Hydrating The Face

 

If you do much shopping for facial serums, creams, etc, you’ll know there is a huge push to make sure your skin is properly hydrated.  The advertisements describe in detail what each ingredient is good for and how it helps hydrate your skin.  My mother was of the “use your face cream” at night and you’ll be set for life but now they say that is not enough to keep your skin hydrated all day.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep your skin fully hydrated so you look great.  For instance, always use a mild cleanser both in the morning and evening.  Next, make sure the moisturizer has ingredients like hyaluronic acid or look at a water based moisturizer.  Either work well. The best time to apply a moisturizer is when you skin is still damp and you should extend the application to the bottom of your neck.

If your face needs additional hydration, look at using a serum which often adds moisture.  It is to be applied between cleaning the face and applying the moisturizer.  Then once or twice a week, use a face mask to add a bit more hydration.  In addition, look for something to spritz on your face around lunch time to freshen your look and add hydration.  

Furthermore, long, hot, showers actually can strip moisture from your skin rather than adding it.  It is better to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air while keeping your skin hydrated.  This is especially important in winter or in low moisture conditions. Finally, be willing to switch up moisturizers based on the season.  You might want something with more moisture in the winter but prefer something lighter in summer.

Most people know one needs to moisturize right after cleaning their face, at night and in the morning but there are other times one should use a bit extra moisture.  If you are planning to take a flight that day, be sure to apply moisturizer before you step on the plane and after you arrive because air travel can take the moisture out of your face.

This piece of advice sounds counterintuitive but if you start breaking out, apply extra moisturizer because your skin needs the continued routine.  Furthermore, if you quit applying the moisturizer with the idea that your skin needs less moisture, you are wrong.  

If you plan to skip wearing all your usual makeup use a good layer of moisturizer instead so you end up with beautifully glowing skin.  Even if you are wearing makeup, always use a layer of moisturizer before applying makeup for the best results. 

Finally don’t forget to apply moisturizer to your body after a shower or bath especially at night.  There are certain parts of your body such as ankles, or elbows that tend to get dehydrated easily.  One way to help your hands and feet absorb the moisture is to apply it and cover your hands with cotton gloves and feet with cotton socks to protect them and allow them time to rehydrate. Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.  Have a great day.