Dry, flaky, and rough skin can befall even the best of us. But there are plenty of ways to re-hydrate, nourish, and moisturize your skin, bestowing you with a radiant and glowy complexion.
Keep reading, and we'll share all of our favorite tips, tricks, and information that you need to know about skin hydration and moisturization.
Key Takeaways
- Skin hydration refers to the process of treating your skin to keep it soft, healthy, and supple.
- Hydrating your skin can support the function of your skin's moisture barrier, which is made of humectants and lipids.
- To help hydrate your skin, use a humidifier - especially in colder weather or dry environments.
- Your skincare routine should include a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, and rich cream - all of which will help skin retain moisture.
- Other lifestyle choices like drinking water, eating healthy, and regular exercise will support healthy, hydrated skin.
See Related: 8 Ways to Plump Your Skin Naturally
Understanding the Fundamentals of Skin Hydration
What is "skin hydration"? The term itself refers to the process of supporting your skin with moisturizing products and lifestyle choices that promote soft, supple, and healthy skin.
It's important to note that there's a misconception that hydration only affects the appearance and overall look of the skin. However, hydration is an integral part of skin health, ensuring your skin functions and feels how it should.
The Relationship Between Skin Hydration and Skin Barrier
Skin hydration goes hand-in-hand with skin barrier function.
Your skin's moisture barrier is responsible for keeping bacteria and pollutants out and keeping moisture in. But when skin hydration levels drop, it can damage your skin barrier. Conversely, if your skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to a drop in overall skin hydration.
Your skin barrier is made with molecules like humectants and lipids. Humectants attract water to your skin's surface, while lipids attract oil. Using humectant ingredients in your skincare routine helps draw moisture and water to your protective barrier, which can aid in skin hydration.
Hydration vs. Moisturization: Recognizing the Difference
Many times, the words moisturization and hydration are used interchangeably. And while these two words do have a great deal of similarities, they aren't quite synonymous.
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Hydration refers to increasing the water levels within the skin. Hydration is often achieved through humectant ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or honey.
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Moisturization refers to treating the skin with humectant and emollient ingredients, which work together to protect moisture and soften skin. Emollients include ceramides, fatty acids, and triglycerides.
Bonus: Honey Skin Benefits & How to Use It
Key Ingredients for Optimal Skin Hydration
Certain moisturizing ingredients will keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and happy. Here are just a few of our favorites:
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Hyaluronic acid: A molecule that is found naturally in the skin, which bonds easily with water.
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Ceramides: Ceramides make up approximately half of the lipids in the skin barrier. Ceramides, like those we use in our Menopausal Skin Cream, help attract and retain moisture.
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Coconut oil: Natural oils like coconut oil, candlenut oil, or avocado oil can nourish and protect the skin for an all-over glow.
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Aloe vera: Aloe vera is not only moisturizing but also very soothing and refreshing, which can be a lifesaver for sensitive skin, itchy skin, or irritated skin.
Other hydrating ingredients include vitamin C, shea butter, petroleum jelly, and many more.
5 Ways to Hydrate Skin
Here are five other ways to hydrate your skin, via both skincare products and lifestyle changes.
#1. Use a Humidifier to Support a Healthy Environment
In the winter when humidity drops, or if you live in a dry environment, the lack of moisture in the air can sap the hydration from your skin. Using a humidifier will support a healthy and hydrated environment for your skin.
#2. Use a Gentle Cleanser and Lukewarm Water
An ideal skincare regimen starts with washing your face, which will remove dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria. But anything from harsh soaps to hot water can strip your skin, making it difficult to retain and attract moisture.
To support healthy, happy skin, use a gentle foaming cleanser on your face and a natural shower gel on your body. Avoid hot water, and instead use lukewarm or cool water.
#3. Drink Plenty of Water Throughout the Day
From the sunrise to the sunset, be sure to drink your H2O! Drinking water fuels your skin with hydration from the inside out.
#4. Regularly Use Hydrating Serums and Moisturizing Creams
Whether you have dehydrated skin, flaky skin, or oily skin, following a tried-and-true skincare ritual will save your complexion. And if skin hydration is a priority, you can't go without a serum and a moisturizer. These products will lock in moisture, keeping your skin supple, soft, and hydrated.
#5. Exfoliate Your Skin a Couple of Times Per Week
In addition to cleansing and moisturizing, it's a good idea to exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating will remove dead skin cells, residue, and buildup that may clog your pores. This will make it easier for your skin to absorb your remaining skincare products, including your moisturizers, creams, and lotions.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to treating dry skin or dehydrated skin, the journey can feel like a struggle. But these tips, tricks, and products will help maintain hydration, heal skin, and promote moisture.
Keep Reading: How Do Gel Cleansers Work? Benefits, Uses, & More
People Also Ask
What Is the Fastest Way to Rehydrate Your Skin?
If your skin is in dire need of hydration, the best way to do that is with rich moisturizers, face masks, and room humidifiers. Skincare products like creams, lotions, or masks deliver hydration and nourishment directly to the skin barrier, while a room humidifier adds moisture to your environment.
How to Hydrate Your Face Overnight?
The best way to give your skin hydration and moisture overnight is with this three-step skincare routine. Start with a gentle gel cleanser that detoxifies your pores before following up with a hydrating serum full of botanicals. Lastly, an oil-free moisturizer will keep your skin nourished and supple without a greasy residue.
What Gives Your Skin the Most Hydration?
Even if you have top-of-the-line cosmetics and luxury skincare, your skin may lack hydration and nutrients if you don't drink enough water! Drinking water is one of the best and healthiest ways to give your skin some much-needed moisture.
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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
