Skin flooding? Skin slugging? Call it what you want, but skin hydration seems to trend online every couple of years. Let’s talk about all things hydration and why it’s something you must include in your skincare routine.
To keep things simple – in this post, we use ‘hydration’ and ‘moisturize’ interchangeably.
Your Skin’s Natural Hydration
Your skin is the largest organ and it works hard to keep the rest of your body protected. To stay healthy, the skin has natural processes in place to make sure it stays hydrated.
The outermost layer of the skin is called the stratum corneum, also known as the ‘skin barrier‘. This outer layer of skin contains substances known as natural moisturizing factors. Natural moisturizing factors are made of compounds like amino acids, urea, and lactic acid, which aid skin hydration.
Another form of natural skin hydration is the production of sebum. Sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum which acts as a protective layer to prevent water loss. Oily skin types might find that they produce a lot of sebum, whereas dry skin types are often lacking sebum production. The perfect balance can be difficult to achieve!
Other biological components and processes of the skin include aquaporins, sweat glands, cell turnover, and blood circulation. Aquaporins and sweat glands ensure hydration and body temperature is regulated within the skin. Cell turnover and proper blood circulation support overall skin health and functioning.
Benefits of Hydrated Skin
Keeping your skin hydrated is the key to a clear, glowing, and youthful complexion. Here’s an overview of the benefits you can expect from properly hydrated skin:
- Improved skin elasticity (‘bouncier’ skin)
- Less dryness and irritation (less flaky and scaly skin)
- Youthful appearance (decreased fine lines and wrinkles)
- Improved skin texture (less enlarged pores and rough skin)
- More balanced oil production (less acne and other congestion)
- Better product absorption (treat your skin more effectively)
- Better protection & wound healing (less damage and scarring)
How to Help Your Skin Stay Hydrated
Many different factors can negatively impact skin hydration. Some of these include environmental factors, excessive sun exposure, hot showers/baths, harsh cleansers, overuse of skincare products, aging skin, poor diet, and hormonal changes. Some of these factors are easy to minimize, but others require particular care.
A common misconception in skincare is that ‘more is more’. Using a multitude of products with a variety of powerful ingredients can result in a compromised skin barrier and dehydrated skin. With that in mind, do not overuse harsh cleansers or abrasive scrubs as they strip away the skin’s natural oils.
Skin hydration can be improved with the use of moisturizer and sunblock/sunscreen (SPF). Using these products as part of your skincare routine is the easiest way to protect and maintain your skin.
Hydration Ingredients for Different Skin Types
Another major misconception about skin hydration is that certain skin types shouldn’t use moisturizers. For example, some people think that using moisturizers on oily skin will mean increased congestion (more acne). That is not true! Moisturizing is vital for all skin types – the key is using ingredients that complement your skin concerns. Here’s a brief guide to get you started:
| Skin Type | Hydration Tips |
| Normal and Combination Skin | Look for: Whatever works! Water-soluble hydration like hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, glycerin, and aloe. Or oil-soluble hydration like ceramides, jojoba oil, and dimethicone. Avoid: Whatever your skin doesn’t like! These skin types are adaptable to many hydration ingredients. |
| Oily Skin | Look for: Water-soluble hydration like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Non-comedogenic moisturizers are ideal, as is the inclusion of niacinamide to balance sebum production. Avoid: Oil-soluble hydration, comedogenic products, and heavy creams. Overuse of acne products that are likely to result in dehydrated skin. |
| Dry Skin | Look for: Oil-soluble or cream-based moisturizers. Ingredlients like hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, oleic acid, urea, and lanolin. Avoid: Water-soluble hydration that is too ‘light’ to make a difference in they skin. Harsh cleansers and exfoliants that decrease the production of natural oils. |
| Sensitive Skin | Look for: Soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe, soy, bisabolol, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, and shea butter. Gradually introduce new products and patch test first. Avoid: Long and complicated ingredient lists. Anything that causes irritation! This skin type is fickle and has a unique set of ingredients – so be patient. Long and complicated ingredient lists. |
How to Add Hydration in Your Skincare Routine
The most effective ways to add hydration in your skincare routine is through moisturizers and sunblock/sunscreen (SPF). Use a moisturizer and SPF product that is suitable for your skin type. Moisturize twice a day after cleansing, exfoliation, toner, and serums. Use sunscreen/sunblock every morning after applying moisturizer. For more specifics about your skincare routine, check out our blog post here >>>
If you’re already doing the ‘bare minimum’ and are looking to add increased hydration, consider the use of hydration serums, facial oils, or masks. Increasing your water intake can also help to re-hydrate the skin. If you live in a dry climate, the use of a humidifier could help with environmental stressors impacting the skin.
Tips and Tricks
You might not realize, but taking a long hot shower can also cause the skin to dehydrate. Try showering at a slightly lower temperature, or limiting the time you spend in the shower. Another solution is making sure you moisturize your face straight after showering.
After showering or cleansing their skin, many people find themselves rubbing the skin dry. This aggressive method of drying the skin damages the skin barrier causing further skin dehydration. As a more gentle option, try patting dry your skin after showering or cleansing.
It is important to recognize the changing state of your skin hydration. Many external factors can impact your skin’s hydration, like the weather! Internal factors like hormonal changes can also affect your skin. So go with the flow and do your best to understand the signs that your skin is giving you.
Finally, some health conditions can cause dehydrated skin. If your skin feels overly dry and isn’t improving despite your best efforts, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider. In speaking with a medical professional, further tests can be done to determine any underlying conditions.
Final Thoughts
Skin hydration is a non-negotiable step in your skincare routine. Keeping your skin hydrated will help you maintain a healthy, and youthful appearance. Furthermore, adequate moisture reduces the risk of premature aging, and supports overall skin function.
It seems like there are good reasons why skin hydration keeps trending. What a simple way to strengthen your skin barrier and see real results. So if you aren’t hydrating, take this as your sign – now’s the time to begin!
