Hydrate your facial skin!

19/09/2023
woman with towel on head uses hydrating face cream

Who doesn’t love radiant and firm skin? Summer has come to an end, and after exposure to the sun, our skin is thirstier than ever, needing to regain lost elasticity and moisture.

Extended sun exposure, aging, and insufficient water intake are just a few factors that can make our skin feel dry and dehydrated.

But how can we hydrate our skin while also addressing its age-related needs?

 

Why is facial hydration important?

Skin hydration is one of the most crucial steps in skincare.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body and requires regular care, not only for aesthetic reasons but also to stay healthy. When properly hydrated, it can better withstand the rigors of daily life (pollution, sunlight, etc.).

Especially after summer or winter, the skin needs more hydration and reinforcement of its barrier. It’s well-known that Queen Cleopatra used to take milk baths for the moisturizing properties it offers to the skin.

Hydration is essential because it provides the following benefits:

  1. Helps the skin maintain its youthfulness
  2. Protects against external/environmental threats
  3. Reduces skin imperfections (oiliness, acne, excessive dryness, redness)
  4. Smoothes the skin’s appearance
  5. If the moisturizer contains SPF, it contributes to preventing fine lines
  6. Depending on its ingredients, it may help combat wrinkles
  7. It also aids in makeup application, ensuring better coverage

Some moisturizing creams offer additional actions such as:

  • Protection from blue light emitted by screens.
  • Tinted versions for covering imperfections.

 

What affects the skin?

The appearance, texture, and health of our skin can be influenced by the following factors:

  • Age – menopause/pregnancy/adolescence (hormones)
  • Atmospheric pollutants
  • Sun exposure
  • Smoking
  • Climate
  • Gender
  • Lifestyle
  • Insufficient skincare (cleansing, moisturizing)

 

What are the steps for proper skin hydration?

Here are the basic steps for proper skin hydration, explained in detail:

1. Cleansing

The first and most crucial step to achieve good skin hydration is to apply it to clean skin. Our skin is burdened daily with dust and pollutants that clog its pores, making it difficult for oxygen to reach and renew cells. As a defense mechanism, our body produces sebum and lipids to balance skin dehydration, resulting in dull and tired-looking skin.

Therefore, a proper facial cleanser:

  • Respects the skin’s pH
  • Removes dead cells and impurities
  • Does not dehydrate the skin
  • It’s advisable for the product you use not to contain soap but mild cleansing agents that can both clean and care for our skin

 

2. Moisturizing

The primary actions that a good moisturizer should provide are:

  • Deep hydration
  • Activation of cellular renewal
  • Anti-aging effects – antioxidant properties
  • Enhancement of natural collagen and elastin production
  • Increased elasticity and firmness
  • Radiance and toning of the skin
  • A lightweight texture that absorbs quickly

 

How to achieve deep skin hydration?

  • Increase water intake

 Dehydration in our body directly affects our skin. Experts recommend consuming at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to stay healthy and have a beautiful, hydrated appearance.

 

  • Incorporate exercise into your daily routine

Exercise induces sweating, helping remove toxins from the body. During sweating, we lose fluids, which need to be replenished. Additionally, exercise offers multiple health and mood benefits, making those who engage in it look and feel younger and healthier.

 

  • Use hydrating masks

If your skin feels in need of immediate hydration and radiance, try face and eye masks. There is a wide variety of textures and ingredients to choose from to suit your needs. After-sun masks designed to quench the skin’s thirst after sun exposure are also excellent choices.

Recommended options include:

 

  • Wear the right night cream

The skin regenerates during the night, reaching its peak between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM. For this reason, a night cream is essential for skin beauty and health. Night creams have richer textures to provide the skin with the necessary nourishment and hydration.

Depending on your needs and age, you can choose the one that suits you best.

 

What does the best moisturizer contain?

There is a wide variety of facial creams and moisturizing products available, and most of the ingredients they contain are based on the skin’s primary need, which is maintaining the skin’s hydration and lipid barrier.

Here are some key ingredients commonly found in effective moisturizers:

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Provides hydration and contributes to anti-aging effects.
  • Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Reduces flakiness and restores elasticity.
  • Peptides: Encourage skin regeneration and increase firmness.
  • Antioxidants: Combat free radicals and promote skin health and toning.
  • Vitamin A: Increases firmness.
  • Vitamin C: Enhances radiance and brightness.
  • Vitamin E: Retains moisture in cells and prevents dehydration.
  • Glycerin: Removes dead cells and promotes healthy skin.
  • Ceramides: Restore the skin barrier and hydration levels.

Some recommended facial moisturizers include:

  1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: Suitable for dry to very dry skin.
  2. Bepanthol Derma Intensive Hydrating Day Cream: Offers enhanced skin repair.
  3. Korres Greek Yoghurt Moisturizing Cream-Gel: Contains probiotics for hydration.

 

Which ingredients provide natural skin hydration?

Some ingredients provide natural hydration to the skin, including aloe vera and seaweed gel. These ingredients have soothing properties, offer hydration, and also possess anti-inflammatory characteristics.

A 2006 study showed that aloe vera extract is an effective natural ingredient for improving skin hydration levels and reducing dryness. Additionally, aloe vera gel contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which help trap moisture in the skin.

 

Extra Tips for Natural Radiance

  • Avoid rubbing your skin after cleansing. Pat dry gently with a towel.
  • Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.
  • Opt for fragrance-free cleansers if you have sensitive skin.
  • Always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
  • Don’t forget your lip balm; hydrating your lips is equally important.
  • Reduce salt intake.

Consume fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as tomatoes and cucumbers.

 

In Conclusion

It only takes a few minutes a day to prioritize your skin’s hydration. Invest in a routine that meets your specific needs, and you’ll feel your skin looking youthful and fresh. Over the long term, you’ll undoubtedly see significant benefits.

Find at Vita4you.gr a great variety in face creams.

Lila Amanatidou

Creator of www.beautymaniac.gr, specialized in the beauty and makeup industry.

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Disclaimer

The content of this blogspot is not and can not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All information is provided to readers solely for informational purposes. There is no intention to substitute this content for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment.

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Leave a comment

  1. Bhawna Thakur says:

    Main 53 years ki Hoon Mujhe kaun si cream use Karni chahie mujhe apna face kuch dul sa lag raha hai. Please tell me

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