The Secret To Keeping Your Skin Moisturized

Just like the rest of our body, our delicate skin needs moisture to stay healthy. It is an organ after all. Without moisture skin cells can’t function properly and tissue won’t be able to repair itself. Anti-aging products also won’t be as effective when skin is dry.

It doesn’t take much for skin to get dehydrated. Once that happens skin is more likely to get infected and wrinkles become more pronounced. That’s why moisturizing is an essential step in daily skin care. But how can you ensure it’s getting enough moisture?

Step 1: Find a Daily Moisturizer

The most important thing you can do for your skin is find a moisturizer that you can use daily. Take the time to look over the list of ingredients and search for things like hyaluronic acid, humectants and emollients that are known to help moisturize the skin. Many moisturizers come in a cream formula, but gel moisturizers are popular because they drench the skin and lock moisture in. 

Some products help boost radiance and nourish the skin while providing a healthy dose of moisture. These types of products are usually ideal because you can get more done with less effort.

Step 2: Wear a Sunscreen That Properly Protects and Hydrates the Skin

When skin is dry and dehydrated, it’s more susceptible to damage from the sun because it can’t heal itself properly or combat free radicals. Everyone should wear sunscreen every day, but it’s even more important if you’re prone to having dry skin.

Look for sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Keep in mind that sunscreen shields skin for only so long. Experts recommend reapplying sunscreen every few hours if you’re outdoors.

Step 3: Use a Cleanser That’s Soap-Free

Soap is great at cleaning, but it also has a tendency to dry out skin by stripping the protective moisture barrier. If your skin is already dry soap will make the situation worse, and it can become irritated easily. That’s why face cleansers without soap are the better option. Most soap-free cleansers are just as effective, gentler and add moisture instead of stripping it from skin.

Step 4: Drink Plenty of Water

When you’re dehydrated your skin is the first place you’ll notice it. Organs need water to function, and the body regulates water use based on how important the function of the organ is. When you’re dehydrated water gets diverted away from the skin to supply the brain and heart with water first and foremost. Making sure to drink the recommended amount of water every day. For women, it’s 9 cups of water a day, and for men it’s 13 cups.

Tips That Will Keep Skin From Drying Out

Part of the process of keeping skin moisturized is keeping it from drying out in the first place. You can protect your skin in many of the same ways you protect your overall health.

Don’t wash your skin too often. Keeping your skin clean is vital for your general health, but a little goes a long way. Washing your skin just once or twice a day is enough, particularly for delicate areas like the face.

Moisturize right after washing. The best time to moisturize is right after washing your skin. It will help lock in the moisture from the water.

Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Both alcohol and cigarettes can dehydrate the body. Doctors also warn that cigarettes are the second worst thing for the skin (the sun being the first) because smoking constricts blood vessels limiting oxygen transfer.

Avoid sun and wind exposure. Mother Nature can suck the moisture right out of your skin. Two of the biggest culprits are sun and wind. During winter when the humidity is low the sun and wind can be even harsher on skin.

Limit time swimming in the pool or ocean. Chlorine and salt water can significantly dry out the skin. Even if you wash off after a swim there will still be a drying effect.

Moisturizing helps your skin protect the rest of your body by ensuring it functions properly. By taking a few daily precautions and avoiding other activities your skin will feel great today and for years to come.