrients to skin cells, and flush away toxins. You should aim to drink 2-3 liters a day. When it comes to your skin, H2O is the closest you can get to the Fountain of Youth.
Avoid Drying Ingredients
Drying ingredients like alcohol and sulfates in your toners, cleansers, and moisturizers might be effective at things like killing acne but are counterproductive in the long haul. Sulfates are what make cleansers foam and lather. They are supposed to help with removing dirt and oil from the skin, but if you have dry skin then sulfates can do more harm than good. Cleansers with sulfates are considered harsh because they disrupt the function of the epidermal layer at the top of your skin, which is responsible for locking in moisture and preventing it from evaporating. Instead, use products with gentle, pH neutral ingredients like our Ultra Hydrating Anti-Wrinkle Toner and Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser.
Use Hydrating Ingredients
Radiant, dewy, glowing skin requires long-lasting moisture. Without proper hydration, the skin can start to age prematurely. That dryness can cause fine lines, uneven complexion, dullness, and dark under eye circles. No matter what your skin type, it is important to have a moisturizer with hydrating ingredients. An ingredient that plays an important role in maintaining the skin’s hydration and elasticity is Hyaluronic Acid (HA). Hyaluronic Acid’s water-binding properties can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Dermatologists recommend incorporating HA’s paired with Vitamin C and/ or retinol for added potency into your skin care regimen. Try DERMA E’s dermatologist recommended Hydrating Collection and the guide to help you get started. Our hydrating line utilizes the extraordinary properties of Hyaluronic Acid to promote plump, youthful, healthy skin.
Avoid Long, Hot Showers
A steamy shower might sound nice after an exhausting day, especially in this winter air. However, you could be stripping your skin of the necessary moisture that is needed to be soft and healthy. That hot temperature can be damaging to the skin barrier and strip it of its moisture. Instead, take a mostly lukewarm shower and finish off with a cold rinse at the end. Lowering the temperature of the water alone can help improve your skins moisture levels. After hopping out of that warm or cool shower, apply a moisturizer to damp skin to really lock in that moisture!
Add Fatty Acids to Your Diet
You are what you eat, so what you put into your body can affect the appearance of it. Incorporating foods rich in essential fatty acids helps improve the skin’s health by rejuvenating and improving the skin’s hydration levels. Eating hydrating, moisturizing food like salmon, avocados, walnuts, sweet potatoes, and spinach can nourish dry and aging skin.