Dry skin? Here’s Some Tips to Get Hydrated

Do you have dry skin? In this article, we’ll talk about the way in which you can keep your skin hydrated. We also list things you should avoid to prevent moisture from escaping your skin. Read on! 

What Causes Dry Skin?

Different internal and external factors can cause dry skin. For one, extreme temperatures can damage the natural barriers of your skin. Over-exfoliation and the use of harsh, abrasive products can do the same. 

Aggressive cleansers that contain harmful ingredients can weaken your skin’s ability to retain moisture. Air conditioning units can damage your skin as the lack of humidity damages our skin’s moisture barrier. 

Tips for Hydrating Skin

Having dry skin is fixable, and the following tips can help you hydrate better: 

     1. Avoid Hot Showers and Baths 

How showers and baths may feel good, but they in fact encourage water to flow out of your body. This dries up your skin. 

Instead of hot showers or baths, take lukewarm showers. Doing this ensures water stays within your skin. It’s also wise to use skincare products with ingredients that draw water in and amplify the effect of hydration. You might want to check out mojavedesertskinshield.com for that.

     2. Buy a Humidifier 

Humidifiers increase the humidity in the room, and this helps your skin lose less moisture. This is important especially during the winter season, when the air inside houses tend to be super dry because of full-blast heaters. 

     3. Avoid Harsh Cleansers 

Harsh skin cleansers often strip the skin of its natural moisture and oils. As a result, micro-cracks and cuts on the top layer of the skin appear. This then results in drying, cracking, redness, and even skin eczema. 

When buying skincare products, look for gentle cleansers and avoid strong chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy, salicylic,or glycolic acids — these are better suited to other skin types and not dry ones. 

     4. Moisturize After Cleansing

Don’t leave your skin dry after cleansing; this is one of the most common mistakes among people with skincare routines. Instead of completely drying your skin, pat dry it gently. 

Make sure that it’s slightly damp when you apply your moisturizer. Doing this ensures your moisturizer pulls water in as your skin absorbs it. 

     5. Always Wear Sunscreen 

UV rays have free radicals that damage your skin barrier, which dries up and irritates your skin. Eventually, your skin fibers will break down, resulting in loss of hydration. 

Applying broad spectrum sunscreen every day not only shields you against the sun’s UV rays; it also locks in moisture in your skin. When buying products with SPF, look for ones that have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These chemicals form a physical barrier that shields your skin. 

     6. Exfoliate Regularly 

Regularly exfoliating dead skin cells help your moisturizer absorb water better. Exfoliate once or twice a week. 

Don’t overdo it, though, since over-exfoliation can ruin your skin barrier and increase dryness. Exfoliate with products that contain ingredients like lactic and glycolic acids. 

     7. Eat Water-Rich Food

While drinking water is a must and a helpful part of skincare, it doesn’t make the cut alone. You should also consume foods rich in water and antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables increase the total water content of your body. 

Eating water-rich food while using the right daily hydrating moisturizers will make your skin healthier faster. Foods that are rich in water and antioxidants include beets, mushrooms, and spinach. 

     8. Avoid Dehydrating Foods and Drinks 

Food and drinks that can dehydrate your body include alcohol, excessive coffee, and dishes that are high in sodium and sugars. They contribute to systemic dehydration, resulting in a dull and non-plump skin.