What is skin hydration?
“Skin hydration is the process of moisturising the skin to keep it soft and supple. Dehydrated skin feels tight and dull, has more wrinkles, and can cause dark circles under the eyes. Dry skin can affect any skin type, so it is crucial to discover the correct strategies to keep your skin hydrated. Moisturisation is often the final step of a skincare routine, but effectively nourishing and moisturising skin requires more than just one step. With the appropriate habits, you can avoid dryness and increase water retention,” says dermatologist Dr Kusumika Kanak.
What causes dehydration?
Here are some possible causes of dehydration, as explained by the expert:
1. Extreme temperature
Extreme heat or cold can destroy the natural barrier of the skin. While it may be difficult to escape high temperatures, it is vital to keep your exposure to a minimum.
Excessive exfoliation
Exfoliating too much can also destroy your skin’s natural moisture barrier and make it feel dehydrated. Using harsh, abrasive products to exfoliate your skin can be more detrimental.
Air conditioning
Reduced humidity caused by air conditioners might harm the health of your skin. Lack of humidity destroys the skin’s moisture barrier, causing dehydration.
How to keep the skin hydrated?
If you are seeking foolproof ways to keep your skin hydrated, here are some simple and quick tips that will teach you how to hydrate your skin:
1. Drink plenty of water
Aim for at least 8 glasses (about 2 litres) of water a day. Water is vital for maintaining the moisture balance and elasticity of your skin. A study published in the Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology Journal found that people who drink more water tend to have healthier, bouncier, and hydrated skin.
Eat hydrating foods
Another way to keep your skin hydrated is by eating fruits and vegetables that contain high amounts of water. “Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables can help you meet nutrient recommendations while also keeping you hydrated. If you do not drink enough water each day, fruits and veggies can help you stay nourished and healthy. Water-rich fruits and vegetables are popular ingredients for juice, smoothies, and snacks. Examples include cucumbers, watermelons, oranges, strawberries, and lettuce,” says the expert.
Limit caffeine and alcohol
Both caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate the body. Thus, it is advisable to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. Moderation is key to maintaining proper hydration levels. According to a study published in the Plos One journal, when caffeine is consumed in moderate amount, it hydrates you just as well as water!
Use a humidifier
Adding moisture to the air, especially during dry months, can help keep your skin hydrated from within by preventing it from drying out. Humidifiers give moisture to the air, which keeps your skin from being too dry, says the expert.
5. Use a gentle cleanser
Harsh soaps and cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils. According to a study published in the Molecules Journal, harsh soaps can be too strong for your skin. They wash away natural oils and proteins that keep your skin healthy, and can leave soap residue behind that irritates your skin. Over time, this can damage your skin’s natural barrier, making it dry, cracked, and more sensitive. Opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers that help retain moisture.
Apply moisturiser daily
“Use a moisturiser suitable for your skin type. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides which are known for their hydrating properties,” says the expert.
7. Use hydrating serums
Incorporate serums with hyaluronic acid or vitamin B5 into your skincare routine. These serums penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin for better hydration. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.
8. Protect your skin from the sun
“UV rays can damage the skin and deplete its moisture levels. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin,” says the expert.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera helps to bind moisture to the skin. It stimulates fibroblasts, which creates collagen and elastin fibres, making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled, as found in a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology.
How to use: Apply pure aloe vera gel directly from the plant to the skin. It soothes, heals, and hydrates.
2. Honey
Honey rich in antibacterial properties helps to keep inflammation at bay. Also, as a natural humectant, it helps to retain moisture in the skin, according to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic dermatology.
How to use: Apply a thin layer of raw honey to your face, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
Avocado mask
In a study published in theJournal of Cosmetic and Dermatology, avocado consumption may lead to enhanced elasticity and firmness of the facial skin in healthy women. However, more research is needed to prove that avocado masks can hydrate your skin.
How to use: Mash a ripe avocado and apply it as a face mask. Rich in vitamins E and A, it nourishes and moisturises the skin.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is rich in antimicrobial, analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These all properties help to moisturise the skin and treat skin infections.
How to use: Apply coconut oil to your face and body before going to sleep. It will help reduce the loss of moisture through the skin’s surface and keep it hydrated.
5. Oatmeal bath
A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that oats have a high amino acid balance and silica content, making them a good emollient for restoring the natural moisture of the skin.
How to use: Soak in an oatmeal bath to soothe dry skin. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a natural moisturiser.
Cucumber
According to a study published in the International Journal of Biological Nutrients, cucumber helps to moisturise the skin and helps to prevent skin wrinkles.
How to use: Make a paste by blending a cucumber and apply it directly as a mask for a cooling and hydrating effect.
7. Green tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help hydrate and nourish the skin, says the expert.
How to use: Brew a cup of green tea, let it cool, then use it as a face spritz.
