10 Tips for Dewy, Hydrated Skin
Are you tired of dealing with dry, flaky skin? Do you long for that healthy glow that seems to elude you? You're not alone. Skin hydration is a common concern for many, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can transform your skin from parched to plump. Read on for 10 tips to get your skin dewy and hydrated.
10 Tips for Hydrated Skin
1. Hydrate from Within
The age-old advice to drink eight glasses of water a day isn't just a cliché – it's a fundamental step in skin hydration. Water helps flush toxins from your body and delivers essential nutrients to your skin cells. While the exact amount of water you should drink every day can vary per person based on things like activity level and climate, a general goal is to aim to drink at least 2 liters of water daily.
And if you’re not a fan of drinking plain water, you can try sparkling water, or infusing your water with fruits like lemon, cucumber, or berries for a refreshing twist.
2. Start Gentle with Your Skin Care Routine
Your cleansing routine can make or break your skin's hydration levels. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or green tea in your cleanser, and follow up with a toner to prep your skin for subsequent products.
3. Moisturize Damp Skin
If you’re not already doing it, applying your moisturizer to slightly damp (instead of dry) skin can make a world of difference. After cleansing, gently pat your face with a towel, leaving it slightly moist. Then, immediately apply your moisturizer. This technique helps lock in that extra moisture, giving your hydration efforts a significant boost.
4. Harness the Power of Hyaluronic Acid
If there's one ingredient that's synonymous with hydration, it's hyaluronic acid. This powerhouse molecule can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it a must-have in any hydration-focused skincare routine.
Luckily, hyaluronic acid is such a popular ingredient that it can be found in all different kinds of products, from toners and serums, to face masks. So pick one that fits into your routine, and reap its benefits :)
To learn more about hyaluronic acid, check out: The Science Behind Hyaluronic Acid in Anti-Aging Skincare
5. Create a Moisture-Rich Environment
Your environment plays a crucial role in your skin's hydration levels. Dry air can suck moisture from your skin, leaving it parched. If you feel like your skin is feeling dry while you’re indoors, try using a humidifier or leaving an open container of water out. This will add moisture to the air, helping your skin retain hydration.
6. Shower Smarter
Long, hot showers might feel great, but they're not doing your skin any favors. Excessively hot water strips away natural oils on your skin, leading to dryness. Instead, try the following:
Keep showers short (less than 10 minutes)
Use warm (not hot) water
Apply a body moisturizer immediately after patting dry
7. Embrace Facial Oils for Deep Hydration
Don't shy away from facial oils, even if you have oily or combination skin. The right oils can actually help balance your skin's oil production while providing deep, nourishing hydration, and helping to lock in your other skincare products. Look for non-comedogenic oils like jojoba, rosehip, or squalane.
8. Don't Neglect Your Body
While a lot of people (myself included) tend to focus on facial skincare, the skin on your body needs some love too. After showering, don’t forget to apply body lotion or cream to damp skin. Pay extra attention to typically dry areas like elbows, knees, and feet (and bonus points if you can throw on a pair of socks after moisturizing your feet to lock in the moisture).
For an extra hydration boost, try using a body oil or applying a thick layer of moisturizer before bed.
For more tips on body care, check out: Your Ultimate Guide to a Body Skincare Routine
9. Optimize Your Diet for Hydrated Skin
Your diet plays a significant role in your skin's health and hydration levels. Incorporate these skin-friendly foods into your diet:
Fatty fish (rich in omega-3s)
Avocados (healthy fats and vitamin E)
Sweet potatoes (beta-carotene)
Nuts and seeds (vitamin E and healthy fats)
Fruits and vegetables high in water content (cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries)
10. Don’t Skip the Sun Protection!
Sun damage can severely impact your skin's ability to retain moisture. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Sunscreens that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can help provide an extra boost of mositure to your skin.
Tackling dehydrated skin and achieving / maintaining hydrated skin is definitely a process. But hopefully this post helps you on your way to healthier, dewier skin. And if you have any of your own tips that have worked for you, please share! 💧