10 Ways to Keep Your Skin Hydrated

In order to stay hydrated it’s important to consume plenty of water every day.

But what about your skin? Keeping it hydrated can be just as important and there are a variety of ways you can do so while living an active life.

Try these 10 simple tips to keep your skin hydrated!

1) Get rid of dead skin cells
One of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated is by exfoliating—that is, eliminating dead skin cells and exposing new ones. There are a number of ways you can do so, including using a face scrub or face mask. Even if you’re not prone to acne, try an exfoliating product once or twice per week—you’ll notice a difference in how smooth your skin feels immediately!

2) Use Face Masks
Face masks are an easy way to provide deep hydration. The nutrients in these types of masks help your skin retain moisture and keep it soft and smooth. They also tend to be much more concentrated than other lotions or creams, meaning you’ll get more moisturizing value for your buck. Plus, face masks don’t require much work; just apply one and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off.

3) Drink Water
A natural cleanser and coolant, water is essential for healthy skin. It rids your body of toxins, removes sweat and oil that can clog pores, and makes your skin more supple. A good rule of thumb: If you’re thirsty—you’re already dehydrated. So drink up!

4) Use Moisturizers
Moisturizers are important for any skin type, but particularly those prone to dryness. They lock in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated for hours after application. When using a moisturizer, apply it before going to bed so that it has time to absorb into your skin; using it under your makeup will help keep makeup from flaking off throughout the day. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for non-comedogenic moisturizers (ones that don’t clog pores) like an oil-free lotion or gel cream.

5) Use Cleansers (Serums, Toners, etc.)
Cleansers will cleanse your face, but won’t take off too much of your natural oils. If you have really dry skin or feel like it’s starting to flake, use a hydrating face mask! These are great because they’ll give you that hydration boost while also clearing out your pores.

6) Don’t Forget about Body Care
Exfoliation is one of your best tools in avoiding dry skin. You might think it’s okay to skip a few days, but after exfoliating regularly, you will feel an immense difference. Use a gentle body cleanser (preferably one for sensitive skin) once or twice a week and give yourself a light massage afterward.

7) Go for Salt Scrubs Every Few Weeks
Salt scrubs are probably one of your cheapest forms of skin care, and they can work wonders on keeping your skin hydrated. Just mix salt (or Epsom salts) with a few drops of an essential oil, like lavender or lemon, and rub it all over your body. The scrub will exfoliate your skin while removing built-up dirt and grease, leaving you feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

8) Stay out of Extreme Temperatures – Cold and Heat
Our skin loses most of its water through evaporation, so it’s important that we keep our skin out of extreme temperatures. It also means that it’s best to moisturize while your skin is still damp from a shower.

9) Avoid Coffee – Go for Green Tea
If you’re not careful, coffee can dehydrate your skin by robbing it of essential moisture. If you need your caffeine fix, try swapping out java for green tea instead. Green tea has less caffeine than coffee and antioxidants called catechins that reduce stress on your body and improve blood flow. It’s also rich in vitamins A, C and E as well as manganese, which is important for healthy skin.

10) Treat Yourself Every Week with Something You Enjoy
It can be something as simple as getting a mani-pedi or sitting in a steam room—anything that works for you. The point is, your body needs and deserves pampering on occasion, even if it’s just an hour of quiet time away from screens. Make sure to book it off your calendar so you know exactly when it’s going down. It’ll help keep you on track with work and give you a clear plan for self-care each week!