5 Ways To Hydrate Skin And Lock-In Moisture
Written by Danielle Horgan
Most of us know that skin hydration is key for a healthy young-looking complexion, and now we’re in the depths of summer and lockdown is easing, inevitably we’ll be flocking to the nearest open space for some socially distanced sunbathing. It goes without saying that we protect our skin in the sun by using a good SPF, but those lovely warm rays can suck the life out of our moisture levels.
So, how do we hydrate skin the right way and maintain that much-needed hydration especially during the summer months? Here’s how to keep complexions less dry and shriveled and more plump and juicy...
1. Your choice of cleanser is vital
The main role of a cleanser is to clean the skin removing dirt and grime, but be careful not to use any that are too harsh, especially if you have dry/sensitive skin as it can dry it out.
Check what ingredients are in your cleanser; oils like coconut, jasmine, and jojoba work to increase moisture levels, whilst blue chamomile is a powerful anti-inflammatory that works to reduce redness and soothe any irritation.
Also, when removing your cleanser, splash using tepid water as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils resulting in dry, flaky, and sensitive skin.
2. Beware of over-exfoliation
We all love that smooth feeling after a good exfoliation and whilst exfoliation is key to sloth away dead skin cells so our moisturizer can sink in better, too much can dry out the skin. Try to exfoliate a maximum of 2-3 times a week and that will be enough to ensure you have baby soft skin.
3. Create a weekly skin hydrating ritual
Give yourself a little self-care treat by using a hydrating face mask once a week. Choose one that contains antioxidant-packed ingredients to help combat any irritation and dryness.
Using a mask containing hyaluronic acid helps to inject moisture into the skin, but if you prefer the 100% natural approach, then go one step further and create your own mask using nourishing ingredients.
Honey is a humectant that works to draw moisture from deep down up to the surface of the skin and avocado contains natural fats and minerals that not only hydrate but act as an anti-inflammatory.
3. Create a weekly skin hydrating ritual
Give yourself a little self-care treat by using a hydrating face mask once a week. Choose one that contains antioxidant-packed ingredients to help combat any irritation and dryness.
Using a mask containing hyaluronic acid helps to inject moisture into the skin, but if you prefer the 100% natural approach, then go one step further and create your own mask using nourishing ingredients.
Honey is a humectant that works to draw moisture from deep down up to the surface of the skin and avocado contains natural fats and minerals that not only hydrate but act as an anti-inflammatory.
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4. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!
After you’ve cleansed, apply a light moisturizer to your freshly cleansed skin whilst it’s still damp to lock in the moisture; damp skin absorbs the product more readily.
A little tip, moisturize within 60 seconds of getting out of the shower, whether you're on a morning or nighttime shower routine, when you get out, lightly pat skin dry — rubbing with a towel can be too aggressive and drying — then immediately grab your moisturizer and apply. Afterward, complete your routine with a light spray of hydration mist for added moisture to encourage a healthy skin barrier.
5. The holistic approach
Remember, what we put into our bodies is just as important as what we put on them. To keep skin hydrated, I recommend using the 360 holistic approach.
Drinking lots of water helps detox the body, but to maintain hydration levels, we need to eat water-rich foods too. When we eat more water-rich foods, we absorb water more slowly because it is contained within the structure of these foods — the slowness of the absorption means the water stays in our bodies for longer which gives added hydration benefits. Eat fruits like watermelon and strawberries that are around 90% water and leafy greens such as broccoli and spinach for optimum hydration.
Make sure you get a restful night's sleep, lack of sleep affects the pH levels in our skin and when our skin's pH levels drop, they create an imbalance, causing your skin to fail to produce the moisture it needs.
Watch that screen time too! Our technology devices emit blue light also known as HEV (High Energy Visible Light) which penetrates and damages the skin barrier making it more prone to signs of aging, increased uneven skin tone, dullness, pigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles. So do yourself a favor, eat well, sleep well, and limit your screen time.
In Conclusion
No matter what the season, keeping skin hydrated is key for a glowing complexion, and just moisturizing alone is not going to cut it. Lifestyle choices show on our skin, so it’s important to set strict self-care routines made up of targeted products, a nourishing diet, and ample sleep to make sure we’re giving our skin the support it needs from the inside out.
Danielle Horgan
Danielle has over 10 years of experience as a Health and Wellness PR working for a range of high profile skincare brands. A certified Yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner, Danielle is passionate about a 360 approach to skincare routed in exercise, plant-based nutrition, and high-quality natural products that yield great results.
