The Importance of Hydration in Maintaining Healthy Skin
What is skin hydration?
Skin hydration refers to the amount of water in the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum (you can read more about skin structure here). This layer consists of dead skin cells, lipids and natural moisturizing factors (NMF). NMF are substances that attract and retain water in the skin, such as urea, lactic acid, and amino acids.
The stratum corneum acts as a barrier that protects the skin from external factors such as pollution, UV rays, and bacteria. However, when the skin becomes dehydrated, this barrier weakens, making it more prone to damage and irritation.
Why is skin hydration important?
Skin hydration is very important for maintaining healthy skin. When the skin is hydrated, it looks and feels plump, smooth, and radiant. Hydration also helps improve skin elasticity, making it less prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
Beyond cosmetic benefits, skin hydration also plays an important role in supporting overall skin health. The skin is the body’s largest organ and performs many vital functions, such as regulating body temperature and protecting against infections. Proper skin hydration helps support these functions and ensures optimal skin performance.
On the other hand, dehydrated skin can cause various issues, including dryness, flaking, and itching. Existing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis may also worsen, causing inflammation and irritation.
Factors that affect skin hydration
Several factors can affect the level of skin hydration. Some of the most common include:
- Environmental factors: Exposure to extreme temperatures, low humidity, and wind can contribute to skin dehydration.
- Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can dehydrate the skin.
- Diet: A diet high in salt and processed foods can cause water retention, which may affect the skin’s hydration level.
- Skincare products: Some skincare products, such as harsh cleansers, toners, or body scrubs can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration.
- Age: As we age, the skin’s natural hydration level decreases, making it more prone to dryness and dehydration.
How to hydrate your skin?
Now that we understand the importance of skin hydration, let’s look at a few ways to achieve it.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water is one of the most effective ways to hydrate your skin. When you drink water, it is distributed throughout the body, including the skin. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to keep the skin adequately hydrated.
Use a humidifier
Using a humidifier at home can help retain moisture in the skin, especially during the winter months when the air is drier. A humidifier adds moisture to indoor air, which can help prevent skin dehydration.
Avoid excessively hot showers
Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration. Try to avoid hot showers or baths and opt for a cooler, lukewarm temperature instead. Also, try to keep your shower time to no more than 10 minutes.
Use a gentle cleanser
Harsh cleansers remove natural oils from deeper layers of the skin and can cause dehydration. Choose a gentle cleanser designed for your skin type. When washing and cleansing your skin, use a light touch and avoid aggressively rubbing the skin.
Apply a moisturizer
A moisturizing face cream is an essential step in any skincare routine, as it helps lock in moisture and prevents the skin from losing water. Choose a moisturizer designed for your skin type and apply it at least twice a day, morning and evening, after cleansing. It is also essential to moisturize the skin on your body at least once a week, and if you can do it more often, that’s even better to help prevent dehydrated skin.
Use a hydrating serum
A hydrating serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing product designed to penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver moisture. Look for a face serum that contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water (read more about what hyaluronic acid is here). Or glycerin, which is a humectant that draws water into the skin; read more about what glycerin is and why it is important here.
Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet can also help maintain skin hydration. Foods with a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and celery, can help hydrate the skin from within. Foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocado and salmon, can also help maintain the skin’s moisture and elasticity. You can also include dietary supplements in your diet—there are many different kinds, for skin tone regeneration as well as for overall immune system support, etc.
Protect your skin from the sun
The sun’s UV rays can damage the skin and cause dehydration. To protect your skin from the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (cream, mist, gel, etc.) with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Read more about what SPF is and how to understand it here.
Skin hydration is an essential part of healthy skin. Proper hydration helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier function, prevents water loss, and helps the skin look and feel healthy and radiant. By incorporating these tips into your skincare routine and making lifestyle changes that support skin hydration, you can improve your skin’s condition. So don’t forget to drink plenty of water, use a humidifier when needed, avoid very hot showers, use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type, a serum and moisturizer, eat a healthy diet, and protect your skin from the sun—so your skin is not only hydrated, but truly healthy in every sense. In this blog post, you can read an article about what optimal skin health is and why skincare matters.
