Hydration is vital for your skin, no matter its type. Whether from within or with the aid of topical products – regular hydration boosts barrier health, accelerates skin healing, plays a role in cellular renewal at night and so much more. To help you make the most of this process, we are bringing you a list of dos and don’ts. Adhere to this guide and realise your skin goals without breaking a sweat! 

Before we get to this cheatsheet, let’s explores the benefits of hydration 

Why Is Hydration Important For Your Skin? 

Ample hydration benefits the skin in the following ways -

1. More elastic skin: Hydration improves your skin’s elasticity, making it appear taut and supple.

2. Softens fine lines and wrinkles: Adequate hydration also boosts Collagen production, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore, humectants-infused products should be a part of your anti-ageing regimen.

3. Bolsters the lipid barrier: Your skin’s outermost layer (a.k.a. the lipid barrier) helps avert harmful pathogens, pollutants, and other environmental aggressors. Regular and sustained hydration ensures this barrier’s maximum efficiency. 

4. Soothes irritated and inflamed skin: Regular hydration helps soothe inflammation and irritation on the skin. But that’s not all. Hydration also helps accelerate healing – treating wounds, scars, and more.

5. Alleviates dryness and flakiness: Hydration revives dry, flaky patches on the skin, making it appear smooth and even. Moreover, the process enhances your skin’s latent radiance.

6. Ensures better absorption of your serums and treatments: Adequately hydrated skin facilitates better absorption of skincare products like serums and treatments. Active ingredients in the formulations percolate deeper into the skin to address relevant concerns like dullness, acne, fine lines and others.

Dos Of Hydration 

To reap the maximum benefits of hydration, here are some tips you can use - 

1. Drink plenty of water: Internal hydration plays an important role in your skin’s appearance. It flushes out toxins, restores the moisture balance and makes the skin look plump.

2. Use a hydrating moisturizer: Another way to double down on hydration efforts is by adding a potent moisturizer to your skincare rotation. Try a formula infused with humectants (like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin) that bind water molecules to the skin. Moreover, opt for emollients and occlusives in the formula that prevent TEWL or transepidermal water loss for best results.

3. Incorporate Hyaluronic Acid in your routine: On top of a hydrating moisturizer, we recommend adding a Hyaluronic Acid-based serum to your routine. A Godsend for folks with dry and dehydrated skin – the serum’s water-like consistency allows it to percolate deep into the skin and restore the moisture levels.

4. Use a gentle cleanser: No matter how concise or elaborate your skincare routine is, cleansing ought to be its first step. Use a pH-balancing and gentle face wash that doesn’t make your skin feel stripped. Additionally, look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerine that replenish your skin’s moisture content.

5. Eat water-rich foods: Load up on foods packed with water, minerals, antioxidants that hydrate your skin. Such items include oranges, avocado, kiwis, apples, blueberries, celery, cucumber, coconut water and more. 

Don'ts Of Skin Hydration  

Avoid this skincare mistakes at all costs to maximise hydration - 

1. Avoid over-washing your face: While cleansing your face twice daily is non-negotiable, over-washing can dislodge your skin’s natural oils and make it dehydrated.

2. Don’t skip sunscreen: Skimping on sunscreen also increases the risk of dehydration. You see, continued exposure to UV rays damages the barrier and displaces the skin’s natural oil – often making it dry and flaky. 

3. Steer clear of alcohol-based products: Is your skin getting dehydrated despite multiple efforts? If yes, check your skincare products for alcohol. For the unversed, alcohol in your toners, moisturizers, or creams, expels moisture molecules from the skin, making it dry. 

4. Don’t ignore your body: Skin is the body’s largest organ. Yet its care is often limited to the face. We recommend focusing on hydrating body care – body gels and lotions that bind moisture molecules into the skin for its soft, supple appearance. 

Common Myths About Skin Hydration 

Ahead, we list some common hydration myths that can derail efforts for good skin 

1. Hydrating products only work for dry skin: Absolutely not – this is a myth. Hydration is crucial for the upkeep and maintenance of all skin types. This process binds moisture molecules to the skin to bolster barrier health, accelerate healing, soothe inflammation, defer ageing signs and more. 

2. All moisturizers are the same: This is definitely a myth. All moisturizers are not created equal. If you have dry skin, opt for an emollient-rich formula.  Alternatively, folks with oily skin can use a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer that doesn’t clog the pores.

3. You need moisturizer only during winters: Fact check, this is a common myth. Your skin needs moisturizer all year round. A potent moisturizing formula creates a barrier on the dermis preventing TEWL (or transepidermal water loss).  

4. Sunscreen isn’t important for hydration: Continued exposure to UV rays zaps moisture from the skin, making it feel stripped. A generous slather of sunscreen prevents this problem. 

5. Oily skin doesn’t need hydration: This is a very common myth. As discussed earlier, hydration is vital for all skin types. For folks with oily skin, ample hydration keeps the sebaceous glands in check – reducing the shine of the face.

What Are Some Expert Tips For Long-Lasting Hydration  

Here are some expert tips that will keep your skin hydrated for long periods .

1. Layer hydrating products: To maximize hydration for the skin, layer a potent Hyaluronic Acid Serum with a skin-appropriate moisturizer. The humectant, HA will bind moisture molecules to the skin whereas the moisturizing formula will put a sturdy lock on hydration.

2. Use antioxidants like Vitamin C in your routine: Pollutants, harmful UV rays, and other aggressors have the tendency to dehydrate your skin. To circumvent this problem, use a Vitamin C serum in your AM routine.  

3. Adjust your skincare routine seasonally: The biggest skincare mistake one can commit is using the same products during summer and winter. Since the cold, dry weather has the tendency to dehydrate your skin (even more), opt for a heavier, emollient-rich moisturizer during winter. 

FAQs 

1. How much water should I drink for hydrated skin? 

You should drink at least 8 glasses of water for plump and radiant skin.

2. What are the best ingredients for skin hydration? 

Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Aqauporin Boosters, Betaine, and D-Panthenol are best for skin hydration. 

3. Can overhydration damage the skin? 

Yes, over hydration can lead to maceration. This condition occurs when the skin barrier becomes soft due to excessive moisture.