Hydrate your skin with these easy steps

When it comes to keeping skin hydrated, it’s a common misconception that you can just rely on a slew of moisturisers to get the job done. Hydration requires you to add water to your skin while moisturizing it means you use ingredients that will help to lock the water in your skin. Both hydration and moisturization work well in pairs and bearing this in mind will be doubly beneficial for your skin to ensure that the water added to your skin also stays in it for improved texture and extended health.

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We break it down in these easy steps you can follow to keep your skin in optimal hydrated state.

#1 Drink 8 glasses of water

The easiest way to get water into your system is to consume it. Drink no less than 8 glasses of water a day and maybe even more should you be engaging in more strenuous activities.

#2 Use hydrating ingredients

These days, there are several hydrating ingredients you can easily find in any good moisturizer, the most common being hyaluronic acid. The water binding properties found in hyaluronic acid not only replenishes your skin with moisture, it also prevents early signs of aging by maintaining its elasticity.

If your skin is extremely dehydrated and you’re experiencing dryness and itchiness, look out for products infused with glycerin and / or urea. As a humectant, glycerin attracts moisture from the environment onto the surface of your skin, whereas urea loosens and breaks down hardened protein, soothing your skin in the process.

Other popular ingredients include ceramides, found in many skincare products these days. They prevent water loss and retain moisture at the same time, creating a line of defense for your skin’s barrier.

#3 Avoid long and hot showers

As relaxing as they may be, especially after a long day at work, long and hot showers can cause loss in moisture content and oils from your skin, dehydrating it in the process. Instead try using lukewarm water instead which would be more beneficial for your skin.

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#4 Mask up

Be it face masks or mask sheets, they’re a great way to not only pamper your skin, they also introduce moisture and hydration to your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

#5 Suncreen always

Sun exposure besides causing skin damage, can dehydrate your skin and cause it to lose moisture. The best way to protect your skin from sun exposure is to be diligent with sunscreen. Pick one that contains at least SPF 30 and one that you’re comfortable wearing daily under your makeup.  

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#6 Eat foods rich in water

As the saying goes, you are what you eat. Besides sticking to a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day, enrich your diet with fruits and vegetables, such as citrus-based fruits that are high in Vitamin C and food rich in Vitamin A and B3 to improve skin texture and skin health.