5 Tips to Keep Skin Hydrated | Muse Health

Something that many women (and an increasing number of men) aim for is a clear, hydrated, and radiant complexion. Although we’re taught that looks do not matter, the state of a person's face, followed by the rest of their body is a good reflection of the attention and effort one places into skin care. And while it may seem like a lot of work to keep your skin looking its best, there are very simple changes you can implement to your daily routine that will make a major difference to the dryness of your skin in a matter of months.

Below are 5 tips to keep your skin hydrated and looking its best.

Drink Water

Isn’t it odd how the most simple things in life are also the hardest for many to remember? Most of us have heard of drinking the recommended amount of 8-ounce glasses of water per day but few adhere to it. Although it is hard to find scientific proof that 8-ounce glasses of water is an ideal number, what science does prove is that a lack of sufficient water is horrible for the skin.

The human body is composed of roughly 60% water. In order for the body to function properly, it needs to maintain its proportional body composition. With that information, you may be wondering how much water you need to prevent your body from suffering internal dehydration.

It’s difficult to answer because every person has different needs. The factors that determine your ideal water amount depend on several factors such as body weight, age, health status, environment, sweat loss during physical activity, and (for women) pregnancy or breastfeeding.

In order to fully understand how much water you need, it is important to consult a doctor to gain the best understanding of your current health status.  

One simple way to gauge whether you’ve had enough water per day is to monitor how many times you urinate. As a rule of thumb, if you urinate every 2-4 hours and are considered healthy, that is a sign that you’re drinking enough water. Depending on your age and overall health, constant urination could be a sign of something more serious.

Even though water doesn’t taste like anything and many people prefer to bypass it, incorporating water into your daily routine will make a major difference in the texture and look of the skin.

Below are a few tips to incorporate water into your daily routine:

• Drink a bottle or glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning.
• Bring a water bottle with you to work or school and drink from it. As you go about your day, you’ll subconsciously empty out the bottle a few times.

Apply moisturizer to damp skin

Although drinking water solves a lot of hydration issues, another crucial part of skin health is moisturizing. As its name suggests, moisturizers are meant to provide a protective layer of coating to the skin that allows it to stay hydrated and supple for longer periods of time. Water-based skincare products are recommended to anyone looking to keep their skin hydrated throughout the day. These kinds of products help to penetrate through the skin's layers, thus providing vital moisture to areas that are normally neglected.

There are so many skincare products and brands available. With so much to choose from, it may seem impossible to settle on a product that achieves all of your goals. Before committing to a product read, reviews to see what others have said about the brand, and its performance. If you’re still apprehensive, set up an appointment with a dermatologist to go over your options.

Look for these ingredients in the best skin hydration skincare products  

While there are hundreds of skincare products to hydrate your skin, there are certain ingredients to look for when making your decision.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the most commonly used ingredients in skincare products. Already found in the body and in certain fruit and vegetables, Vitamin E is first and foremost, an antioxidant. Antioxidants are important because they prevent oxidative damage to cells by purging and removing free radicals. The magic of Vitamin E is that it helps fight against several skin disorders and abnormalities. It helps with the regeneration of cells from things like sun damage and scar tissue.

Before using Vitamin E, it’s important to consult a doctor. Although it has amazing benefits, it should not be used by those who have super sensitive skin or acne-prone skin.

Glycerin

Another popular ingredient found in several products is glycerin. Glycerin is considered to be hygroscopic, meaning that it draws moisture from the air and locks it into the skin. Several studies have also shown that glycerin has the ability to copy what is known as the skin’s NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor). Due to factors such as age, preexisting skin conditions, or the environment, the body’s ability to replenish moisture begins to deplete. Glycerin fights against depletion by providing moisture and added support.

The major benefits of using glycerin are its ability to capture moisture and enhance the ability of other ingredients to penetrate the skin.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

A combination of the three aforementioned sections, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital to keeping your skin hydrated. An important saying to live by is “everything in moderation”. When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the same rules apply. Apart from drinking ample amounts of water, there are other lifestyle changes that will benefit you in the long run.

If you’re someone who lives in dry conditions, purchase an air humidifier that can be placed in your bedroom and turned on while you sleep. The extra moisture will seep into your skin and leave you feeling and looking amazing in the morning.

The food that you eat also makes a major difference in the appearance and overall look of your skin. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet to help rid the body of toxins. Watermelon is a great fruit choice at any time of the year and aids with dehydrated skin.

If you want to have the spa experience without leaving your house, buy a face mask or twenty. Containing, vitamins and essential oils face masks result in glowing skin that is hydrated and exfoliated.

Other things like exercising and a consistent skincare routine all make up important aspects of what it is to live a healthy lifestyle.

Limit sun exposure and wear SPF

The last tip to keep in mind is the amount of time you spend in the sun. Even though summer just ended and we're entering winter months, it does not mean that the sun is any less lethal. Before stepping outside, it is imperative that you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to help prevent UVA and UVB skin damage. It should come as no surprise that extended sun exposure can dehydrate the skin. The sun also breaks down collagen and elastin, which provide strength and elasticity to the skin.

Limiting sun exposure and wearing SPF sunscreen helps to preserve moisture in your skin and ensure its healthy appearance.

The skin is a living organ, meaning that it needs care and protection. Although it is hard to always stay on top of things, it is important to have a game plan when looking after something as delicate as skin. With subtle changes to your everyday routine, you will see improvements and dry skin will become a thing of the past. The wellness of the skin is a reflection of your habits. Take the time to learn your skin needs by hydrating and following these skin care tips.