How to Hydrate Your Skin the Healthy Way 

If you have dry, dehydrated skin, chances are you also have a drawer full of half-used moisturizers, lotions and masks you thought would be the answer. Learn how to shop smart and support the hydration your skin needs from head-to-toe.

How to Keep Skin Hydrated

First, let’s figure out the culprit. Most of the time, dry or dehydrated skin is caused by environmental factors like very cold or hot weather, pollution, diet or even the temperature of your shower.

Making a few simple swaps can make a big difference for the comfort-level of your skin. Of course, sometimes dry skin is caused by more serious underlying issues like eczema or psoriasis, and these usually require a doctor’s care.

Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin

Just like your body, skin can be dehydrated too. What’s the different between dry skin and dehydrated skin? 

Dehydration can happen to any skin type, not just dry skin. Where dry skin gets its tight, itchy feeling from a lack of natural oils, dehydrated skin lacks water.

Dehydrated skin can look more dull than usual, and have flakes and fine lines that look deeper than usual. With a few tips and the right skin care products you can help fix dehydration and dryness.

Tips for Hydrated Skin

Good news: most of these skin issues are relatively easy to address, and there are lots of ways to do it. Try out a few of these tips:

• Close the bathroom door when you shower to build up steam
• Keep showers to around 5-10 minutes and use warm water, not hot
• Pat skin gently with a towel when drying
• Apply moisturizers to damp skin ASAP to lock in moisture
• In winter, use a humidifier in your bedroom
• Get plenty of sleep—our skin repairs itself while we rest 

Hydrating from the Inside Out

You already know that drinking lots of water helps keep your skin hydrated and healthy. But the rest of your diet is super important, too. 

Fresh fruits provide antioxidants (and more of that all-important water), and citrus fruits support collagen production in the skin for a plump look and feel. Leafy greens like spinach and broccoli help fight free radicals that can give skin a dull look, and their phytochemicals help fight damage from sun and pollutants.

And a study from the British Journal of Dermatology found that foods with lipoic acid, like tomatoes, poultry and round steak, can improve dry skin and the effects of sun exposure.

Skincare for Hydration

A skin care routine for hydrated, glowing skin doesn’t have to be complicated. 

Cleanse

Use a gentle cleanser and keep the water temperature not-too-hot.

Hydrate

Look for products with natural essential fatty acids like Rosehip or Grapeseed Oil or natural hydrators like Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe. Apply to skin when it’s slightly damp to help absorption.

Lock It In

Moisturizers rich with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients like Glycerin, Stearic Acid and Shea Butter act as a seal to help lock in hydration. 

Did you know? Sun damage is a direct cause of dry, damaged skin, so remember your daily SPF 30 or higher!

Head-to-Toe Hydrators

With powerful help from nature’s best ingredients and a few simple tweaks to your daily routine, you’re on your way to healthier, hydrated skin.