Do you want hydrated, healthy-looking skin? Simply follow the advice below and your face and body will look smoother and younger in no time
Your skin is the largest organ of the body and it shields and protects you from all external factors. As it is exposed to different factors every day, such as sun, rain and pollution, you should be taking special care to keep your skin hydrated, healthy and looking fresh.
The importance of skin hydration
Our skin protects us from external aggressors, but in order for it to do so, it must be hydrated, as out skin requires sufficient moisture to remain flexible and resistant to these aggressors.
The skin on your face and body has a natural mechanism to retain moisture, but this alone is not enough. No matter your age, the weather or time of year, it is essential to take care of your skin and keep it hydrated to prevent cracks, wrinkles, dark marks, cellulite and sagging.
Causes of skin dehydration
There are various factors that can contribute to dehydrated skin; some are internal, whilst others are external.
Internal factors
- Genetic factors, such as dermatitis, ictiosis, etc.
- Diseases such as psoriasis, diabetes, renal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, etc.
- Medication such as diuretics, laxatives, corticoids, etc.
- Age; our skin starts to show signs of aging over time
External factors
- Sun exposure, which directly causes the skin to lose moisture
- Cold, which causes vasoconstriction and therefore less blood, less oxygen and fewer nutrients, drying out the skin
- Central heating and air conditioning
- Pollution
- Aggressive chemicals such as detergents, soaps, hair removers, etc.
- Harsh, low-quality cosmetics
- Inadequate or excessive hygiene
3 ways to hydrate the skin
In general, there are three ways to help hydrate the skin from the inside and outside:
1. Creams and lotions
Products such as creams and lotions can help keep your skin moisturized. But in order to keep the skin your face or body sufficiently hydrated, you should first identify what type of skin you have, which you can then take into account when choosing a suitable lotion or cream.
Aqueous-based lotions are easy to apply, but if your skin is very dry, it’s better to use an oil-based moisturizer to help prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated and improve moisture retention.
Moisturizer should be an essential part of your daytime and nighttime routine (for your face and body). It is also important to apply some kind of cream to rough areas of the skin that are exposed to more friction or rubbing, such as the knees, elbows and soles of the feet.
2. Oils
A great way to keep your skin naturally hydrated, as well as promote the regeneration of skin cells and keep it looking young and rejuvenated, is the use of natural oils.
Some of the best oils for the skin include:
- Almond oil
- Olive oil
- Argan oil
- Rosehip oil
- Sesame oil
If you have oily skin, you can apply these oils at night. After washing the next day, you will notice that the skin on your face and body feels more hydrated.
3. Lifestyle
The best way to hydrate your skin is from the inside out. For truly beautiful skin, you should try to adopt healthy habits, such as:
Drinking water
Drink enough water every day. To help oxygenate, clean and hydrate your skin, we recommend you drink 8 glasses of water every day.
Balanced diet
Your diet should be rich in fruit and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and naturally nourish the skin. Consumption of sugar, red meat and greasy foods will be reflected in your skin. A balanced diet won’t just make your skin look better, but it will make you feel healthier, both physically and mentally.
Sleep
Sleep is vital for your general health, as this is when your immune system (which affects collagen production, the main component of our skin) has time to recover.
Get enough sleep to ensure your body is rested and healthy.
Tobacco and alcohol
We all know that smoking and drinking are damaging to our health. Consuming alcohol reduces the oxygen levels in the blood and affects collagen production, whilst tobacco causes reduces blood flow and leads to the accumulation of a range of toxic substances.
So, if you can reduce or (even better) cut all tobacco and alcohol consumption, your body and your skin will thank you.
Cleaning
When your skin isn’t clean, all the pollution particles accumulated over the course of the day make it difficult for your skin to breathe. This causes the skin to become dehydrated and look dull.
For this reason, it is extremely important that you cleanse your skin every day (or twice a day if you live in a polluted city), with warm water and gentle soap. Excessive rubbing, artificial fragrances and rough sponges can alter your skin’s texture, so be gentle when cleaning your skin.
Makeup
Only use makeup that is safe for your skin. Remember that the skin on your face is very delicate, so be sure to avoid exposing it to harsh products.
Remember to remove your makeup using gentle, circular motions and suitable products.
Sun exposure
The sun is the most drying external factor for the skin, so you should take suitable measures to protect yourself. Avoid direct sun exposure, and if you have to expose yourself to the sun, be sure to use a suitable sunscreen.
Other advice
- Regularly exfoliate your skin so that dead skin cells don’t interrupt your skin’s cell regeneration and hydration process
- Always use sunscreen (even if it’s cloudy and raining, the sun’s rays can still penetrate your skin)
- Avoid air conditioning or central heating as much as possible
- Maintain proper face and body hygiene, but make sure not to overclean your skin
- If you can, go to thermal baths, saunas and steam rooms, all of which help to exfoliate, clean and noticeably hydrate your skin.
- Eat dark chocolate, oats, carrots, orange, avocado, cucumber, nuts, berries, kiwi and green tea. These foods are all great for your skin.
- Keep in mind the best times to hydrate your skin.
Ideal times to hydrate your skin
The ideal time to hydrate your skin is in the morning, straight after showering, as damp skin best absorbs moisture, helping your your cream or lotion to penetrate deeply into the skin.
Another good time to hydrate your skin is at night, after removing your makeup or cleaning your face. Applying moisturizer to a completely clean face will allow the product to moisturize your skin on a deeper level.
Masks
Face masks are a fantastic way to rejuvenate and hydrate your skin. You can even make your own face mask at home to suit your specific skin type. Want to know more about making your own face masks? Check out our article: The best DIY face masks
Now you know how important it is to keep your skin hydrated from the inside and outside, get to work! Your health is up to you.