Hydrated skin and healthy skin go hand-in-hand. Let’s talk through everything you need to know about skin hydration, as well as actionable steps you can take to maintain hydration levels for a radiant, healthy complexion. 

What is Skin Hydration?

Hydration refers to the water content of the skin cells. As far as skin health goes, optimal hydration is essential for maintaining a complexion that both looks and feels its best. It plays a vital role in promoting healthy skin functions to keep the complexion supple, smooth, and comfortable. 

In skincare, hydrating topical products are made with ingredients called humectants. These ingredients work by attracting water molecules to the skin cells and locking them in to increase hydration levels. By drawing water in, they promote and maintain well-hydrated skin. 

Hydration is essential for all skin types – from the oiliest complexions to the driest. Everyone can experience dehydration, meaning we all need to make sure we’re getting our daily dose of hydration through skincare. 

Signs of Dehydration

Some of the tell-tale signs of dehydrated skin include tightness, itchiness, and increased sensitivity. Dehydration also negatively impacts the skin’s renewal process, which can lead to irregular texture and dullness. 

Since hydration increases the skin’s suppleness, poor hydration levels can also lead to more prominent fine lines. Many also notice reduced firmness and elasticity when their skin isn’t optimally hydrated. For those with eczema-prone skin, dehydration can also trigger flare-ups. 

While it may seem counterintuitive, dehydration can also lead to excess oil. When the skin doesn’t have enough water, it may try to overcompensate by producing more sebum (your skin’s natural oil). Keeping that in mind, even those with oily skin need to ensure they are hydrating consistently, as doing so can lead to a more balanced complexion. 

How to Maintain Hydrated Skin

Here are our top tips for maintaining healthy hydration levels for a calm, radiant complexion. 

Use Hydrating Topical Products on a Daily Basis 

Treat your skin to a daily dose of hydration by working hydrating topical products (such as serums) into your routine. We recommend seeking out formulas made with high-performance humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Proven to be highly effective at improving hydration levels, these are some of the best ingredients for maintaining optimal water levels in the skin. 

Be Consistent with Your Moisturizing Routine

There are some major differences between hydration (which relates to water) and moisturization (which relates to oil). That said, both processes work together to ensure the skin stays calm, healthy, and radiant. 

Moisturization plays an important role in supporting hydration, as it creates a protective barrier that helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) – a process where water escapes the skin and evaporates into the air. With that in mind, applying a moisturizer twice daily is essential for keeping hydration levels in check. 

Practice Skin-Healthy Lifestyle Habits

In addition to sticking to a hydration-centered skincare routine, there are a few lifestyle habits that can support healthy hydration levels, including:

• Drinking plenty of water and eating water-rich foods
• Avoiding hot showers and baths
• Protecting the skin against harsh weather conditions (including wind, UV rays, and extreme temperatures)

References:

Mojumdar EH, Pham QD, Topgaard D, Sparr E. Skin hydration: interplay between molecular dynamics, structure and water uptake in the stratum corneum. Sci Rep. 2017 Nov 16;7(1):15712. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-15921-5. PMID: 29146971; PMCID: PMC5691061.

Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant'Anna B, Kerob D. Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatol Ther. 2022 Dec;35(12):e15903. doi: 10.1111/dth.15903. Epub 2022 Oct 21. PMID: 36200921; PMCID: PMC10078143.